A Conversation for Ask h2g2

Elvis has left the building

Post 1

Gnomon - time to move on

Where did the phrase "Elvis has left the building" come from?


Elvis has left the building

Post 2

Dinsdale Piranha

Probably from his gigs.

It happens with most bands/artists. It goes like this: Gig, two or three encores, then the band/artist leaves the stage, but the audience stays and keeps shouting for more. Then the staff get fed up with this because they want to lock up and go home, so they put out an announcement: "Ladies and Gentlemen, Elvis has left the building" in the hope that the audience will get the point and leave. Obviously, they don't say Elvis if it's a U2 gig.


Elvis has left the building

Post 3

2legs - Hey, babe, take a walk on the wild side...

Why don't they say "Elvis" if its a U2 gig? smiley - erm


Elvis has left the building

Post 4

Gnomon - time to move on

Saying 'Elvis' at a U2 gig will bring down the wrath of Bono upon you.


Elvis has left the building

Post 5

Wand'rin star

I think it's what one security man said to another when E was rich and famous and needed to be escorted through the screaming hordes. Like "The President has left the building" So switch the security/ TV cameras to the next part of the journey smiley - star


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