There is some news from El Vez, the band that opened up for Moz in the early in his tour last year.

Alan McGee Signs Mexican Elvis

ALAN McGEE, the man who discovered and signed Oasis has signed a cult singer known as 'The Mexican Elvis' to his newly launched Poptones label.

El Vez is one of the first signings to Poptones, which McGee set up weeks after leaving Creation Records, the label he launched almost 18 years ago.

The California-based singer, real name Robert Lopez, told London newspaper the Evening Standard on Monday February 7 "I am really excited to be working with Alan McGee. Oasis are one of my favourite bands".

El Vez's act involves Latin-styled renditions of Elvis Presley hits such as 'Hound Dog' (retitled 'You Ain't Nothing But A Chihuahua'), backed by singers Priscillita and Lisa Maria, otherwise known as The Elvettes. He also does impressions of Oasis and David Bowie.

Largely unknown in the UK, El Vez counts Pulp's Jarvis Cocker and Morrissey as his fans. There are plans to introduce the singer to a wider British audience in the spring with the release of a compilation album.

Other acts so far signed to Poptones include dub legend Lee 'Scratch' Perry and US outfit Outrageous Cherry.

Visit the official El Vez website.

Alan McGee Quits Creation Records
Mon Feb 7 2000 16:02 GMT