SHOWCASES
Over the course of the three days we are proud to present some of the best artists that can be seen currently in The United Kingdom
The Jets
The Cotton Brothers; Bob (Double Bass & Lead Vocals), Ray (Lead Guitar & Vocals) and Tony (Drums & Vocals) are the original line up of The Jets.
Formed in 1978 and still together today make The Jets one of the longest serving original member bands on the Rock ’n Roll scene.
Over the course of their career, The Jets have had nine UK chart hit records.
Multiple hits and have appeared on TV shows all around the world, including The Legendary Top of the Pops.
In total The Jets have released 16 albums. The latest of which “40 Rockin’ Years” was released December 2018.
Having played with such greats as Charlie Gracie, Sleepy La Beef, Hayden Thompson, Billy Lee Riley, Billy Fury, Johnny Farino, Jack Scott, The Original Comets, The Crickets, Carl Perkins and DJ Fontana who actually played the drums with The Jets!
Both Bob and Ray have had the honour of playing in the Original Comets band.
There are not many Rockin’ festivals around the world that The Jets haven’t appeared on: Brazil, Australia, USA, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, Italy, Germany, France, Ireland, Lapland, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Lithuania, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Russia, are just a few of the countries in which The Jets have performed.
The Jets
Ben Thompson
When Ben was just 5 years old, he discovered Mr Elvis Presley. As he grew, so did his love of The King. By the age of 15 Ben had started appearing as his idol, learning his moves, his manner and perfecting the vocals. His talent has taken him all over the world, including Australia, Europe and America to name a few. Ben is a third dan in martial arts, something he acknowledges he would never have done without Elvis, as well as learning to play the guitar and piano.
Ben Thompson
Ben has competed in several competitions, winning 5 titles and is the 2018 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion of Graceland. His other titles includes being the original winner of Europe's Tribute To Elvis in 2013 and the first international winner of Tupelo's Ultimate Elvis Contest. He was also presented with 'the key to the city' of Tupelo from Tupelo's very own Mayor Mr Jason Shelton. This is just one of many accolades that have been given to Ben in recognition for his work.
One of the many highlights of Ben's career is to have performed on stage alongside Elvis' original backing singers 'The Sweet Inspirations' on various occasions. Performing in many countries it's always hard picking a favourite but one that always sticks in Ben's mind is performing in Elvis Week in Memphis TN, celebrating the life of Elvis.
He was also privileged to have starred as Elvis in the 2017 Sequel film Bladerunner 2049, alongside Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling.
Ben now tours the world performing in theatres, arena's and at music festivals as Elvis Presley and demonstrating his ability to be one of the only few ETA's that can successfully portray all era's of The Kings Career.
Becoming officially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises was a great honour and proved that all the hard work, time and dedication Ben has and continues to give his career paid off. His priority is always keeping the memory of Elvis Presley alive in the most authentic and respectful way.
Simon Patrick
As a leading worldwide Elvis Tribute Artist, Simon has been a fan of the King pretty much all his life, in fact since he first discovered music. His passion for Elvis has led him to pay tribute to the King for over twenty years, commanding audiences in numerous countries worldwide including; The USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, India, The Bahamas, The Caribbean and all over Europe to name a few.
Complete with his 10 piece Viva Las Vegas Showband Simon has performed at most theatres around the UK to sell out audiences including a 20,000 strong crowd at Hyde Park in London for the Moonwalk Charity.
Simon has many TV appearances to his name such as The BBC’s Worlds Greatest Elvis and many more.
In one of his career highlights, in 2007 Simon was proud to be crowned Europe’s Best Elvis Tribute Artist.
In 2004 Simon decided he'd had enough of the British weather and relocated to Benidorm, Spain. He was soon noticed by the Spanish club owners and since then he's been headlining at the world famous Rock & Roll House, drawing in capacity crowds almost nightly.
Each year Simon brings a select collection of other artists from Benidorm back to the UK and to Blackpool in-particular where he presents his own Benidorm to Blackpool weekender to sell out audiences right here at The Norbreck Castle Hotel.
He continues to travel the world paying tribute to the greatest entertainer that ever lived, Elvis Presley.
Simon Patrick
Juan Lozano
Juan began his tribute to Elvis Presley in 2005 in response to the great boxing day tsunami of the previous year which desolated many parts of south Asia. Along with a close friend, he formed a large tribute band and took on the role of portraying the king to the best of his ability.
Juan Lozano
Juan began his tribute to Elvis Presley in 2005 in response to the great boxing day tsunami of the previous year which desolated many parts of south Asia. Along with a close friend, he formed a large tribute band and took on the role of portraying the king to the best of his ability.
Having been a lifelong fan of Presley, this was no hardship and the one off charity gig that was planned somehow inexplicably mushroomed into a full blown career, the highlights of which thus far being two appearances on BBC 1 television, the former being a televised contest dubbed 'The World's Greatest Elvis' and the latter being a big new year's eve bash with Irishman Graham Norton.
Juan continues to travel and perform extensively and his greatest joy is forging new friendships in The Crazy World of all things Elvis
The Graceland Band
Supporting all of our Elvis Tribute artist for each of their showcases and our houseband for the finals of The KING of The Castle competition, we proudly present The Graceland Band.
Made up of a multitude of experience, The Graceland Band can be found with Juan Lozano on tour dates throughout the UK...
The Graceland Band
Showcase Introducing
During this spot we are delighted to introduce to you a recently established ETA that you may not have heard of yet, but is already making a name for themselves on the circuit.
Shaun Hamilton
At the tender age of 8 Shaun was introduced to Elvis by his gran and papa. Shaun said that his first memory was hearing 'That's all right mama' and from there on Elvis has been a major part of his life. Shaun considers himself very lucky to be in the industry and paying tribute to his longtime idol.
Shaun Hamilton
Shaun has being paying tribute to Elvis professionally for three years and is one of the UK's fastest growing Elvis tributes and also has a production show in the making called 'Elvis Memories of the King' which he has plans to turn into a touring show in 2023. Shaun got placed in the finals at his first ever competition at the prestigious Harbor Lights 2020 against 30 top listing Elvis tributes. He has showcased at the Scottish Elvis festival and is booked to headline at the 'Return to Memphis' show in Blackpool this November.
Throughout lockdown Shaun founded 'Elvis United LIVE' which became the first and original Elvis live feed page supported by the official Elvis Presley Fan Club Of Great Britain (Est. 1957). The aim of this page was to keep Elvis fans entertained throughout lockdown and soon became an overnight success with over 26K followers. 'Elvis United' saw many famous faces in the Elvis world including; Elvis hairstylist/friend Larry Geller, Elvis former Girlfriend Mindi Miller and even his tour manager Charles Stone to name a few.
Shaun received recognition from Elvis Tribute Artist Hall of Fame in 2020 for keeping Elvis' legacy alive and has been recognised by official bodies and gained recognition building a loyal fan base because of his dedication and respect to the King.