Finding The Real Elvis Presley In Las Vegas

Elvis Presley was such a musical icon, that we still talk about him almost fifty years later. There are impersonators still making bank on the Strip and tons of movies that have become household staples.

So many people mourned his death. But not me, because here's the thing. I don't think he died. I don't think the King really “took a dump” that fateful day in 1977.

It's entirely possible, in my not-so-humble opinion, that Elvis is alive, well and having cocktails with Tupac Shakur. I mean, think about it: There are Elvis sightings all over the world, according to, Graceland.com. "Elvis" has been spotted at Raising Canes, Disneyland and even hiking in the Grand Canyon. Although, hiking? I don't believe that one.

Related: The Fascinating Reason Las Vegas Is Called The Atomic City

Bottom line is Elvis Presley is still alive in some way, shape or form. To prove my point, I decided to find him, here in beautiful Sin City. Besides, since it was a Saturday, I'm not working. I'm flat broke and bored, so why not go on an adventure?

My First stop was 7-Eleven. No, not to find Elvis, but to get a beer then it was off to the Golden Steer. According to Circawanderlust.com, Elvis Presley was a mainstay at one of the most famous steakhouses in Vegas. And besides, if he was here, I could give him a ride back to his pad at Castlesands Way. He’ll need a ride since he’s auctioned off his Caddys and currently has his ‘76 up for sale.

Besides, I just can't imagine Elvis getting an Uber. Dude probably has no idea how to work a smart phone (He is OLD AF ya know). Plus, he’d blow his cover. He can’t risk that.  

Walking into Golden Steer, I was immediately transported to the Golden Age of Vegas, cigar smoke, the smell of old fashions and polyester suits. I asked the Maitre'd if he’s seen “You know who.” He looked blankly at me and pointed to the back of the bar. And that is when I heard the voice.

Being the stealthy and very thirsty detective that I am, I made my way to the bar. Luckily for me that's where the singing was coming from. And lucky for me because after seeing this Elvis, I needed a stiff one.

First, there's no way Elvis Presley is that skinny unless he went on the Jenny Crack diet. Besides, he was wearing the white jumper suit, which is not skinny Elvis's attire. That's fat Elvis's wear. Does he think he's fooling people? Oh, wait, that's Andy Kauffman!!! Dammit! 

Disgusted, I left the Golden Steer, (only after having a cocktail and Golden Steers' incredibly delicious Caesars salad. I’m disgusted, not stupid).  

Next, I decided to go over to the Huntridge Theater. I thought maybe Elvis Presley would want to remember the old days when he used to hang out there partying like a rock star. I was completely disappointed to see the Huntridge was closed. This historical venue was filled with so many memories. But, just like the King, this theater had taken a major poo poo. They say it's being renovated, but alas no Elvis. 

After some serious thought and a few more cocktails, I decided there's only one place Elvis Presley would be. It's where he made his comeback in 1969, and the place he dumped Priscilla -- the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino

Even though the place looks like every other casino -- with little old ladies glued to the slot machines and losing their social security checks faster than you can say "Medicare," this place is different. This was Elvis' home. I asked a cocktail waitress, after ordering another drink, if she'd seen the "man of the polyester white suit." She just looked at me oddly and asked, "John Travolta?" 

"No, Elvis." 

"Oh," she said with a vacant look. "He's outside." 

With renewed hope and a slight buzz, I ran as fast as I could. Why? Because the one thing I've noticed about Elvis Presley is that for a dude that eats banana and peanut butter sandwiches -- like Jelly Roll attacking a Snickers bar -- he sure is quick.  

As I ran, ok, walked very fast, I thought of all the questions I had for Elvis: "Hey, dude, nice hair, but what's with the suit?" and, "Hey, Big E, did you really die while pinching a loaf?"  

I didn't see Elvis as I bolted into the Vegas winter (yes it gets cold here), so I called out "Elvis, Oh Elvis, where are you?"

And it was at that moment I saw him, the man, the myth ... the statue?! A statue?! And not only that, but this Elvis is a dead ringer for Peter Brady! Why would anyone want to honor Peter Brady? I mean if you're going to immortalize a Brady with a statue, shouldn't it be Greg? He's the one who hooked up with his TV mom and his TV sister (legend)!  

Completely bummed out, I walked over to the 7-Eleven on the corner to get some more beer. Not only did I not find Elvis, but my buzz was wearing off as well. As I slapped the beer on the counter, I noticed the clerk had a name tag that read "Elvis." My heart skipped a beat. Could it be? Did I finally find Elvis Presley in Las Vegas? 

"Hey," I said. "Are you Elvis Presley?” 

"No," he replied, "Elvis Costello." 

"Ohhhh you sang..." I said snapping my fingers trying to remember some old '80s pop songs  

“What's so funny about Peace Love and Understanding?” 

“No, Um. Oh!!! “I said with a lightbulb above my head “I got it! I got it! "Take On Me"!!!!”  

He just looked at me and then turned away in disgust.

I left the 7-Eleven and Grabbed an Uber. Maybe the King really is dead, I thought. But, as we drove to my place, and the driver pulled up to my house, I noticed something. He had beautiful sideburns, a fresh turned-up collar, and kicking' blue-suede shoes. 

