From Blue Hawaii to Northcote Theatre: An interview with Logan Jeffs on his epic Elvis journey
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Date Reviewed: 25/11/2025
Elvis may have left the building… but Logan Jeffs walks right back in.
With The Elvis Big Band, a 14-piece ensemble, he prepares to storm the Northcote Theatre on Sunday, 30 November for the band's 10-year anniversary spectacular – a one-night-only celebration of Elvis Presley’s music, legacy and showmanship with arena-level energy that is rarely seen in Australia.
With a voice that lands somewhere between velvet and fire and rhinestone-covered jumpsuits that cost more than a small used car, Jeffs is among Australia’s most polished Elvis tribute artists. But behind the persona is a humble Kiwi-born performer who never actually set out to become “The King”.
It was a moment of destiny, singing "Always On My Mind", when he realised he could not just mimic Elvis, but honour the raw, goofy, and electrifying passion that defined him.
The rest is history and Logan is now gearing up to deliver one of Australia’s largest productions: early-Vegas fire, movie-era hip shakers, sing-along classics, and those spine-tingling ’70s epics — all powered by custom-written charts, world-class musicianship, and sharp stagecraft.
I sat down with Logan for an honest chat about that intense commitment to quality, the politics of competitive Elvis culture, and why older women at his shows must never, ever be underestimated.
Logan, you’ve got “Elvis energy”. Did you always look like this?
Logan: Laughs. Not always. Actually, I’m naturally blonde, just like Elvis was originally, and I used to have really long hair. More rock and rock than rockabilly. But I guess over time the look sort of grew with the job, and now I maintain it because… well, this is my life.
When was the first time Elvis entered your world?
Logan: Dad’s records. Blue Hawaii, Elvis at the Movies. I still have those vinyls. And the films. I remember watching Viva Las Vegas, Blue Hawaii, all that bright, cinematic Elvis magic. But funnily enough, Elvis wasn’t my childhood idol. I was into glam rock, KISS, the Beach Boys, the Bee Gees — whatever mum and dad had on rotation.
So how did you fall into performing Elvis?
Logan: Total accident. Someone asked me to do an Elvis night about 16 or 17 years ago. I wasn’t expecting much. New band, shaky first set. But then I sang Always On My Mind, really focused on the vocal tone and mannerisms… and I realised, “Hang on. I can actually do this.” That was the turning point. The band got bigger, the shows got tighter, and now we’re a 14-piece monster.
You’re very humble. Before Elvis, did you train in music?
Logan: I started performing at three. Theatre, musicals... all I wanted was to be in Phantom, Les Miserables, Cats. Singing is my life's purpose. I knew that early.
Why Elvis? Of all the legends you could embody, what made you choose him?
Logan: Watching early Vegas footage, That’s the Way It Is. He was hungry, passionate, goofy, electrifying. He had something no one else had. I found myself wanting to honour that. Not mimic it, but honour it.
Your jumpsuits cost around $6,000… Why invest thousands?
Logan: Because people deserve quality. There’s “Elvis impersonators”, plastic wig, fake sideburns, local footy club vibes, and then there’s full-scale tribute productions. We’re the latter. No cheap gags. No wigs. No stick-on chops. Everything is meticulous. It’s about respect for the music.
So you don’t consider yourself an impersonator?
Logan: I don’t lose sleep over labels, but yeah, “tribute artist” fits better. I’m not pretending to be Elvis. Between songs I talk as myself, in my own accent. The show is about him, not about me impersonating him.
What sets your show apart from the huge Elvis crowd out there?
Logan: Attention to detail. No cringe. No caricature. Organic movement. not copying stock-standard steps from a video. Plus, our band writes its own horn and orchestra charts. Some arrangements literally don’t exist anywhere else. We created them from scratch.
Does Elvis ever seep into your real life?
Logan: Only when I’m just trying to buy broccoli at the supermarket and someone yells, “Hey Elvis!” Laughs. Musically, sure, he’s influenced me. But I’m not at home eating fried peanut-butter-and-banana sandwiches if that’s what you mean.
Women adored Elvis. Do they adore you too?
Logan: Laughs hard. The older women? They’re not always appropriate, and I say that in the best way. Retirement-village ladies come in packs. They take liberties with my knees that I didn’t know were possible. The younger ones are more polite. But yes, Elvis still does something to people. (NOTE: He says that last sentence with an Elvis swagger that sends a shiver up my spine).
The Elvis world is competitive… how competitive?
Logan: Tens of thousands of tribute artists worldwide. Festivals everywhere. It can get catty. I’ve avoided the competition scene, backing tracks, politics. I’m here to keep the King’s music alive, not score points. I focus on doing my own thing.
Have you been to Graceland?
Logan: Yes, and Sun Studio. Magic. I’ve been to Vegas three times too, even though every time I swear, I’ll never go back. I once met a guy selling movie-era costumes and he showed me the hotel where Elvis filmed That’s the Way It Is. I almost got into his old suite, but we were flying out the next day. So close.
Tell us about the big 10-year anniversary show. What can audiences expect?
Logan: It’s huge. A live 14-piece band, dancers, surprises. Two-and-a-half hours covering all three decades with ’50s rockabilly, ’60s movies, ’70s Vegas epics. All the hits, plus deeper cuts for the hardcore fans. Some arrangements we’ve never performed publicly. Something for everyone.
Do you have a favourite Elvis song?
Logan: An American Trilogy, big, emotional, powerful. Also Trouble, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Power of My Love. I love the dramatic ’70s pieces. And at our show people will hear a wide gamut of music from across Elvis Presley’s career.
How long do you see yourself doing this?
Logan: As long as people keep buying tickets. I love it, the band loves it, and it feels right. One day I might hang up the jumpsuit, but not anytime soon.
The Elvis Big Band will perform its 10th Anniversary Spectacular at the Northcote Theatre (216-218 High Street, Northcote, Melbourne) at 7pm on Sunday, 30 November. Doors open at 6pm.
Interviewed by Mary Sinanidis