Introduction
by Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine
Marquis outside the Capitol Theatre, Port Hope, ON. Photo Credit: C.M.
In 2015, I saw my very first ETA, Steve Michaels, perform at the Avalon Theatre in Niagara Falls, Ontario. I was so blown away by Steve’s performance in Return to Grace that I went back to see him a second time the same week. In 2017, I saw Steve once again in a return engagement at the Avalon Theatre, and twice again in 2019. From September 13th, 2015, to the launch of SIDEBURNS Magazine on September 10th, 2017, I attended sixteen of Steve’s other shows. Steve consistently delivered stellar performances at each show topping the list with a mega production of “Aloha from Hawaii” at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga. Captivating audiences in North America, Australia, Asia, and the United Kingdom with his tribute that spans three decades of Elvis’s career, Steve Michaels has gained a legion of loyal fans worldwide.
ETA Steve Michaels. Photo Credit: Elaine Wren.
Today I have the pleasure of wishing Steve a very happy birthday from everyone at SIDEBURNS Magazine and thanking him for a splendid interview. I wish also to thank Steve’s manager/agent Mark Erwin for his part in setting up the interview. Mark has written a series of ETA related articles he calls “Confessions from my Desk” that will be posted on SB Mag in the weeks to come. Thank you also to Elaine Wren for many of the photos used in the interview. I now present my interview with ETA extraordinaire, Steve Michaels. Happy birthday, Steve!
The Interview
Q. What has surprised you the most about being an ETA?
A. That I have been able to do what I love for the past 25 years, and Elvis fans from around the world enjoy what I do. Keeps me inspired to continue to grow and break new ground!
Q. How do international fans differ from those in North America?
A. During my time in the UK touring with the musical This Is Elvis, I was able to meet a lot of people across the UK who welcomed me with open arms. Elvis fans are Elvis fans—we share one common thing and that’s the man himself! Whether I’m in the Australia, China/Hong Kong, the United States or India I feel if the fans approve of what you do, and enjoy the portrayal of the man who we all love, they will embrace you.
ETA Steve Michaels performing at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope, ON. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.
Q. Is there a city or country where you hope to perform someday?
A. Germany, Dubai, and Hawaii.
Q. Is there a country or city or venue where you would definitely like to perform again?
A. It’s hard to choose. I’m thinking Australia and the UK.
Q. Do you plan on staging another mega concert in Ontario, such as the one at Hershey Centre held in June 24th, 2017?
A. I would love to. In fact, that was our goal in 2020. Dream big!
Q. In what ways were your experiences at the Aloha from Hawaii concert everything you imagined in your childhood dreams?
A. I have loved Elvis’s Aloha from Hawaii, for as far back as I could remember. He looked, and sounded awesome, and the music was incredible. It was indeed a childhood dream come true. There was a buzz that night and an energy I’ll never forget.
Photo Credit: Elaine Wren.
Q. What did you learn from staging such a massive production?
A. You need a team to pull something like that together. And we had it! It was the perfect combination of my management team, musicians, company manager, stage crew, and sound, video, and lighting.
Q. Are there DVDs of your Aloha concert available for purchase?
A. That would be awesome if we could pull all the material together and put one together. The footage I did see looked and sounded amazing! I don’t normally enjoy watching myself performing, but that night I must have done something right!
ETA Steve Michaels at the CNE Bandshell. Photo Credit: C.M.
Q. You have performed more than once at the CNE on different stages. Please comment on your experiences at the CNE shows.
A. I’ve been extremely privileged to have performed at the CNE on several stages. The first stage I performed on was right beside the food pavilion, we then moved to the Midway Stage, and finally made the jump to the headlining Bandshell stage with performances of “If I Can Dream” and “Aloha”.
Q. Describe how it felt knowing your image was on every promotional screen at Fallsview Casino as well as in elevators, restaurants, and on banners at the entrance to the casino.
A. Breath taking! In 2010 my career really started to evolve into what it has become today. I mean, come on! I was headlining at the Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls—Ontario’s Las Vegas!—in a show that was essentially created around everything I loved about Elvis. Return To Grace represents the first steps I took on an A-List stage, and I can’t believe it’s celebrating its tenth year in production.
Photo Credit: Return to Grace.
Q. Will the change of ownership at Fallsview Casino affect your shows, or will you perform there in 2021 in keeping with your every second year performance of Return to Grace?
A. I’m not sure? It’s a very good question. I don’t believe the change will affect a return engagement. In fairness, it’s not my place to say. But if the opportunity does present itself, I would love to be there for the ride.
Q. What are the benefits of performing in a large venue such as Fallsview Casino’s Avalon Theatre?
Avalon Theatre at the Fallsview Casino, September 9th, 2019. Photo Credit: C.M.
