Long Live the King - Elvis may have left the building

This was my Mom’s ticket to see Elvis almost a year to the day before he died. It was at the Roanoke Civic Center in Virginia, the same place I saw countless band when I was in High School and College and where I actually got to play a few times. She gave it to me for Christmas last year as a surprise and its one of my most prized possessions. She had carried it in her wallet since the show and when she would get a new wallet she’d simply move her Elvis ticket over with everything else. When I was young and bored she’d let me hold it and tell me about the show. Three days after Elvis died, 34 years ago, my brother was born. So every year as I commemorate the death of one of my true heroes I’m also reminded that my brother’s birthday is in a few days. My brother is a presence like no one else I’ve known. When I’d throw parties in college many of my friends would ask, “Is your brother coming?” It was like guaranteeinga good time would be had by all. The King is gone, but I still have my bother who I love no matter what.

Happy (early) Birthday Douglas, Long Live the King