From its humble beginnings at The Star Community Bar in 1996 to its twice-yearly “residency” at Variety Playhouse from 2005-2014, Big Mike Geier’s Elvis Royale was more than a tribute to the King of Rock ‘n Roll. It was a kitschy Atlanta tradition that blossomed into a Vegas-style spectacular. Backed by his powerful 12-piece band aptly named Kingsized and flanked by high-kicking bedazzled Dames Aflame showgirls, Big Mike Geier never dressed in Elvis costumes or tried to impersonate. Geier’s Elvis Royale was always a celebration of Elvis’ vast musical catalogue and showmanship, with an appreciation for some of the quirky southern culture that the idiosyncratic legend left in his wake.
Geier had to retire the Elvis Royale after 2014 when he decided to run away and join the circus that is Puddles Pity Party. The clown has kept him busy on the road and in the studio for the past decade. But with this January marking The King’s 90th birthday, Geier asked Puddles for a week off to rev up the Elvis Royale engines for one more glorious rumble.
Because there is so much Elvis material that Kingsized has covered over the nearly 20-year span, it’s impossible to fit all of it into one show. So, Geier is doing two nights for this special 90th Birthday Bash. Each night will feature some of the same big hitters, but the set lists will vary somewhat. For example, one night will feature a rockabilly section to highlight Elvis’ early years and the other night will delve into some notable soundtracks from Elvis’ colorful movie career.
As with all of the Elvis Royale shows in the past, the band will pepper the sets with some surprising mashups (a favorite being “Little Less Conversation” mashed with Joe South’s “Hush”) and end the set with the Elvis Royale tradition of W.W.E.D. – What would Elvis do had he continued to record and perform into the 80’s, 90’s and today? There will even be some surprise musical guests to join in the fun each night.
Fans are encouraged to show up in their most creative Elvis (or Priscilla) outfits for the Cavalcade of Elvis that takes place on stage during intermission. Some say that Elvis never actually shuffled off this mortal coil. They suspect he staged his own death to retire from the spotlight back in 1977. If that’s true, if he is still among the living, then maybe the King himself will show up and join the cavalcade for his monumental birthday!
“Vegas-worthy” – Atlanta Journal Constitution
“Mike Geier and his Kingsized Orchestra, along with the Dames Aflame…put on a show that kept the audience laughing and dancing at every minute…the troupe exuded energy and excitement for three straight hours…the circus-like stage atmosphere, with dancers entering and exiting at every song, culminated in a grand finale of all performers in the best and brightest outfits of the evening.” – Paste Magazine
“Seriously, is there a better musical entertainer in this city than Geier? I jotted that question in my notes under the influence of strong Mai Tais. Even today, under sobriety’s bright light, I still think there isn’t.” – Andisheh Nouraee, Creative Loafing
“ Geier had the crowd in the palm of his beefy hand…His rich baritone wrapped the tunes with a surprisingly earnest admiration, quite refreshing considering the kitschy icon that Elvis has become… Stripped of the garish accessories, the Elvis hits presented by Kingsized managed to show just how lasting the Mama-lovin’ Southern boy’s legacy really is. Letting the music speak for the legacy of Elvis was a most welcome and satisfying bow to the King.” – Lee Smith, Creative Loafing
“Although they take their name largely from front man Mike Geier’s towering height, Kingsized is also a handy description of this very big, horn-driven band’s expansive line-up and enduring audience appeal. Geier’s skill as a vocalist/bandleader and his impeccable choice of repertoire (everything from Elvis to Oscar Brown Jr.) make Kingsized’s sound as much a treat for your ears as for your dancin’ feet.”
-Critic’s Choice, Best of Atlanta Creative Loafing