“Those are some sweet kicks, sir," I said.

"Thank you, thank you very much."

The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominations were announced on Feb. 10. Once the 15 nominees were announced, the Rock Hall Fan Vote officially opened.

The 15 nominees are:

-Mary J. Blige
-Mariah Carey
-Cher
-Dave Matthews Band
-Eric B. & Rakim
-Foreigner
-Peter Frampton
-Jane's Addiction
-Kool & the Gang
-Lenny Kravitz
-Oasis
-Sinéad O'Connor
-Ozzy Osbourne
-Sade
-A Tribe Called Quest

Fans can cast their vote once a day at Vote.RockHall.com for who they think should be part of the 2024 Rock Hall induction class. This year, voting was initially announced to last through April 26. However, it abruptly ended on April 15. Even the Instagram post below from the Rock Hall states voting ends on April 26.

However, Future Rock Legends noted on X (formerly Twitter) on March 26, "The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame quietly pushed up the Fan Vote closing date to April 15th. It had previously been set to close on April 26th."

Unlike in previous years, fans got to vote for up to seven nominees every day. Previously, the choices were capped at five nominees.

The Fan Vote was first launched in 2013. Per the Rock Hall, "There have been over four million fan votes cast over the past 10 years, with 64% of the Fan Vote ballot (35 of 55) earning induction in the same year; and 86% (38 of 44 unique nominations) eventually earning induction. In 2022, the entire Top 5 earned induction – the only time that has happened."

Once voting closes, the top seven artists in the Fan Vote will create what is called a "Fans' Ballot." It will be counted among the other ballots that various artists, historians, and music industry professionals fill out and submit.

To see the final standings in the Rock Hall fan vote, keep scrolling. (NOTE: Vote tallies are as of vote closing on April 15, 2024.)

The Rock Hall noted that ten of the 15 nominees are on the ballot for the first time. Those artists are Mariah Carey, Cher, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & the Gang, Lenny Kravitz, Oasis, Sinéad O’Connor, Ozzy Osbourne and Sade.

The 2024 inductees will be announced in late April. This year's induction ceremony will take place in Cleveland. The exact date of the ceremony is currently unknown, but it will take place in the fall. As with last year, the 2024 ceremony will live stream on Disney+. An edited special will air on ABC at a later date, which will be available on Hulu the next day.

In a statement on the 2024 nominees, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation Chairman John Sykes said, "This remarkable list of Nominees reflects the diverse artists and music that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors and celebrates. Continuing in the true spirit of Rock & Roll, these artists have created their own sounds that have impacted generations and influenced countless others that have followed in their footsteps."

Kool & the Gang have been eligible for induction since 1995. However, they only received their first Rock Hall nomination in 2024. It's pretty shocking, considering just how many hits are in their catalog. Those hits include "Celebration," "Ladies' Night," "Get Down on It," "Jungle Boogie" and "Hollywood Swinging."

Lenny Kravitz has been eligible for induction since 2014. This is his first nomination. Since debuting in 1989, he's consistently offered up his unique brand of rock to the masses. Some of his biggest hits include "It Ain' Over 'til It's Over," "Again," "Fly Away" and "Are You Gonna Go My Way."

Cher has been eligible for the Rock Hall for over three decades, but 2024 marks her first nomination. Despite her current standing in the Fan Vote, Cher recently bashed the Rock Hall in a December 2023 appearance on [inlink id="cher-nikki-sixx-rock-hall-comments" text="The Kelly Clarkson Show"]. Cher said, "I wouldn't be in it now if they gave me a million dollars ... They can just go you-know-what-themselves."

Currently, The Prince of Darkness is atop the Fan Vote rankings, and it's not a terribly big surprise. He's been one of the most iconic figures in hard rock and metal for over 50 years. This is Osbourne's first Rock Hall nomination as a solo artist, despite being eligible since 2005. Over course, Ozzy has a history of delayed acknowledgment from the Rock Hall. He was inducted as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006, despite being eligible since 1995.

Foreigner has been one of the Rock Hall's most notable snubs over the years. The band has been eligible since 2003, and this is their first nomination. Guitarist/founding member Mick Jones said in response to the nomination, "I deeply appreciate the recognition from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame committee ... Getting this news today is an incredible endorsement of what we have achieved over time."

Similar to Dave Matthews Band, expect Foreigner's fans to really rally and put their support behind these classic rock giants.

Like Foreigner, Peter Frampton has long been overlooked by the Rock Hall. Despite being eligible since 1997(!), 2024 marks Frampton's first Rock Hall nomination. The guitarist candidly told Billboard he was in the bathroom when he learned of his nomination and let out a scream. Frampton said his band leader Rob Arthur came running once he heard him scream.

"He thought something was wrong," said Frampton. "So, anyway, it was a very good day."

This year marks the second Rock Hall nomination for Dave Matthews Band. They were previously nominated in 2020. That year, the band [inlink id="rock-hall-fan-vote-final-totals" text="won the Fan Vote"], but they failed to be inducted. After the 2024 nomination was announced, DMB didn't waste any time to plug the Fan Vote on social media. Considering their enthusiastic fanbase, don't be surprised if Dave Matthews Band rises in the Fan Vote ranks.

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