A 71-YEAR-OLD Brisbane Aged Care resident has become an overnight celebrity with his Elvis styled performance last week being viewed by more than 60,000 people worldwide.

John Pascoe has been a resident of Anglicare Southern Queensland’s, St Martin’s Aged Care Home near Taigum for the past year and thought the world needed some cheering up amid COVID-19. Six residents watched on, tapping their feet and singing to Elvis, with social distancing regulations all followed.

USA Today, MSN, Fox Phoenix, Hit 105, 10 News First Queensland, Storyful and 612 ABC have featured John’s video across their website and Facebook this past week which has drawn hundreds of comments and reactions.

John said he couldn’t believe how far and wide his video had spread in just a week.

“It is amazing. I really do appreciate it from everyone out there. Australia has a new king in town,” he said.

“I’m more than surprised. If you told me a few days ago, I’d have said “pull the other leg. It’s just incredible.”

The Elvis styled performance was livestreamed on our Facebook page on Friday with many of the aged care homes tuning in to watch John perform. His first song was Only the Lonely which was written and sung by Roy Orbison, a song intended for Elvis to sing.

“I really loved watching John perform Elvis,” St Martin’s resident Stephen McDonnell said.

“Everybody enjoyed watching John perform as Elvis and we are hoping to see more of him,” St Martin’s Diversional Therapist Louise Dunn said.

John said it felt great to know his music is spreading joy and happiness amid a very tough and unprecedented time.

“Yes I used to sing back at high school but nothing like this, so it just blows me away that you’re giving me the opportunity to be able to do something like this,” he said.

“I really do appreciate it. And we shall give them music.

“I was a little bit nervous because I haven’t done this before. I think I’m getting used to it and I felt very good being able to do that and please people and getting smiles on people’s faces.

“I think that is very, very important, particularly in today’s atmosphere.”

John said if he was given another chance to perform, he would do it.

“If the good people around me gave me the chance to do it again, I certainly would. There is no doubt about that,” he said.

Media Contact: Philippe Coquerand on 0407 677 828