He and his band went to a summer festival outside of Memphis to try to get noticed. They were hoping they might be invited to play on one of the back stages. As Elvis was strolling around, trying to connect with a promoter or producer, or someone who could give him a chance, he was approached by a man with white paint on his face.

“Hi there friend,” the man said. “My group and I are also trying to get a foothold in the entertainment business, and we have just secured an invitation to perform on that little stage over there in a half hour. How would you like to join us? You could play your music, while we do our bit where we silently act out little scenes - like being stuck in a box, or walking against the wind.”

Elvis looked over, and there were indeed a bunch of sketchy-looking guys with similar makeup, over by a little stage. But Elvis got a weird feeling about them - they seemed kinda shady, milling about, hands in pockets, not making eye contact with anybody. Elvis said, “Let me check with my band and see what they say; I’ll get right back to you. “

He came back a minute later and walked up to the guy. “Thankyouverymuch for the invitation, but the band refuses to take the stage with you and your crew. ….

We can’t go on together with suspicious mimes.”