Inuvik (Oct 29/04) - Like death and taxes, Elvis impersonators should be added to the list of life's certainties.

Though most of the estimated 85,000 Elvis-wannabes worldwide tend to mass around bright lights at places such as Las Vegas -- their migratory paths always passing through Graceland, in either body or spirit -- Inuvik has its very own Elvis impersonator: Billy Moore.

With bassist Kevin Moir in the background, Billy Moore showed off his new duds as he put on his best Elvis impersonation with the Big River Band Monday evening at the Mad Trapper. This unidentified fan couldn't get enough of the King. - Jason Unrau/NNSL photo

"He's been coming in here and singing with the band on Saturdays for at least 10 years," says Mad Trapper Pub manager Dave Rogers of Moore's Elvis performances at the bar's weekly jam sessions. "He used to wear just shades, but it's gone a bit beyond that now."

It certainly has. Last year, Moore got himself an Elvis Halloween costume that included a white jumpsuit to add to his shades and Saturday performances. But on Monday, Moore's Elvis wardrobe took a considerable step up.

"His old one was worn out," Rogers explained of the new suit, which includes a red sequined scarf, signature cape and studded belt.

And when Moore made the transformation to the king of rock 'n' roll at the Trapper, the crowd responded. Some women even kissed the hand of Elvis reborn.

Kicking his set off with Don't Be Cruel, Elvis briefly offered his trademark claw for the crowd between numbers before blasting into Buddy Holly's Peggy Sue.

While not a song associated with the King, Moore is not shy about sharing his repertoire of 1950s and '60s tunes.

"I like Peggy Sue," Moore explained after the set.

And what about his favourite Elvis song?

"Everything. I like everything Elvis."

One Elvis, two Elvis...

While perhaps not an expert in Elvis impersonators, bassist for the Big River Band Kevin Moir has had more experience than the average person backing up these eccentrics.

Featured in the recent documentary The Elvis Project, Moir plays bass for Tagish Elvis, the Yukon's own claim to king of rock 'n' roll fame, as he makes his way across the Gold Rush territory looking for his own nugget.

Though there are distinct differences in both Elvis' approaches -- Tagish Elvis actually believes he is the King and Moore knows he's not -- Moir's estimation of it all is strictly professional.

"I back up people and try to make them sound good," he said.

"And Billy has vastly improved since he began. He's got a lot of Elvis moves and his timing is better."

When Moore finished off his set with Proud Mary, the crowd called out for more, but, sadly, Elvis was in the process of leaving the building.

"I think he wants to go down the road and show (the costume) off," commented Rogers.