Elvis Presley would have turned 90 on Wednesday. And then there is really only one place where you can be to commemorate this special day: at Graceland in Memphis, where The King of Rock and Roll lived. Michel van Erp from Veldhoven is a big fan and traveled to the United States for a special birthday party.
The love for the singer arose in Michel’s childhood. He was 11 years old when Elvis died unexpectedly on August 16, 1977.
Michel is in the company of twenty Dutch people who traveled with him. Last week the group visited all kinds of places that were important to Elvis, including stages where the singer performed.
Birthday cake
Graceland is very busy on Wednesday. Hordes fans thronged the gates of the estate, where the special day of remembrance has just begun. “The birthday cake will be cut shortly,” says Michel. “Then the ceremony begins.”
For the Veldhoven resident, it is certainly not the first time that he has visited Graceland, the place that has become a place of pilgrimage since the death of the King. “This is my twenty-fifth time,” he says, smiling. “It remains unique and also surreal to be here, where he was at home and where he is buried. And it is very special to see that so many people are still involved,” he says.
‘Last greeting at his grave’
His trips to Memphis feel like coming home. “I look forward to paying him my last respects at his grave,” said Michel.