Notoriety Live, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays
This week on Talk About Las Vegas With Ira, Ira sits down with Steve Connolly, the powerhouse behind “Spirit of the King,” the ultimate Elvis tribute show at Notoriety Live every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 7 p.m.
In this engaging conversation, Steve shares his eclectic journey—from playing bass guitar in high school and attending art school to restoring 700 statues and 123 churches. Initially set on becoming a curator, his path took an unexpected turn when a professor encouraged him to embrace both art and music.
Steve talks about sneaking into bars with a fake I.D. at just 15 to play music, learning guitar, taking voice lessons, and how an open mic night changed his life forever—setting him on the road to embodying Elvis. He recalls the thrill of stepping in front of an audience, shedding inhibitions, and truly thriving in the spotlight.
He recounts how “Legends in Concert” producer John Stuart and Will Collins helped bring him to Vegas, cementing his place as a dedicated student of Elvis. And how a critical letter pushed him to dive deeper into researching the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, refining his performance to a new level of authenticity. The key moment for Steve: before a particularly challenging performance (in front of a goth crowd), he asked for the spirit of Elvis to enter him—a ritual that has since become a pre-show prayer.
Beyond the stage, Steve talks about his deeply personal commitment to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and how his family tragedy formed that commitment.
Tune in for an episode filled with passion, music, and the magic of Vegas entertainment!
How does an artist restoring church ceilings become one of the most electrifying entertainers in Las Vegas? Steve Connolly’s journey from fronting a heavy metal band to becoming the most sought-after Elvis impressionist is nothing short of fascinating.
Steve’s artistry spans beyond music—his paintings and Elvis portraits showcase his deep creative talent. But his true magic lies on stage, where he recreates the spirit of Elvis Presley. Unlike impersonators, Steve considers himself an impressionist, blending his own artistry with Elvis’s essence. “I am an artist, actor, musician, and entertainer,” he says. “On stage, my personality briefly coexists with Elvis’s, like looking in a mirror.”
Steve mastered Elvis’s moves, voice, and charisma, but he performs, rather than mimics. His shows capture the energy of Elvis at his peak, especially the athleticism and charisma of the ’68 Comeback Special. The result? Over 10,000 performances in Las Vegas, with long-running shows at LaMarre Theater, Four Queens, and major casinos including MGM Grand, Bally’s, and the Riviera.
His talent has earned widespread recognition. The Las Vegas Review-Journal named him “Best Elvis in Las Vegas” twice. Critics praised his ingenuity, especially his segments imagining Elvis performing modern music. Steve’s fans include celebrities like Steven Tyler, Kenny Loggins, Dennis Miller, and even Presidents Clinton and Trump. Legendary Elvis conductor Bobby Morris called him “The #1 Elvis on the planet.”
Beyond performing, Steve continues to create fine art inspired by Elvis. Though the King is gone, Steve Connolly keeps his spirit alive— three nights a week at Notoriety Live.
Steve Connolly Art Auction Website