The Big Elvis show in Las Vegas is one of the longest-running Elvis tribute acts in the city. The clean-cut impersonator with a great voice befitting The King also holds a special place among fans for keeping Elvis Presley’s legacy alive.
Big Elvis is among the main attractions in Harrah Piano Bar’s lineup of Las Vegas entertainment. Other live shows in the venue include the Dueling Pianos and DJ Rusty’s All-Star Las Vegas Karaoke.
Voted as the Best of Las Vegas in the Las Vegas Review-Journal Poll, Big Elvis has become a Vegas classic that draws fans who want a free afternoon show on the Strip. Read on to learn everything you need to know before your visit.
Who is Big Elvis in Vegas
Did you know that according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest gathering of Elvis impersonators gathered 895 people on 12 July 2014? This happened at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and went to show the prominence of Elvis Presley’s fame.
Elvis Presley was an American singer and actor who became popular for his provocative performances and energized stage acts. He is regarded as the “King of Rock and Roll” and one of the most influential figures of the 20th Century.
Elvis Presley died in 1977 at the age of 42. He remains one of the best-selling solo music artists in history, with hundreds of millions of records sold worldwide.
With such fame, it was only a matter of time before impersonators of Elvis became a thing. Impersonators have shown up throughout the years since he died in 1977, but few Las Vegas Elvis tribute artists have achieved the local fame and popularity of Pete Vallee, also known as Big Elvis.
Pete Vallee took over the mantle of Presley by mimicking his impressive stage voice and performing Elvis classics for Vegas audiences. He became known not only for his voice, but also for his size, personality, humor, and ability to make a free casino-lounge show feel like a true Strip attraction.
His popularity was fueled by the free shows in Las Vegas, making him one of the best-known Elvis impersonators to have a long-running Elvis production in Vegas.
Before Harrah Las Vegas, Big Elvis held another long-running stint in The Cromwell, which used to be called Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall. Big Elvis took a break from the shows in 2015. It was later reported that he had been hospitalized after a road accident along Blue Diamond Road in September 2015.
Pete Vallee returned in June of 2017 in better health and enthusiasm after getting a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars. The act continues at the Piano Bar at Harrah’s Las Vegas with weekly afternoon appearances.
Big Elvis at Harrah’s Piano Bar
- Address: 3475 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Phone: 702 369 5000
- Tickets: Free Admission
Enter Harrah’s Piano Bar to have a feel of the Big Elvis Show in Las Vegas. The current Harrah’s Piano Bar schedule lists Big Elvis on Monday, Friday, and Saturday at 2 pm, 3:30 pm, and 5 pm. The three distinct sets include a musical performance, Elvis song requests, and plenty of audience interaction.
The Harrah’s show has been recognized in local “Best of Las Vegas” voting and remains one of the most recognizable free lounge acts on the Strip. It is one of the longest-running acts of the Piano Bar, with a musical performance from The King impersonator.
Check out Pete Vallee’s YouTube channel, where he showcases his Big Elvis shows for free.
Big Elvis Merch and Movies
Pete Vallee appeared in the short documentary Big Elvis, directed by Paul Stone in 2018 to document Pete’s life and rise to prominence in Vegas. It was nominated at the Tribeca Film Festival for Best Documentary Short.
Apart from performing, Big Elvis has also sold merchandise online and at shows. Product availability and prices can change, so check the current official site or ask at the show if you want to buy Big Elvis-branded items.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Elvis Related to Elvis?
Although he has a great resemblance to Elvis Presley, Big Elvis, Pete Vallee, is not publicly confirmed to be related to Elvis Presley. Pete was born in 1965 in Memphis to his mother, Delores Vallee. Elvis Presley was born 30 years earlier, in 1935, in Mississippi to Gladys Love Presley and Vernon Elvis Presley.
The connection Pete Vallee has pointed out is that his mother used to be an Elvis fan and attended his shows. His mother had pictures in the house of her hanging out with Elvis Presley and Kitty Wells.
Is Big Elvis Playing in Las Vegas?
Big Elvis is still playing in Las Vegas after taking a break from the show between 2015 and 2017. He returned to Harrah’s Las Vegas and still performs there. Current listings show free Big Elvis performances at Harrah’s Piano Bar on Monday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons.