Thousands of Elvis Presley fans travelled from all over the world to the singer's home in Memphis to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the hip-swinging star's death yesterday (16 Aug).
The annual candle light vigil at Elvis's former residence regularly draws in the King's more dedicated followers, but the special significance of this year has massively increased numbers, with some even queuing to ensure that they were at the front of the walk that passes the singer's grave in the grounds of Graceland. According to Reuters, the vigil began on Wednesday night and carried on well into yesterday morning, with fans holding signs saying: "I will always love Elvis" and "Elvis = World peace".
Elvis famously died in 1977, of course, from heart failure after a long battle with weight problems and an addiction to prescription drugs, leaving behind a vast fan base the world over. Indeed, some fans had been attending the vigil every year since he passed away, with the Elvis estate raking-in millions from these dedicated (demented?) Elvis lovers through merchandising. And it is this aspect of the vigil that has had many cynical observers in uproar, with some attendees paying upwards of $68 each to tour Presley's house, something that seems a tad pricey for a glorified memorial service.