A. The Fallsview Avalon Theatre is a gorgeous sounding room with a stage and technical crew to match. It sits approximately 1500 people, and we have performed to sold out crowds every time the show runs; I can’t recall it ever being under capacity. It allowed me to grow as a performer, and taught me how to perform to a large crowd making sure to include everyone. I then took all of the fundamental elements I learned and have continued to grow with every performance I do. The Mirvish Theatre, the Princess of Wales Theatre, all the beautiful theatres across the UK, the O2 Arena in London, England, and the theatres I’ve called home for many years here in Ontario, they all bring new experiences.
Q. Prior to Fallsview, had you performed in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in other venues? From your perspective, how did the venues differ?
A. Yes, I have. I have a funny antidote that sums it all up, “It’s the same, but different.”
Photo Credit: Return to Grace.
Q. What are the challenges in performing in a long term production compared to doing a one night show?
A. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. There is an ease and familiarity when you perform a show on a constant or nightly basis. The show itself never changes, the script you recite is exactly the same, all the performers, actors, and musicians know exactly what is coming next and there is no hesitation as to what direction of the show.
Steve Michaels and Andrew Martin on Andrew’s wedding day. Photo Credit: Andrew Martin.
Q. Is it difficult keeping a semblance of the guy from who grew up in small town Milton? Has fame changed you in any way?
A. Absolutely not. I’m still the same kid from Milton, just with a few more lines on my face! Ha!
Q. There are videos of you on YouTube under both ETA Stephen Kabakos and ETA Steve Michaels. When and why did you decide on a name change?
A. I’m sure there are. I decided to use my middle name MICHAEL when it occurred to me that my last name seemed to cause an air of uncertainty for radio, and television personalities to actually say it correctly. I decided to make it easier on them by using my middle name. So I guess you can say I never really changed my name as it’s always been Stephen Michael Kabakos. I just borrowed the “s” and moved it over to Michael.
Promo photo for American Trilogy starring Vic Trevino Jr., Steve Michaels, and Gino Monopoli.
Q. On the Australian tour, you shared the stage with two other ETAs. Can you describe the experience from your perspective?
A. Well, it cut the work load down by a third! LOL. It was the first time in many years that I had performed in a show with multiple performers. The last was actually an Australian Tour in 2009. The main difference between the two tours was the production itself. American Trilogy was a slick, well thought out production that had a defined direction and wasn’t necessarily a mash up of Elvis songs. Each selection was delegated by the musical director and I enjoyed the continuity and flow of the performances. Each performer, including the producer, musicians, vocalists and technical crew, did a great job and together made the run of shows a success.
This is Elvis at the Sunderland Empire. Photo Credit: northeasttheatreguide.co.uk
Q. Long before your first competition or show, was there an ETA that inspired you to think, “Someday I want to perform just like him.”?
A. When I first entered into the music business back in 1996 there weren’t a lot of guys out there performing. There were a select few that were very successful, but the industry wasn’t like it is today. However, the one show that really influenced me and the future of my own shows was Trent Carlini’s Dream King performance in Collingwood (1998 – I think?). It was the first show where I watched one man portray all of Elvis’s eras convincingly. I didn’t necessary “want to perform just like him”, but rather embrace the concept of a show where one performer pays tribute to all the eras.
Q. What song do you wish Elvis had recorded so you could sing it on stage?
A. It’s a very good question, but I honestly don’t know. Perhaps “Peace on Earth” (The Little Drummer Boy)…Elvis and Bowie…that would have been a classic for sure.
“IF I Can Dream” Production, 2014. Photo Credit: Andrew Martin.
Q. Do you have an Elvis song that you consider your signature song?
A. No, I struggle at them all! :)
Q. If it were possible, what question would you like to ask Elvis?
A. You wanna go to the movies? I heard Star Wars is pretty good.
Q. Is there a particular time or performance in your career that holds special meaning to you?
A. I’d have to say taking the stage at the Mirvish Theatre (previously the Cannon Theatre). I saw my very first musical there – Phantom of the Opera.
Q. When you look back at your lengthy year career as an ETA, is there anything you would change or do differently?
A. Not really. Maybe to save confusion I would have come out of the gate with Steve Michaels. It would have saved a lot of confusion; but 25 years ago, I would have never thought I would be doing this 25 years later.
Q. What are the sacrifices you have made to become a successful ETA?
“Baby It’s Cold Outside” duet with Cindy. Photo Credit: Elaine Wren.
A. Being away from home is always difficult.
Q. Do you have any special rituals before you step on stage?
A. Starts with a great vocal warm up, and a heartfelt thank you to the man himself prior to hitting the stage.
Q. What ETA titles or awards have you won? Is there a title you would have like to have won? What special memories do you have of the Ultimate in Memphis?
