NOISE: 6 Questions With El Vez

The Mexican Elvis has entered the building

Martin Stein












El Vez

w/Human Hands


Where: House of Blues Courtyard


When: 11 p.m., October 2


Tickets: $15


Info: 632-7600



Robert Lopez, a.k.a. El Vez, isn't so much an Elvis impersonator as he is an Elvis interpreter, using the King as a filter for social causes, all set to music ranging from punk to funk.



Your tour is billed as El Vez For Prez. What's your platform?


The show is like a musical debate, taking the issues, the hot topics. It's a rock 'n' roll spectacle, but not white lions.



How would you describe your music?


It's like the kids today with their mash-up music. El Vez has been mashing up music for years. I cover everything from John Lennon to the Pointer Sisters, Robbie Williams, Elvis Costello, Bob Dylan, Alice Cooper. There are several costume changes in the show, too, and a disco ball.



Something like 23 percent of Las Vegans are Latinos yet they're underrepresented in government. Why do you think that is?


I hate to say it, but I think it's our fault, it's the lack of participation and organization on our part. Voter registration for Latinos is very low. This year, though, because of the seriousness of the election, we're being courted in a whole new way, so maybe things will change. Maybe El Vez will be the one to change things this time around.



What are your thoughts on the movie Motorcycle Diaries, about Che Guevera's early years?


I think it's great. I'm sure it's a Hollywood version of it, but it's great history. He was an upper-class rich guy but it is the awakening of his conscience. It will show people that he's more than just a T-shirt.



Now that people can make personalized stamps at stamps.com, are you going to make an El Vez one to go with the Elvis stamp?


I already did. I came out with an El Vez stamp the same year the Elvis stamp came out. I was actually the first person in California with the Elvis stamps. We had a celebration and a ceremony and I traded the first sheet of El Vez stamps with California's postmaster for the first sheet of Elvis stamps. There was a party afterward, with cake. Of course, it was peanut butter and chocolate cake.



VH1 refers to the LSD episode of Dragnet as a way of describing your show. Is that accurate or are they trippin'?


They're just trippin' on it. I don't normally consider LSD and El Vez together. I suppose I could, though. I could be Psychedelvez!

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