Keeping music of ‘The King’ alive

Mike Adams has built a reputation across the Shoals for bringing audiences face to face with “The King.” But don’t call him an Elvis impersonator.

“There’s a difference between an Elvis impersonator and an Elvis tribute artist,” he said. “An Elvis impersonator makes fun of Elvis. A tribute artist does a tribute to the person and the show.”

For Adams, that distinction is the foundation of a lifelong passion that began before he was old enough to fully grasp Elvis Presley’s cultural impact.

“I’ve done this since I was five years old,” he said. “The first time was at a family reunion. Then eventually, I did a big show for about 2,000 people. Scared me to death.”

That early performance in the late 1970s marked the beginning of what would become more than four decades on stage. Raised in a household where Elvis was a constant presence, Adams grew up immersed in the music and mythology of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

“My parents were big Elvis fans,” he said. “My dad actually met Elvis in the 1950s when he came to Sheffield. So, I was brought up on that music.”

Adams’ own connection to Elvis runs just as deep.

“You know, when you’re little, you have your role models,” he said. “Mine were Elvis, Evil Knievel and Superman. And probably in that order.”

What began as childhood admiration eventually evolved into a carefully crafted act. Today, Adams focuses specifically on Elvis’ 1970s era — the Las Vegas years defined by elaborate jumpsuits, powerful vocals and a full-stage production.

CONTRIBUTED/MIKE ADAMS
Mike Adams in one of his performances as Elvis.

The first step in embodying the musical icon, Adams adds, is putting together the look. He argues that his jumpsuits aren’t merely costumes.

“My jumpsuits are made by a company in Indiana that has the pattern to make them exactly like Elvis’ jumpsuits were. Same kind of material,” he said, adding that his commitment to accuracy goes far beyond wardrobe.

“This is an exact replica of one of the guitars that Elvis had in the ‘70s,” he said, taking out one of the instruments that often accompanies him on stage. “This was the karate patch he had back in the same era. So, we try to make sure it’s as authentic as we can possibly make it.”

Still, Adams works to recreate not just the appearance, but the full experience of an Elvis concert. The scale of his show reflects that same attention to detail. Rather than a strippeddown tribute, Adams brings a full ensemble to the stage, complete with backup singers, a horn section and a five-piece band.

That dedication is central to Adams’ philosophy as a performer.

“When you’re performing, everybody kind of forgets where they are and what year it is,” he said. “They get transported back to that time, and they forget their problems, they forget their troubles. That’s what I try to bring them when I’m on stage.”

That sense of nostalgia will be at the heart of his upcoming show, EPIC in The Coliseum, coming to Florence on June 20.

Inspired by the Baz Luhrmann concert film, the production is structured in two distinct sets, each highlighting a different moment in Elvis’ 1970s career. The result is an evening designed to capture the evolution of Elvis’ live performances during one of his most iconic periods.

Even after 44 years on stage, Adams admits the nerves haven’t gone away.

“You know, even Elvis said this. He said he never got over stage fright,” Adams said. “I have it every show. Right before it starts, I just have this feeling, ‘OK, here we go.’ Especially when the crowd is loud and ready to go.”

All that meticulous preparation helps combat those nerves.

Months before each performance, he studies setlists, listens to recordings and visualizes every movement on stage.

“It’s not just throwing on a suit and singing ‘Hound Dog,’” he said. “There’s a lot of work that goes into it.”

Driven by a deep respect for both the artist and the audience, Adams sees these shows as more than a hobby. For him, it’s an opportunity to introduce Elvis to a new generation, and those introductions are what keep him going. Even after four decades on stage.

“You’ve got younger kids just starting to discover who Elvis is,” Adams said.

“It’s always there. Really his music, and even Elvis himself, never dies. His music is still reaching people.”