Dave Holman is 70 and music is his purpose. For forty years he’s roamed the bars and streets of north London, draped in blue suede shoes and golden Vegas strides, performing Elvis numbers for strangers.
Over several decades people all over Kentish Town, Camden Town, Angel, Holloway and especially The Cally have come to embrace “Dave Elvis” as one of their own, offering greetings and encouragement at every corner.
And wandering the more urban parts of north London, you can’t miss him. In an age when entertainment is ubiquitous but cheap, Dave maintains an element of classic showbiz: bold, glam, overstated. Now in his 70s, he still performs every day because he loves the art form and the music.
Dave is the subject of the first of our six short films produced by North London Cares with filmmaker Tim Marrinan. Each celebrates local “Hidden Heroes” – our older neighbours in Camden and Islington, the lives they lead, their passions, and their ongoing contributions to the people and the communities around them.
This piece follows Dave around the bars of Soho and in his studio, talking about his life, his community, and his love of the King. If you like it, please share it.
Alex Smith is founder of North London Cares, a volunteer network matching young professionals to older neighbours in need of help, social connection or companionship. Find out more about them here
1 thought on “Video: Dave Holman, 70, Elvis impersonator”
Well done Dave and really good to see the young people enjoying your performances. Just goes to show that you’re never too old!