Elvis: The Gospel Collection – 40 Years On Anniversary Concert
Wednesday 16th August 2017 – Melbourne Vic
In a special one night only concert experience, acclaimed singer-songwriter and 2006 Australian Idol winner Damien Leith will pay tribute to the Gospel collection of Elvis Presley. A great admirer of the King of rock n roll, Damien’s homage will mark the 40th anniversary of Elvis’ passing — 16th August 2017 – a day that has shaped music history. Performed at the Arts Centre Playhouse in Melbourne, the show – Elvis: The Gospel Collection – will explore why Elvis Presley is considered such a legendary influence.
Approaching the show with reverence and respect, Damien will perform an intimate selection of the revered artist’s Gospel collection, including songs like How Great Thou Art, You Saw Me Crying in the Chapel, Peace in the Valley, Amazing Grace and Glory Glory Hallelujah. The August 16 show will also feature some very special guests, all who have an affinity with Elvis’ music and have been inspired by his legacy. With his infinite charisma and stunning voice, Damien’s tribute is certain to be a sell-out.
The relationship between Elvis and Gospel music is a territory often less acknowledged than his connection with rock n roll or pop music. It was a genre that he certainly made his own, after all Elvis’ three Grammy Awards were for his soulful gospel renditions. Rather than simply being a fan of Gospel music and tradition, Elvis was heavily influenced by the movement. He often toured with Gospel groups and selected them as backup singers. The genre was also in his blood — his father’s cousin was one of the principal singers at his childhood church.
Damien Leith’s tribute will mark the first time that he will dedicate an entire show to Gospel music. “On an occasion such as this – the anniversary of Elvis’ passing – it feels really fitting to celebrate Elvis’ life through one of his great loves — Gospel music,” he says. “The anniversary of his passing is such a huge occasion for people all around the world; it just felt really fitting to go back to where it all started for Elvis. I’ve always been really drawn to voices that have stood the test of time — Elvis’ voice is just absolutely amazing.”
When it comes to paying homage to the greats, Damien is well-placed. His tour ROY – A Tribute to Roy Orbison has garnered him acclaim throughout Australia for the sensitivity and passion he brings to the show. The tour has included sold-out shows nationally, beautifully complementing Damien’s 2011 studio album Roy – A Tribute to Roy Orbison, which sold multi-platinum and stayed in the ARIA Top 20 chart for 22 weeks.
“Both Roy and Elvis are the two people that have influenced me the most, musically,” says Damien. “They could switch genres really well. Elvis was the king of rock and roll, but on the flip-side he could put out Gospel albums and huge ballads. Roy did a similar thing — he had some really good rock songs, along with some haunting massive ballads. They were both able to transcend a lot of genres and stand through many generations.”
The 2006 Australian Idol winner recently finished a huge national tour commemorating his 10th year in the Australian music industry. The Winner’s Journey tour saw Damien perform the best tracks from his eight studio albums, as well as songs that he holds dear. In his decade in the spotlight Damien has sold platinum albums and picked up numerous awards, including several ARIA awards. He has also hosted and co-hosted multiple television shows and penned two novels.Tickets for Elvis: The Gospel Collection are on sale now. For more information, please visit www.damienleith.com
Wednesday 16th August 2017 | 8pm
The Playhouse, Arts Centre, MELBOURNE VIC
www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
