The Life Story of Ritchie Newton

 The Early Years...

Born in1964 as the first of 5 siblings, Ritchie discovered his love for music shortly after at the age of 5 and joined a German marching band as a drummer. In 1975 Ritchie saw his first Elvis movie ‘King Creole’, and his mother, who was a big fan of Elvis, saw the magic sparkle in the eyes of the 10 year old. 

From that moment onwards there was no turning back, and the singer Ritchie Newton was born. His mother bought him his first record, his hair changed overnight to copy the King and evenings were spent practicing the ‘pelvis’ in front of the bathroom mirror.  Not long after, his first public performance followed in the local schoolyard and there was no doubt that this kid had talent. Then on August 16th 1977 the sudden death of Elvis Presley shocked the planet and for Ritchie the world collapsed. While the nights were filled with crying and sorrow, during the day every spare minute was spent listening to the Kings records...

The 80’s...

In the early 80’s Ritchie changed his taste in music and for the next 18 years it was Hard Rock, which kept him performing. Four singles and two CD’s later, Ritchie was determined to make it ‘big time’ and he toured Europe with many bands to realize his dream. Concerts in Austria, Greece, Italy, Switzerland were sold out and he was rolling.

The 90’s... 

In the middle of the 90’s, still an Elvis fan at heart, Ritchie was determined to start his own Elvis Show. For the 26 year old, who looked more like the president of the local Hell’s Angel Club, drastic changes had to be made to resemble the King of Rock ’n Roll. His long hair and tattooed body didn’t really help at first. Then in 1997 Ritchie came to Thailand for the first time and the generous people and this amazing country fascinated him. A tip from a friend back in Germany to have his Elvis costumes made in Thailand, first did not work out. Every tailor on Kao San Road was more interested in selling Armani and Boss look-alikes. After two days wandering the streets of Bangkok Ritchie finally headed down to Koh Samui to try his luck there. It was love at first sight when he arrived on this small coconut island in the Gulf of Thailand. Now all he needed was a work permit and a job.

The first concerts took place in “Papa’s Restaurant” in Lamai. Unfortunately it was only short term as the owner did not want commit himself long term. The ‘Rock Pub’ a few meters up the road was a bit more adventurous and offered him his first real job in Thailand.  His salary was just enough to get by but the experience was worth gold. Then after 180 concerts in only 7 months, Ritchie was finally through with his Hard Rock  shows and he decided to take a 3 month break in Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand.  At the Imperial Mai Ping Hotel in Chiang Mai Ritchie met the only Thai Elvis impersonator who was performing there on a regular basis. The dream of his own Elvis Show once again crossed his mind, but money was tight and time running out. At the end of 1998 Ritchie was called home to bid farewell to his dying grandmother. Grandmother always supported his dreams and encouraged him to pursue his dreams, and some monetary support finally gave Ritchie the chance to start all over again.

With the help of German Elvis impersonator Marc Charro, Ritchie began practicing day and night to perfect his performance. Marc’s feedback and criticism was invaluable and it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.  Then in January 1999 he was ready for the stage and the first concerts were promising. In February he played in front of 2000 fans of the Spider Murphy Gang and that was the long awaited and surely deserved break through .

Back in Thailand...

Ritchie realized very fast that most hotels and bars preferred to have Filipino entertainment, so money was tight once again and engagements rare. Until November 1999 Elvis performed in almost every decent hotel and bar on his favourite island of Koh Samui, which is a popular tourist destination for Europeans.

Then in November '99 Ritchie met Thailand’s most famous Elvis impersonator, Jaruk Viriyakit, who invited him to join one of his shows which was later broadcast on TV. It was a triumph not to be beaten and from that moment onwards Ritchie has been playing at least 6 nights a week in various hotels, bars and pubs.  Invitations to Hong Kong and other parts of Asia followed shortly after and only the real “King of Rock’n Roll” Elvis Presley knew what would come next !

The year 2000 ushered in the new millennium and what would be Ritchie's most successful year ever.  Highlights included performances in Germany and Austria and then following a trip to China and return to Thailand, Ritchie was blessed with the birth of his first son-Rino Mangon.  Performing on television before millions of viewers increased Ritchie's popularity and led to performances at many of the largest hotels throughout Thailand.

With a packed concert schedule through the beginning months of 2001, this year promises to be the best year ever for Ritchie in helping to keep the memories of the Greatest Artist of All Time alive in the hearts of all.

Long Live the King!