Elvis Presley's former wife Priscilla has opened a tribute concert on the 25th anniversary of his death.

"I want to thank you for your loyalty and support for Elvis," she told a crowd of 14,000 at the Pyramid arena in Memphis, Tennessee.

Ex-wife Priscilla introduced the show

His daughter Lisa Marie Presley and her new husband, actor Nicolas Cage, were in the audience.

Earlier the three secretly watched fans taking part in a candlelit all-night vigil at Elvis' grave at his mansion in Graceland.

Friday evening's concert features a huge video screen showing Elvis singing some of his most famous songs.

Some of his original backing musicians are playing live on stage.

Worldwide memorial

Elvis Presley fans across the world are commemorating the anniversary, bringing together generations of devoted followers.

I promise that I am going to love you tender - I'll never put you through Heartbreak Hotel

British couple's Elvis Wedding vows

In Malaysia, impersonators gathered in Kuala Lumpur for an Elvis contest, while Japanese admirers visited a bronze statue of the singer built with cash raised by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi - a member of the Japanese Elvis fan club.

And in the UK, Elvis impersonators and lookalikes are attending The Elvis Experience, a three-day convention taking place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Highlights of the event so far have included the wedding of two of those attending.

A celluloid Elvis was backed by live musicians (AFP)

Dani Leighton and Juliet Massey were married by an Elvis lookalike in front of a crowd of impersonators and other convention guests, before flying across the Atlantic to get married for the second time at the Elvis Chapel in Las Vegas.

Dean Michael Campion of the St Marys Cathedral in Newcastle dedicated his noon mass to Elvis.

'Miracle' tears

Fans in London are also able to see a special exhibition of rare Elvis images on display at record retailer HMV's flagship store in Oxford Street, including artwork from each of his 18 UK number one singles.

And in Germany, about 12,000 fans have gathered for a three-day party in the town of Bad Nauheim, where Presley served as a GI from 1958 to 1960.

Meanwhile, a Dutchman has claimed a plaster bust of Elvis wept "miracle" tears on Friday.

Professional Elvis impersonator Toon Nieuwenhuisen from Deurne, who has a shrine to the King at his home, also said he saw the ghost of the singer last week.

"The tears you can see started at 10 o'clock. When you taste it, it's salty. It's a miracle," he said.

Long-player

In Cardiff, Wales, an Elvis Presley fanatic, who changed his name to match the King's, is holding a 24-hour Elvis record-listening marathon.

An Elvis mass was held in a cathedral in Newcastle, UK

Elvis Presley, formerly known as Glyn Nedrud, originally wanted to mark the big day by donning a full Elvis-style jumpsuit and parading through the Welsh capital, but a recent shoulder injury has prevented him carrying out his initial plan.

Mr Presley, 43, who owns cats named Priscilla, Elvis, Lisa and Presley, said: "I don't think the neighbours will be too happy.

"But I've checked up and I won't be classed as a nuisance because it's only twice a year that I do it, on the anniversary of his death and on his birthday.

"I would be prepared to go to court if they want to send the police down - I've got to stand up for myself and Elvis.

Nicolas Cage married Lisa Marie Presley in a secret ceremony

"I would find it a sad day if he wasn't so treasured and no one really cared, but he's loved by young and old."

Those who believe Presley is still alive are also joining in the week's events, with bookmakers William Hill taking a �50 bet - at odds of 1000-1 - that he is still living - somewhere.

"I know he would be an elderly gent were he still about - but with a six-figure payout on the cards we'd be the ones who were all shook up if Elvis does reappear," said spokesman Graham Sharpe.

Meanwhile, a survey has voted Elvis king of the tribute acts in the UK.

The King of rock 'n' roll was found to be the most imitated star in the UK, ahead of The Beatles and Abba, according to the report from the Performing Rights Society.

The most popular Presley song performed by any tribute act was The Wonder Of You, followed by Can't Help Falling In Love.