Tribute artist Damian Mullin brings Elvis Presley to life with wife's support

With his strong singing voice, lacquered wig and made-to-measure rhinestone jumpsuit, full-time Elvis tribute artist Damian Mullin captivated audiences at the iconic Parkes Elvis Festival with his electrifying and energetic performances, embodying the spirit of the King of rock 'n' roll.

With his wife Kate by his side and hundreds of adorning fans in the audience, Mullin's journey into the world of Elvis tribute artistry began with an average karaoke night at work.

"And I dressed up a little bit as Elvis and everyone was just like 'Wow, that was so good,'" he told Reuters from his hotel room on Thursday (January 8).

The moment sparked the idea that led him away from the monotony of a nine-to-five job in furniture sales and after being quickly snapped up by a talent agency, Mullin found himself performing as an Elvis tribute artist at concerts, festivals, functions and cruises having never had any vocal training.

Behind the scenes, Mullin meticulously prepares for his performances with various layers of makeup, wigs, sideburns and costumes.

As he applies his contouring makeup, he explains the art of transformation with his wife Kate playing a crucial role in the process, often providing the final approval.

"Kate will often just come and have a look, the last look and just go 'Oh my God what have you done' or she'll say 'Yeah, that's all good'," Damian shares with a chuckle.

He adds that the support from his wife and two children has been unwavering, especially during the transition from a steady job to the uncertainty of showbiz.

"Actually my son has some of the wisest words he said to me, I said 'What do you think of what Dad does?" He goes 'Dad, if you're happy and you love what you're doing I'm happy that you love what you're doing.' So that's pretty lovely coming from a young boy," he said.

With the couple meeting in their 20's at a bar in Melbourne, Kate Mullin, often seen filming performances, talking to fans, organising gigs and even applying Damian's eye makeup says she is proud of his achievements and the female attention he gets doesn't faze her.

"I actually don't find it terrible. Like everyone presumes that I'm sitting there going 'Oh it's awful.' To me if they're not enjoying themselves, if they're not thinking that Damian is portraying Elvis and looks like Elvis and they are getting that emotional connection with him, I kind of think it's probably time for him to give up the job," she says.

Having grown up in regional Victoria, Damian first heard Elvis as a seven-year-old when his mother would drive him to Melbourne and play Elvis songs in the car and the young boy was captivated by the sounds of the iconic artist. Today, with his performances blending humour and entertainment, Mullin says he is also inspired by comedians' fast wit. 

And the fans, particularly the female ones, adore Damian's Elvis persona and the theatrics of his performances.

"At the end of the day they could be sitting there you know, booing you and throwing tomatoes at you," he jokes, appreciating the positive reception instead.

With Kate by his side, the Mullins have found fulfilment in bringing Elvis to life through their business Elvis Forever and tribute show of the same name, a testament to their passion for entertaining and inspiring fans across Australia.

The Parkes Elvis Festival ends on Sunday (January 11). 

-Stefica Bikesh/Reuters