Colourful Flame Jumpsuit (1976)

[kennyelvis]

October 26th 1976

More Pictures HERE (http://www.tcb-world.com/elvispictures/Jumpsuit%20Index%20Archive%202/elvis%20presley%20flame%20jumpsuit%201976a.html)

[kennyelvis]

October 26th 1976 part 2

[Newflame]

some more pictures with Elvis in this fantastic suit

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Flame Jumpsuit (1976) Apparently Elvis didn't like this Jumpsuit which is a shame because It Is absolutely Stunning!!

Known Dates Worn:-

October 20, 1976 (8:30 pm) South Bend, IN.
October 26, 1976 (8:30 pm) Dayton, OH.

[kennyelvis]

October 20, 1976 (8:30 pm) South Bend, IN.

[The fool]

October 26, 1976 Dayton, OH.

[buttonhead]

flame picture

[The fool]

Now where is that lady going with her hand? :blush:

[Nicko]

Great piX guys!!! thank a lot! Is it true elvis wore this suit only twice? Oct 20 and 26? A lot of great pictures were made then.
I found a piece of (fan)footage of Elvis in this suit live, must be one of those 2 shows then. It lasts for about 3 minutes i think.

[buttonhead]

Great piX guys!!! thank a lot! Is it true elvis wore this suit only twice? Oct 20 and 26? A lot of great pictures were made then.



Yes Nicko, thats true he wore this flame jumpsuit in 1976 on Oct 20th, in SouthBend Indiana, and on Oct 26th in Dayton Ohio.. i think Matt already said that on the first page of this thread..:)

[paulsweeney]

One of Elvis' last great suits - it would have been great to see him wear it in December 1976 or the later part of the February 1977 tour - he looked better at the end of the Feb. '77 tour, totally different than at the start of it...

[michu]

Its strange that he did not like this suit...anyway-I love it!

[IM4Elvis]

One of Elvis' most flashy jumpsuits. This one has always been one of my favorites! It's too bad he didn't wear this one more often!

IM

[Tommy]

Great jumpsuit wonder why he didn't like it.

Thanks for the all the great photos!

Tommy

[1100ccRider]

He apparently wasn't too keen on the color red, either, though he wore a fair bit of it offstage and, of course, the 'Burning Love' jumpsuit.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Couple of nice Flame shots :D

JJ

[Menwithbrokenhearts]

The reason Elvis didn't like it was because it was too flashy even for him. It's so colourful it has a tendency to draw the attention away from Elvis. It has no elegance, it's just agressive.

I agree with him 100%

[Unchained Melody]

Nice shot of this beautiful suite.

[Eve]

http://img458.imageshack.us/img458/1857/flame8wv2.jpg

[Unchained Melody]

Nice photo Eve (y)

[vulcandude]

Absolutely stunning pics everybody! WOW! What is the background history on it? Any pics of it on display at Graceland?:hmm:

[Dudcowboy_1]

I think I may have some still some where but not 100% sure. I went to graceland in 2002 and then in 2004 (first time I entered contest) and they had the flame suit out one of those times and I took picture of me in it. This is other suit That is on my pre-order list at B-K Enterprises I hope to have it by fall of this year.

Love to all,
Tim Dudley "A Tribute To Elvis Show"
http://www.geocities.com/dudcowboy_1/

[Leroy]

This suit is actually a re-make although my expanation could cause some confusion. In 1973 Elvis started to wear a suit called "Fire Suit". Most people are more familiar to the name "Red Flower" but Gene Doucette intended to portrait fire. But he had only nails and stones to work with and therefore this was the best he could do at the time.
In the beginning of 1974 Gene discovered working with embroidery and because he was't really satisfied with the way some of the themes came out he re-designed some earlier suits. One of them was the 1976 "Colourful Flame Suit". Because the embroidery gave him the chance to work with different colours (red, pink and yellow) it became more realistic.
But Elvis wasn't too thrilled about the suit. Even he found it too flashy. But the fans loved it so Elvis tried it out only a few times.
This suit goes into history for being the last suit made for Elvis which he actually wore on stage. The very last suit that was designed never made it to the stage.
I have attached a picture where you can see the 1976 "Colourful Flame Suit" on display in a showcase setting together with the 1973 "Orange Sunburst", the 1973 "Blue Rain" and the 1974 "Mad Tiger".

[vulcandude]

This suit is actually a re-make although my expanation could cause some confusion. In 1973 Elvis started to wear a suit called "Fire Suit". Most people are more familiar to the name "Red Flower" but Gene Doucette intended to portrait fire. But he had only nails and stones to work with and therefore this was the best he could do at the time.
In the beginning of 1974 Gene discovered working with embroidery and because he was't really satisfied with the way some of the themes came out he re-designed some earlier suits. One of them was the 1976 "Colourful Flame Suit". Because the embroidery gave him the chance to work with different colours (red, pink and yellow) it became more realistic.
But Elvis wasn't too thrilled about the suit. Even he found it too flashy. But the fans loved it so Elvis tried it out only a few times.
This suit goes into history for being the last suit made for Elvis which he actually wore on stage. The very last suit that was designed never made it to the stage.
I have attached a picture where you can see the 1976 "Colourful Flame Suit" on display in a showcase setting together with the 1973 "Orange Sunburst", the 1973 "Blue Rain" and the 1974 "Mad Tiger".Thanks for the great info Leroy. But I'm confused about one thing......did you mean this is the last suit Elvis wore on stage before he died? Or did I read what you said wrong? Awesome pic too.....I'd love to see that Tiger Suit close up.....it looks so cool.

