A LIFELONG Elvis Presley enthusiast, who runs a fan club in Wharfedale, is hoping the latest biopic on the King of Rock n' Roll proves to be a hit.
'Elvis', directed by Oscar-nominated film-maker Baz Luhrmann and starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks, was released in cinemas up and down the country last Friday.
Yeadon man Darren Cavanagh has been a devoted supporter of the music legend since the age of five.
Since then, he has been obtaining memorabilia from around the world to fuel his passion, with an estimated 4000 pieces in his collection.
Darren has also travelled to the place Elvis called home, Graceland, on three occasions, and met most of his former band members.
"I am a mad Elvis fan of 42 years," Darren said.
"My mum rented Elvis On Tour on video when I was five. I heard him singing Proud Mary and I was just hooked.
"I try to keep the flame burning wherever I go. I would have done anything to see him live.
"Wherever I am people know I’m a total nut over Elvis Presley. Even Lisa Marie Presley has acknowledged several of my online suggestions."
Darren set up the fan club in 2009 and it now has 250 Elvis-obsessed members who enjoy video discos paying tribute to the man himself.
"It is a small but loyal fan club, who love the king and can't get enough of him," Darren added.
"We are going to restart again in August (they stopped due to Covid) and have a big video tribute night where we are going to be watching unseen footage.
"I have recently released some DVDs on the fan club market called Elvis Sold Out. We are currently on volume 15 and it has changed the Elvis world."
Asked what his favourite Elvis song was, Darren said: "Mystery Train, Tiger Man, We Can Make the Morning, Burning Love, I Just Can't Help Believin', there are hundreds."
The new film tells the story of Presley’s life through the lens of his complicated relationship with enigmatic manager Colonel Tom Parker, played by Hanks.
"I think the attention to detail is absolutely awesome," Darren said.
"From the Hilton showroom stage to the 1950s clothing, it looks so much better than the 1979 Kurt Russell movie.
"I think Bazza has really nailed it and Austin will get an Oscar.
"Here’s hoping the movie produces a new generation of Elvis fans."
If you are interested in joining Darren's Elvis fan club, email him on kingpresley6@hotmail.com
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