‘He snores pretty loud but, other than that, it’s all right’: Charlie’s life on the road with his grandpa

Charlie Gaylard, 17, is one of Australia’s youngest Elvis Presley tribute artists. He’s always had a special bond with his Elvis-loving grandfather, Greg Gaylard, 76, who’s now his manager as well as his beloved pa.

Greg: When I had my children, I had a panel-beating shop and tow trucks. Not having a lot of time for your kids is normal. When grandkids come along, you make up for it. Charlie was the first grandchild and we were over the moon. From day one, every chance I got, I’d be with him. He was always in the ute with me in the baby car seat. I’d get him off to sleep, then put him to bed at our place ’til his parents were home. When kindergarten came along, I’d pick him up and drop him off, then pick him up and take him home.

For as long as I can remember, it was always Elvis, and only Elvis, for me; Charlie would’ve known that. I always had Elvis going in the car, but I wasn’t trying to influence him: it’s just how I am. Charlie used to like Bon Jovi, like his dad. At school in Colac [two hours west of Melbourne], Charlie only wanted to be on the stage. He had no interest in sport or cars. In high school, I’d drive him to acting school in Geelong every Tuesday night. Everyone said acting was his future. We’re coming home one night and he said, “I might give up acting.” I just about died, my heart fell.

‘Charlie was aiming for nothing. Then he said, “I think I’ll give Elvis-singing a go.” My heart went from down here straight up to here.’

Greg Gaylard

His education was average, he was aiming for nothing else. Then he said, “I think I’ll give Elvis-singing a go.” My heart went from down here straight up to here. “Really? You want to give Elvis a crack?” I knew he had the features because he’d lie on the couch and I’d say to [my wife] Maree, “Have a look at his cheekbones.”

One night, Charlie sang a couple of songs for the family in a local hotel. We put them on the media thing [YouTube]. Soon after, I got a phone call from [leading Elvis tribute artist] Jack Gatto. He wanted to put Charlie on the main stage at the Parkes Elvis Festival. I pulled over. I was sure I was dreaming. Charlie was 14. We went, there were 7000 people there, chock-a-block. He sang two songs and they went crazy. Jack said, “That boy’s life is changing from tonight.” And it did. Now my phone doesn’t stop.

Being his manager fell into place as we went along. I’m fortunate because I have the time to be with him. We drive a lot, we talk a lot – about the business, the financials. There’s attention from women. I had an idea it would happen because he’s not bad-looking. You have to be on your game. One time, we were at an after-party and a woman – she was 27 – offered to run him home. I ended up dropping her off at her car. He takes it in his stride; he’s very mature.

We were in Perth Casino, packed with 2300 people, and he spoke to the crowd about how they should encourage their kids and grandkids. He said, “I was an average kid at school and here I am performing for a full casino.” The credit is all his.

Charlie: We’ve always been close. When I was little, I remember him picking me up from kinder and we would drive to look at the moo-moo cows. I’d have sleepovers and we’d play under the willow tree in their garden. Whenever I was in the car, it was always Elvis on. I asked, “Are there any other singers?” No, not to him. I saw it as old music, never paid much attention, but I was aware.

Before I even started performing, I always dressed up as Spider-Man or Batman, and I was obsessed with characters, impressions and movies. Pa took me to see The Lion King in Melbourne and I went dressed as one of the characters. I ended up doing musical theatre, acting and dancing lessons. Pa always ran me around. We always had a very nice, steady relationship, but it’s only in the past three years that I’ve realised how special and precious it is.

I got into Elvis after seeing the Baz Luhrmann film [2022’s Elvis]. I saw it 11 times. The exact moment it really locked on for me is at the end of the film. It cuts from Austin Butler portraying Elvis to footage of the real Elvis. Something switched in me.

I set about learning the songs, figuring out how he talks, why he talks the way he does, why he feels the music the way he does, and how he moves to it. It was about a year and a half of slowly being more and more intrigued and going deeper and deeper. I didn’t really set out to be an Elvis tribute artist. I didn’t even know that was a thing. It was just me and Elvis.

‘We’ve always had a very nice, steady relationship, but it’s only in the last three years I’ve realised how special and precious it is.’

Charlie Gaylard

When it started to take off, I was 14, in school. I couldn’t be taking phone calls during the day. Even now, I’m too young. Pa has a long history in business, so it was perfect for him to manage me. I trust him 110 per cent. I know he’s not trying to take my money. We talk on the plane, in the car, set goals. He’s good at planning. We’d like to head overseas and build a fan base in the States, the UK. I think we’ve captured a large majority of what we can here.

We share a twin room on the road. He snores pretty loud but, other than that, it’s all right. Sometimes we’ve got to get up real early. When I’m asleep, I’m really asleep, so he’ll wake me up. I need him for a lot of those things.

Now I look back and think how bizarre it is that he’s loved Elvis his whole life, and now people seem to think pretty highly of what I do. For him to hear that about his own grandson is really cool. I’m grateful I can give him that enjoyment. Even when I was very little, I thought to myself, “We don’t do enough for Pa because he does so much for us.” He’s the pillar. Everyone relies on him and he never lets anyone down.

He’s always fixing things; he’s got a solution to everything. I always felt it’s a shame we can’t give him something back. But this is priceless, something money can’t buy. I can tell he’s having the time of his life.

Charlie Gaylard will be performing at Cooly Rocks On in Coolangatta, Queensland, from June 3-7.

twoofus@goodweekend.com.au

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