A. In 2001 I was fortunate to have won The Images of Elvis World Competition in Memphis, TN. I thought it was extremely fitting to have won the worlds that year because 2001 goes hand in hand with Elvis and his stage performances. I was sincerely done with competing that year and did what I wanted to accomplish for myself, i.e. enter into the business in 1996 and 5 years later be a world champion. Competition is not for the faint of heart. It’s extremely gruelling, mentally and physically, and it just wasn’t for me. But in 2009 curiosity got the best of me and I made my way down to New Orleans where I won an Ultimate Elvis preliminary; and that August I was back in Memphis working my wares. Although it didn’t culminate in a win, it was still good times; but looking back I think I played it a little to safe. Okay, that’s one thing I’d change. If I could go back in time, I’d tell myself to get out of the comfort zone and leave it all on the stage floor. If I did, who knows?
Photo Credit: Elaine Wren.
Q. What annoys you most?
A. Someone who says, “That little Elvis thing you do.” If they only knew.
Q. If you hadn’t become successful as an ETA, what career path would you have chosen?
A. Post production in film.
Q. When it comes time to give out scarves, how do you select who gets a scarf?
A. I just close my eyes, and hope for the best.
Q. How have your audiences changed over the years?
A. There seems to be a lot more children and teenagers in the audience, who are the Elvis fans, bringing moms and dads out. Elvis continues to reach new people with his music.
Q. Is there a special memory with an audience member that you would like to share?
Photo Credit: Steve Michaels Fan Facebook page.
A. I don’t have one in particular memory to share. When those moments happen on stage, they just happen, and that makes them special.
Q. Elvis Tribute Artists are more popular than ever; however, as the number of fans who are old enough to remember the real Elvis declines, what does the future hold for ETAs who are just starting their careers? What advice do you have for them about keeping Elvis’s memory alive?
A. Never base your performance on another ETA. It’s like a photocopy of a photocopy. Take instruction from them man himself. His memory is right there for all of us to see and study. I still study. Everything I’ve managed to bring to the stage was directly from watching and learning from Elvis – no bumping, no grinding, Elvis never did that. I have two personal mantras. The first is, “if Elvis didn’t do it, then I never will”; and the second “it’s not about being okay”. That pretty much sums it up. Oh, and one more: my mom told me years ago, “The day I think I’ve figured Elvis out, is the day to get out of the business. No one will ever “get” Elvis - that made Elvis who he was.”
Photo Credit: Elaine Wren.
Q. How do you handle disappointment?
A. In stride.
Q. What does a perfect future look like to you?
A. Producing shows, singing, and touring.
Q. What do you fear?
A. Right now, how long it is going to be until we get to get back on to the stage.
Q. How will you know when it is time to “hang up your blue suede shoes” and retire?
A. When no one is in the audience.
Q. What would you like to do in retirement?
A. I’m nowhere close. I still have some unfinished dreams!
A view of the audience from the stage at the Hershey Centre. Photo Credit: Elaine Wren.
Q. Have you ever considered offering ‘Elvis classes’ where kids and/or adults can learn about Elvis, his songs and his movements?
A. Elvis 101 with Professor Michaels. Who knows? It does a nice ring to it.
Q. What do you treasure? And what brings joy to your life?
A. My wife, Ashley, and my two children.
Q. Are your children showing signs that they may be future entertainers?
A. I’d love it, but I will leave their paths in the entertainment industry to grow organically.
Photo Credit: Family Matters Magazine.
Q. What would be your advice if they wanted to follow in your footsteps?
A. Remember that you will see the same people going up the ladder, that you do when you come down that same ladder. Be respectful.
Q. Since year been very challenging for everyone, do you have something special you wish to say to fans?
A. Please hang in there. We all will rocking and rolling together soon! I miss performing, I miss my band, I miss the thrill, I miss you all. See you soon. Stephen
Photo Credit: Elaine Wren.
Q. What would you like to say to the people who have supported you over the years?
A. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You guys jumped on a dream with me 25 years ago and if you guys are still following it, then so will I. Hey, that sounds like an Elvis song!
Q. Are there individuals you would like to thank?
A. There are so many close friends, and family who are a part of my story and if I accidentally left one out it would be devastating to me. I know I couldn’t have done any of this without you guys in my corner. However, I believe there is one person that I can mention without exception and that is my mom —the ultimate Elvis fan. I love and thank you all.
Q. Is there a question that you wished I had asked, but didn’t?
A. This has been the most insightful, and wonderful interview that I have taken part in for a very long time. You hit all the marks, and thank you.
Photo Album
Steve Michaels: Photos from a Fan’s Perspective
Cover Photo
For the first few months of SIDEBURNS Magazine’s website and Facebook page in 2017 and 2018, the photo below that I took of Steve Michaels at the end of an outstanding performance at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope, ON, was featured. It remains one of my favourites images for three reasons: It is a humble gesture meant to honour Elvis Presley and to thank the audience; the photo is representative of all ETAs and their connection to Elvis; and it is a nod to Steve Michaels, my very first ETA. Steve’s brilliant performances made me ponder on what it takes to be a world class ETA, and thus inspired me to research ETAs and ultimately write about my experiences in their world. Thank you, Steve! C.M.
Videos
Fallsview (Niagara Falls 2019), Dandendong (Australia, 2017), CNE (Canadian National Exhibition, 2016)