A Conversation for Ask h2g2
Elvis has left the building
Gnomon - time to move on Started conversation Oct 19, 2001
Where did the phrase "Elvis has left the building" come from?
Elvis has left the building
Dinsdale Piranha Posted Oct 19, 2001
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
2legs - Hey, babe, take a walk on the wild side... Posted Oct 19, 2001
Why don't they say "Elvis" if its a U2 gig? 
Elvis has left the building
Gnomon - time to move on Posted Oct 19, 2001
Saying 'Elvis' at a U2 gig will bring down the wrath of Bono upon you.
Elvis has left the building
Wand'rin star Posted Oct 19, 2001
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 
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Elvis has left the building
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