Elvis Presley fans not happy about $28.75 charge to visit grave

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Elvis Presley: Remembering 'the King' 40 years later

A look back at the life and death of Elvis Presley, 'the king of rock & roll'

Elvis Presley's fans were ticked off when they were charged a whopping $28.75 to visit the late singer's grave on the 40th anniversary of the rock 'n' roll icon's death.

Presley fans have been making a solemn procession past the "Love Me Tender" singer's grave at his Graceland mansion during the annual candlelight vigil commemorating his death, without paying a penny for nearly four decades.

Those who attended the vigil that began Tuesday night and runs into Wednesday were required to purchase the $28.75 Elvis Week Property Pass wristband to walk up the long driveway and past the graves where Presley and relatives are buried. The wristband also provided access to a new $45 million entertainment complex at the Memphis tourist attraction.

Graceland, operated by Elvis Presley Enterprises, said it anticipated large crowds and it updated its security measures for Elvis Week, the annual celebration of Presley's life and career in music and movies. Presley died on Aug. 16, 1977, in Memphis.

"In order to keep everyone safe and ensure an enjoyable and meaningful event for all, we have worked closely with local, state and federal security authorities to establish new procedures that have been widely used across the U.S.," Graceland's statement said.

Thousands of mourning fans holding white candles burning a yellow-orange flame made a slow, silent walk through the graves Tuesday night. Before the procession began, Priscilla Presley, the performer's former wife, and Lisa Marie Presley, their daughter, thanked the crowd for their love and dedication.

A crowd estimate was not immediately available. Officials had prepared for about 30,000 to 50,000 people.

A few Presley fans made a pilgrimage to Graceland the year he died, and they've continued coming ever since. Graceland says it averages 500,000 visitors per year from around the world.

FILE -- This Aug. 2010 photo shows Graceland, Elvis Presley's home in Memphis, Tenn. Graceland opened for tours on June 7, 1982. They sold out all 3,024 tickets on the first day and didn't look back, forever changing the Memphis tourist landscape while keeping Elvis and his legend alive.(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (AP)

The announcement surprised fans who didn't know about the charge when they made plans to come to Elvis Week. Some reacted with angry messages on social media, saying they won't attend another vigil.

Longtime fan Fred Schwarz of Springfield, Illinois, said Tuesday that he and his wife have been to several vigils and have enjoyed them. But not this year. He says fans should be insulted at the new charge.

"I looked forward to going down there this year, and they come up with all this," Schwarz said. "I don't want to even go to Memphis anymore. The people running that are not Elvis fans. They are in business. Corporations, they want the bottom line."

Elvis Presley Enterprises was created by the Elvis Presley Trust to manage its assets, according to Graceland's website. It was wholly owned by the Elvis Presley Trust and Lisa Marie Presley until 2005. Elvis Presley Enterprises is now majority-owned by Graceland Holdings, led by managing partner Joel Weinshanker. Lisa Marie Presley retains 15 percent ownership in the company.

The new entertainment complex is part of a $140 million expansion, which also includes a $90 million, 450-room hotel that opened last year. The complex, featuring exhibits of Presley's cars, clothing and other personal items, replaces the aging buildings that housed the exhibits for years.

Access to restaurants, gift shops and an entertainment tent where people gathered before the vigil used to be free, though visitors still actually had to buy the food or memorabilia at the eateries and shops.

Now, access to them is included in the fee to enter the complex.

Cheryl Skogen, of Los Angeles, was third in line waiting on Tuesday morning for the vigil later that evening.

"I don't think Elvis would like it if he knew the fans were charged to go up and see," she said.

Some fans didn't have a problem with the charge. Joe Makowski, who saw Presley more than 80 times in concert and came to Graceland after Presley died in 1977, said it's a good idea because of the cost of security. He also said these types of charges are seen at other tourist attractions.

"I don't think Elvis would like it if he knew the fans were charged to go up and see."

— Cheryl Skogen, Elvis fan from Los Angeles

"It goes along with the territory of the popularity of Elvis," said Makowski, of St. Petersburg, Florida. "There's a price for that as well, to accommodate all the people."

News of the vigil charge also upset Anthony Stuchbury, of Bolton, England, who has been to Graceland more than two dozen times but did not come this year.

"I understand they are a business, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with them making money," Stuchbury said. "But the current price-gouging situation has created so much friction, it's even dividing fans."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.