... it's not the superstar, but Marcus is still tops

by Janet Hughes

Regulars in one West pub have only to shut their eyes and superstar Elton John is
serenading them at the bar.

Marcus Andrew may not look too much like the singer, but locals at the Black Lion in Hereford say they cannot tell the difference.
And the 28-year-old's singing is so popular with the regulars that the landlady Penny Smith persuaded the wannabe singer to go to the local recording studio and put it on CD.
Now the sound of Marcus belting out Elton classics such as Can You Feel The Love Tonight and Daniel is proving more poular on the jukebox than the real thing.
Regulars are either paying to listen to Marcus or playing both side by side in a game of spot the difference.
And the shop manager who works in a local men's outfitters is hoping the success of Marcus Andrew Impersonates could lead to a new career as a fully-fledged Elton John impersonator.
Already he has been asked to appear at a charity gig starring comic Jim Davidson and is planning to audition for the new series of ITV's Stars In Your Eyes.

"I've been a fan of Elton's for about 15 years now and have been singing his songs for so long that my voice naturally fits in with his." said Marcus. "I do not have to try very hard but I might need plastic surgery to look like him."
"I'll definately need to buy a wig, change my glasses and put a few cushions up my jumper to get it right. I've always dreamed of being a singer and I really want to make a go of this."

But Andrew says even if he makes it as big as his hero, he will always stay true to the pub regulars who persuaded him to take his first step on the showbiz ladder.
"The Black Lion is one of the few pubs left here in Hereford that has that sense of community," he said.
Elton John fans who want to judge for themselves can here Marcus singing on his website www.marcusandrew.co.uk