How did a Memphis truck driver become “Máowáng” (貓王), the iconic "Cat King" or namely the King of Rock 'n' Roll? Brian Offenther, widely known as DJ BO, an acclaimed music promoter, vinyl archivist, and cultural historian is an explorer of Elvis Presley’s unexpected, deep-rooted cultural footprint in the Chinese world.
For generations of music lovers across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mainland China, Elvis was not just an imported Western celebrity, but a localized symbol of modern coolness and rebellion. Nicknamed “The Hillbilly Cat” early in his career, The word "Cat" in the Chinese world perfectly captures his sleek, fiercely independent charisma, while mirroring his famously agile, feline stage movements.
While his music was restricted in mid-century Mainland China, Elvis’s mania exploded openly in Hong Kong. The local passion solidified in 1968 with the founding of the International Elvis Presley Fan Club (Hong Kong) — one of the world's longest continuously running Elvis’s fan clubs. From the airwaves to the streets, Elvis permanently reshaped the city’s identity, inspiring local vinyl pressings, signature pompadours, and even legendary street performers like Lan Kwai Fong's beloved and passed "Melvis".
This talk will trace Elvis's surprising connection to Mainland China, and how a Western musical icon crossed deep ideological divides to capture generations of local fans.
The Speaker
Brian Offenther, widely known as DJ BO, is an acclaimed music promoter, vinyl archivist, and cultural historian celebrated for his infectious showmanship and deep passion for retro sounds. Dubbed "Shanghai’s #2 DJ" by SmartShanghai, he is renowned for narrative-driven vinyl sets that seamlessly blend vintage rock 'n' roll with Asian pop history.
As a boundary-pushing cultural ambassador, Brian has just completed his “Shanghai Express Tour” by, the longest ever DJ tour by train (about 18,500 km). His accomplishments span directing pioneering music tours in Mongolia, performing worldwide in 30 countries, being the only DJ to perform in every province in China, and becoming a leading authority on Elvis Presley’s legacy in the Sinosphere. He uniquely bridges academic scholarship with high-energy entertainment, delivering fascinating lectures on China’s underground dakou (cut-out) culture.
Combining the charisma of a seasoned performer with the rigor of a researcher, DJ BO offers audiences a captivating, nostalgic journey into the forgotten sonic bridges connecting East and West. His talk will also include a special presentation of some of his Elvis memorabilia collection, including Elvis-related records pressed for the Hong Kong market, and an Elvis-style suit owned by Hong Kong icon Anders Nelsson.
PROGRAMME
Speaker: DJ B.O., acclaimed music promoter, vinyl archivist, and cultural historian
Date: Monday, 14 September 2026
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
(Reception starts at 6:30 pm)
Café 8, Roof, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Pier 8, Central
$175 for members, $220 for guests /non-members
(Light refreshments are included in the admission fee)
Registration: Please email <membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk> and provide your membership number, if applicable, at the time of registration. Please kindly complete your registration by advance payment via Stripe's payment links below (using your Credit Card):
Members ($175):
https://buy.stripe.com/cNi14o4pedAI8T16NX5EY3y
Non-member / Guest ($220):
https://buy.stripe.com/fZu8wQ6xm7ck9X56NX5EY3z
Details about the other payment option will be sent on registration. Upon receipt of payment, your registration will be confirmed by email. Registration will be closed at 12 noon on 13 September 2026.