The name Pellicano translates to pelican and it seems fate may have chosen that name for Max Pellicano, Elvis tribute artist. The pelican is a symbol of resurrection and Max through his tribute show continues to keep Elvis alive. In fact it may have been destiny that out of a world of Elvi he creates one of the most authentic recreations of the legend.
Earlier this week I had the enviable pleasure of being in conference with one of the world’s most lauded Elvises.
Every couple of years Max visits Australia and Tasmania. He says he has got to know the people and has made many friends here. Tasmania he cites as ‘beautiful’ and he has done the touristy thing in his many visits here, he loves the sights from the venues he performs in including the Wrest Point Casino and the Launceston Country Club. A very special bond he has with Tasmania comes by way of Launceston’s Susie and Pat and Max asks me to say’ hi’ to them in this article, Susie and Pat are two of Max’s most devoted fans who follow him all around Australia when he is on tour.
This year’s tour sees Max team up with an orchestra which will give his concerts a ‘more natural embellished feel’.
It seems fate would have it that Max was destined to play Elvis, as a trained actor Max was cast in musicals like ‘Grease’ and ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ which had a character that was based on Elvis. Max sees it all leading to what would be his greatest and continuing challenge. Fate intervened again at a time Max was at the crossroads. His Dad wanted him to have a regular job in business and Max had relented and gone to an interview which he believed had been successful. Returning home on the San Francisco Bridge he was feeling depressed and what was to happen would completely change and chart his future. He heard on the radio that Elvis has passed away. His friends who he performed with were quick to get in touch saying to him they would include more Elvis material in their act. The news about Elvis had come at a time Max was literally and metaphorically crossing bridges and he had crossed the bridge and his future was mapped out for him.
Over the years Max’s theatrical training has developed and become finally honed. Acting the role of Elvis has become more natural and relaxed with the nuances unconsciously evoked as they were in Elvis himself. The nuances including the famous quivering lip are not exaggerated but natural as they were in Elvis himself.
Max feels blessed to have the career he does and is thankful for the opportunities it has given him to travel and bring Elvis to fans throughout the world. Max loves to meet other Elvis fans and you can usually catch him after a concert for a meet and greet unless an early morning flight beckons.
You can see Max Pellicano perform as Elvis at Princess Theatre, Launceston on Fri 30th August and Wrest Point Casino, Hobart on Sat 31st August.
Paula Xiberras
