The spirit, swagger and sound of Elvis Presley is alive and kicking once again, as Mallow’s Ben Elvis and The Sunshine Boys bring the King’s early rockabilly years roaring back to life with a brand new album release.
This isn’t just a tribute, it’s a full-blooded, rhythm-driven celebration of the raw, hip-shaking energy that made Elvis a global icon, delivered with style, soul and no shortage of attitude.
For Ben Elvis, the project has been years in the making.
“It’s been a lifelong dream to record an album like this with an authentic rockabilly band,” he said. “We’ve been able to capture a sound that needed more than just my voice. Every member of the band brings their own authenticity to it.”
And that authenticity rings through every track, from the slap of the bass to the bite of the guitar, right down to the groove-heavy drums that echo the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll.
Backed by JP O’Connell on bass, Andrew Moran on lead guitar, Jonny O’Connell on drums, and producer Fergus O’Sullivan, the band set out to do more than imitate, they set out to channel.
“It’s been a lot of hard work and dedication, and our passion for Elvis’ music really comes through,” Ben said. “It’s been an absolute pleasure making this album, and hopefully there’s plenty more to come.”
Long before the lights, the gigs, and the stage persona, it all started in a much simpler way.
“I grew up as a massive fan. Singing Elvis was my favourite pastime,” he said. “I never thought of doing it professionally. It was just me, the music, and that feelin, like therapy.”
That changed in an instant when opportunity knocked.
A last-minute call to step in for a tribute show turned into something much bigger — and Ben hasn’t looked back since.
“I never thought I could pull it off, but once I got the chance, things just took off. I’ve had the pleasure of performing all over Cork and beyond.”
Taking on Elvis is no small task, it’s a role that demands confidence, charisma, and respect for one of music’s greatest ever performers.
“Performing Elvis is a massive responsibility,” he said. “I’m not there to replace him, nobody can. I’m just a guy who loves performing his music and bringing that energy to people.”
And bring it he does.
A recent standout moment came when the band lit up The Hibernian Hotel, delivering a homecoming show packed with energy, nostalgia and full-throttle rock ‘n’ roll.
“The show at the Hibernian was special,” he said. “To bring it to my hometown and see that support, it meant everything. The crowd, the atmosphere, it was electric.”
So electric, in fact, that the band is already booked to return next year.
With the album now out and live shows gaining momentum, Ben Elvis and The Sunshine Boys aren’t just keeping the King’s legacy alive, they’re giving it a fresh shot of adrenaline.
Because this isn’t about looking back.
It’s about turning up the volume, stepping into the spotlight, and letting that unmistakable Elvis swagger loose all over again.