Parkes Elvis Festival Founders Bob and Anne Steel pictured in a private sit down with the one and only Priscilla Presley.
In November last year, Parkes Elvis Festival founders Bob and Anne Steel had the privilege of a one-on-one meeting with Priscilla Presley, at the State Theatre in Sydney prior to her show “Life After Elvis.”
Bob said, “I thought she was very approachable and I quite enjoyed being with her.” We asked Bob if hugging Priscilla was allowed, but he assured us, “Oh no, she hugged me.”
Anne laughed when recalling Bob said to Priscilla, “Give me your hand,” to which Priscilla asked why? Bob simply told her, “Because I want to hold it.”
What did they chat abut with Priscilla? “She talked about Elvis’ popularity. She’s very aware of the Parkes Elvis Festival, she knows it, and she’s over the moon that we’ve done it,” said Bob.
Bob and Anne’s daughter Tiffany told Priscilla they would love to have her at the Parkes Elvis Festival. There was some family debate as to her response to the invitation, with both Tiffany and Anne claiming Priscilla said, “You never know,” while Bob is adamant she said “Never say never!” It was agreed to let Bob have the last word on this one.
After her star encounter, while waiting for the others at bottom of the stairs of the theatre, Anne smiled at those who seemed to recognise her. People started approaching her, to share their own stories of the Parkes Elvis Festival, further proving its appeal.
