Elvis exhibition leaves Memphis for London

We have five pairs of tickets to Elvis at The O2: The Exhibition of His Life, the largest retrospective of the boy from Tupelo, Mississippi, ever mounted in Europe, to give away.

The London exhibition, which runs until August, showcases more than 300 artefacts direct from the Presley family’s treasured Graceland archives, some of which have never been exhibited outside of the former Presley family home in Memphis.

It chronicles the rise of the rock ‘n’ roll icon and how Elvis impacted popular culture around the world through his music, movies and personal style.

From his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise to fame, the exhibition explores the Elvis mania that first swept America and then the world.

It covers the ground-breaking recording sessions, record-breaking concert tours, his military service, Hollywood film career and influence on fashion.

Visitors get an intimate peek behind the gates of Graceland, albeit through glass cabinets.

Graceland’s director of archives, Angie Marchese, recently brought over the iconic black leather suit worn by Presley during his 1968 comeback special.

It replaces the American Eagle jumpsuit that he wore on the Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii special which will be returning to Graceland with her as exhibits are rotated and returned to Gracelands.

The outfit was worn on the TV special titled ELVIS but known as the 1968 Comeback Special, as it featured his first live stage performances in over seven years.

Its success led to Elvis’ return to the music charts with Suspicious Minds and The Wonder of You, record-breaking shows in Las Vegas and sell-out tours.

Angie revealed the suit had its own seat on the plane.

She said: “This is not a collection amassed from auctions; they are personal items from Graceland, where Elvis lived most of his life.

“The exhibition tells the story of a music revolution that began when Elvis first stepped into a recording studio in 1954 and the lasting impact of his incredible legacy.

“Elvis Presley is the greatest of all music icons and these artefacts are the symbols of the man and the music that changed popular culture forever.

“As John Lennon said, ‘Before Elvis, there was nothing’.”

Among the artefacts are automobiles, personal items, historical documents, iconic stage costumes, guitars, gold and platinum records, and photography, in addition to audio and video presentations.

Specific items leaving Memphis for the first of its kind London exhibition include: TCB (Taking Care of Business) ring, 16 total karats with a centre solitaire of 11.5 karats Red 1960 MG Roadster from the film Blue Hawaii Elvis’ wallet containing photos of a young Lisa Marie Presley Some of Lisa Marie’s baby clothes Elvis’ keys to Graceland Some artefacts will only be on display for a limited period of time during the run Angie adds: “These artefacts represent the most intimate picture ever seen in public of Elvis’ journey from teen idol to movie star to rock icon.

“They are at the core of his work and his life and are the symbols of a social phenomenon that is recognised across the generations like no other.

“For people who can’t get to Graceland, Graceland is coming to them.”

To win one of five sets of tickets (worth £40 a pair) to the exhibition, simply answer this question: Where was Elvis born?

Send your answer to Elvis competition, Features, Oxford Mail, Osney Mead, Oxford OX2 0EJ with your name, address and daytime telephone number to arrive by Monday March 2, 2015.

Or email jaine.blackman@nqo.com with Elvis Competition in the header and the answer and details by the same date. Normal Newsquest rules apply.

To book, visit elvisattheo2.com or call 0844 856 0202

Elvis at The O2: The Exhibition of His Life
* O2, North Greenwich, London. North Greenwich tube station is on the Jubilee Line. 
* Tickets: Off-peak child £9 over five; £12 concessions; and £18 for adults. Peak-rate £10 for children; £15 concessions and £20 for adults. 
* More details and booking at elvisatthe02.com