A MUSICAL marking 50 years since Elvis Presley's legendary comeback special was televised will be staged in Liverpool next week.

This is Elvis – Burbank and Vegas is at the city's Empire Theatre from Monday until Saturday, April 28 as part of a world tour.

It celebrates 83 years since the man who would become known as the 'king' of rock and roll was born and charts his journey back to stardom and return to success as a stage performer.

In 1968, the '68 Comeback Special' was the broadcast. The rest is history ... 

Wirral Globe:

Steve Michaels as Elvis

A year later Elvis stars at the International Hotel in Vegas, performing live for the first time in seven years and secures his place in history as the King of Rock'n'Roll!

Playing the legend on stage at the Liverpool Empire is Canadian actor, singer and lifelong admirer Steve Michaels.

His incredible likeness to Elvis - from his outstanding voice, hair, side burns, piercing eyes and mannerisms has earned him extraordinary global success.

Wirral Globe:

Steve Michaels as Elvis

Steve has played alongside some of Elvis' iconic band mates including legendary drummer DJ Fontana and bassist Jerry Scheff.

Speaking to the Globe during a short break from the tour in Malaga, Spain, he said today: "The show's tour began on January 8, which would have been Elvis' 83rd birthday and ends on August 16, the 41st anniversary of his death, so it pretty much covers his life.

"Elvis has always had a huge influence on my life; in fact it was my mother who introduced me to his music, so I was guilty by association, you could say."

Wirral Globe:

Steve Michaels and fellow castmembers

Steve 's exquisite styling and ability to successfully capture an authentic portrayal of Elvis Presley has endeared him to audiences everywhere across Canada, United States, India, Thailand, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Philippines and Australia.

The show features a wealth of Elvis hits including Trouble, Heartbreak Hotel, Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, Love Me Tender, All Shook Up, Jailhouse Rock and many more

On the audience reaction, he said: "As an actor and singer, the reviews that we have garnered over the years have been really flattering.

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"When I first started doing the Elvis shows I pretty much wanted to do it properly.

"I could have taken the easy way and sung with a lot of backing tracks, but favoured working with a band.

"I also approached the show as an actor would getting into character.

"The age of the audience is very wide, it's a family-rated show.

Wirral Globe:

Steve Michaels and fellow castmembers

"What I've noticed over the years is that the Elvis Presley estate has done a great job of opening up his work to a wider audience.

"For example, the Disney film Lilo & Stitch has a character who loves Elvis, sings his songs.

"So, kids are seeing these films and being introduced to songs such as Hound dog."

On his appearance at the Liverpool Empire, Steve continued: "This is my first time in Liverpool and I'm looking forward to it.

"I am a Beatles and massive rock and roll fan and can't wait to soak up the city's Beatles atmosphere.

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"John Lennon said once that as far as rock and roll was concerned before Elvis there was nothing.

"This is absolutely true, he broke the mould and shook the world."

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The show is at Liverpool Empire Theatre from Monday April 23 until Saturday, April 28.

Performances are at 7.30pm, with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesday and Saturday.

Tickets are from the box office on 0844 871 3017 or atgtickets.com /Liverpool