THE quiff, the sideburns, the hip-shaking and the curled upper lip. Perhaps a leather bomber jacket, US Army khakis or a Vegas white diamante-studded jumpsuit.
All of which means it can only be, the one, the only...
Well, it could be any one of more than a dozen wannabes determined to become Scotland's version of the King of rock 'n' roll, Elvis Presley.
They'll gather at the Corn Exchange this after
noon each determined to relive one of the King's greatest performances and possibly win themselves a trip to Memphis to compete for the title of best British Elvis tribute act.
The event – the first of its kind in Scotland – has been organised by the official Elvis Presley Fan Club of Great Britain, in association with the Capital's fan club, Edinburgh Elvis.
And it kicks off a string of Elvis "appearances" in the Capital – two shows at the Playhouse this month feature the legend while in August one of the world's biggest names in tribute acts, American Shawn Klush, brings his Elvis show to the city.
Later in the year, Prestonpans' Rob Kingsley, who scooped the European Elvis title last year, will bring his tribute show from his home in England to Musselburgh and Bathgate.
This Elvis-fest is a precursor to next January's Elvis birthday celebrations when, had he lived, he would have been 75. Instead, Elvis died aged just 42, in 1977, never having performed in the UK.
Paul Sayers, branch leader of Edinburgh Elvis fan club and one of the tonight's show judges, says the current appetite for Elvis-themed shows and tributes is clear proof that the legend of the King didn't die back in 1977 with Elvis.
And, indeed, he believes there is a new generation of fans embracing his look, his music and his legend.
"It used to be uncool to be into Elvis," he nods. "I was teased when I was at school for liking him – and people still say 'so you like Elvis, ha ha ha!' – but it's starting to be cool again. Elvis tracks are being remixed, and although some of the older generation don't like them, they're a great way to get young people interested."
Once people learn to love the King they seldom grow out of it, according to Paul, of West Pilton Avenue. He says: "People are passionate about Elvis. They get hooked into the music, they find out about the man and that's it.
"I got into Elvis when I was only nine – that was when most kids were into watching man landing on the Moon!
"I'm 49 now, I've something like 500 Elvis records. I don't think I'll ever stop being an Elvis fan."
Among those taking part tonight will be Livingston's John Burns, pictured right, a 48-year-old who works as a unit driver for a firm of TV company contractors. He has been an Elvis fan since he was six.
He says: "I've been singing in pubs and clubs for 13 years and always said I'd never do the Elvis tribute act, but over the past few years people have started to take it much more seriously – some of the top acts can sell out huge venues."
He's since performed at the European championships and, encouraged by the judges' support there, he is now a regular on the tribute scene.
John, who is planning to perform as Elvis in his Jailhouse Rock era, is particularly keen to win after the recession scuppered his plans to visit Memphis earlier this year.
"It's a superb prize – but regardless of what happens I'll be trying to get to Memphis anyway to support whoever wins. You've got to support a Scottish Elvis!"
If he wins, he'll be following in the footsteps of the likes of Rob Kingsley, a former European Elvis champion who is now has a professional tribute act.
He agrees Elvis inspires a particular kind of loyalty among his followers.
"Elvis was not only a legendary performer and a good-looking guy, he also had a very unique and obvious style. People of all ages go to tribute shows and enjoy them.
"For me, it's like a gift from God to be able to go out and emulate him."
Rob, a former soldier from Prestonpans, only discovered his talent for emulating the King a few years ago.
And although he came up through the tribute talent show ranks, he believes there is a need for acts to be "respectful" towards his hero.
"Everyone thinks it's easy to copy Elvis, but I'd rather people showed respect for who he was – and remember that people love him."
Up to 20 Elvis impersonators are expected to appear at the Corn Exchange show.
The winner will then represent Scotland and perform live alongside winners from other parts of the UK at the world-famous Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, in front of an audience of around 800 fans on 8 January next year.
Participants are not only expected to create the King's amazing vocals, they also have to make an effort to look the part too.
It could all spark a stampede among the less serious Elvis acts, and Todd Slaughter, 63, of the Elvis Presley Fan Club of Great Britain, admits the talent shows can attract people who simply want to have fun at the King's expense.
"There are a few people who think it's just a laugh.
"That's fair enough – you can't avoid that kind of thing happening – but on the whole people that come to these things are just ordinary people who happen to enjoy Elvis. Most of the performers take it very seriously."
The Scottish winner will be up against Elvis impersonator Dave Hurrell, England's Elvis after winning the competition in Stoke-on-Trent in January, and an Irish Elvis.
The person who is crowned Great Britain's best Elvis impersonator in the States in January will earn a place in the world final, in Memphis in August next year.
The Edinburgh contest – called Having Fun on Stage, at the Corn Exchange – paves the way for a string of other Elvis theme acts.
On Wednesday the spirit of Elvis will be alive and kicking at the Playhouse, when Richard Atkins performs as the King in Knocking on Heaven's Door, a tribute show which pays homage to some of rock 'n' roll's late great stars.
Then at the end of this month the Playhouse is the venue for "Elvis on Tour – The Legend Continues" featuring Lee "Memphis" King, regarded as being among the UK's most successful Elvis acts.
Then in August American Elvis tribute star Shawn Klush, brings his act to the Corn Exchange.
And local Elvis tribute performer Rob, now based in Warrington, will return home in October for a string of appearances.
So does he mind a new raft of Elvis tribute acts coming through the ranks?
"The only person I compete against is myself. I just want to be the best Elvis I possibly can.
"He is the King, after all."
• Having Fun on Stage at the Corn Exchange starts at 4pm today. For more details go to
www.elvispresleyfanclubuk.co.uk