[Leroy]

I knew it would get confusing. The 1976 "Colourful Flame Suit" was the very last suit that was designed and finished and used while Elvis was still alive. It's designed and manufactured in the summer of 1976 and used in October 1976. So it was the last NEW suit that was actually worn by Elvis.

The last suit Elvis ever wore on stage was an "oldie", namely the 1974 "Mexican Sundial".

[vulcandude]

I knew it would get confusing. The 1976 "Colourful Flame Suit" was the very last suit that was designed and finished and used while Elvis was still alive. It's designed and manufactured in the summer of 1976 and used in October 1976. So it was the last NEW suit that was actually worn by Elvis.

The last suit Elvis ever wore on stage was an "oldie", namely the 1974 "Mexican Sundial".Thanks Leroy. That definitely clears things up.......:D

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

I've always liked this Jumpsuit :blush: I know it is not what you call stylish but it has just got something, I suppose that after some of the other Jumpsuits from 1975/76 e.g. Chicken Rib, Eskimo Totem Pole, White/Blue Egyptian Bird & the V-Neck this stands out. I'm just glad that Elvis didn't wear the last designed Jumpsuit, this really would have been a travisty (n)

[vulcandude]

I've always liked this Jumpsuit :blush: I know it is not what you call stylish but it has just got something, I suppose that after some of the other Jumpsuits from 1975/76 e.g. Chicken Rib, Eskimo Totem Pole, White/Blue Egyptian Bird & the V-Neck this stands out. I'm just glad that Elvis didn't wear the last designed Jumpsuit, this really would have been a travisty (n)And why would that be? It can't be that bad looking.......

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

And why would that be? It can't be that bad looking.......

:hmm: from the picture i have mocked up, what do you think of it....... :supriced:

http://www.tcb-world.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2547

Its just so awful!!

[srj1967]

I agree. That unworn "blue" suit is truly hideous.

The jumpsuits had had their day by August 1977, and had he lived, I'd like to think he would've gone back to the same style as the two-piece suits he wore in 1975. Or something more plain, similar to the TTWII styles.

I read somewhere once that Elvis was thinking of using some sort of "laser" or "light" system in his suits, so he could glow more on stage.

Man, now that would've been just tragic, for so many reasons ...

[Leroy]

Here we go again! I wonder why that "Laser Suit" keeps popping up. That laser suit is only a rumour. It was never meant to be. The designers were thinking about designing a suit with tiny mirrors that would create the effect of laser beams when hit by the stage lights.

And I do not share the opinion that by 1977 the jumpsuit had its days. I have gone through the seventies. The same goes for flashy clothes. There were groups and artists that were performing in more flashy clothes than Elvis ever did. Think about the funk bands like the Commodores and Instant Funk or Parliament. They looked like they were coming for another planet. Or a rock group like KISS. Elvis wardrobe was tame comparing to their clothes....

And like I said in another thread: Elvis wasn't satisfied with the 1975 two-piece and the audiences back then felt the same way. They wanted the more elaborate jumpsuits and Elvis gave them what they want. Looking back it's easy for us to say what he should have done. But we are living in the next century and he had to live it up back then. That's a hell of a difference.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Hi Leroy,

having read you comment about the Jumpsuit not having it's day by 1977, I was wondering about you opinion on what Elvis would have been wearing post 1977? When would Elvis have changed etc.

Matt

[Leroy]

According to Gene Doucette Elvis would go on wearing jumpsuits with a few adjustments. There were six suit lying and waiting for the August 1977 tour. Until this day only one suit has been showed.
The flares would have been less wider and the kick pleats would disappear. Alsdo the Napoleonic collar would be lowered. And off course the patterns would change into something less elaborate. More subtile as on the 1975 "V-neck" or the 1975 "Rainfall". Also more darker suits like the 1975 "Dark Blue Phoenix".

At the end of the seventies the fashion began to change and I believe that this would be the time for Elvis to long for changes in his wardrobe too. But it all would depend on a couple of factors:

a) Would Elvis still be touring and performing?
b) Would Elvis finally succeed in losing weight?

It was getting more and more difficult to design for Elvis because he didn't allow measurements. The 1976 "Colourful Flame Suit" is a perfect example of that. This suit was designed and made in the summer of 1976 while Elvis was going through his last tour. When Elvis went on with the next tour in October he was less bloathed as before and so the "Colourful Flame Suit" was too large all of a sudden. You can see it on the pictures. Especially at the back of the suit. So they folded it a little behind the belt.

A return of the two-pieces is not really an "out-of-the-question" issue but it would never happen while Elvis would still be at 200 ponds.

[vulcandude]

:hmm: from the picture i have mocked up, what do you think of it....... :supriced:

http://www.tcb-world.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2547

Its just so awful!!What's so bad about this suit? I think it is nicely understated.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

What's so bad about this suit? I think it is nicely understated.

Where do I start :P the colour, the pattern, the belt just looks like a cheap knockoff!!................ Just my opinion :lmfao:

[vulcandude]

Where do I start :P the colour, the pattern, the belt just looks like a cheap knockoff!!................ Just my opinion :lmfao:Maybe Elvis was trying to go for something a little more simplistic after the way some of the suits had been.

[goodelvisgirl]

wel back to the flame jumpsuit i think its great flamboyant bright an elvis master piece although i wonder what was wrong with his hair dosent quite look like the elvis style anyway great suit

[Diane]

This is the one suit I didn't like at all along with the V-Neck suit. I don't know what Bill Belew or Doucette were thinking when they made these.(n)


Diane

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Still a favourite of mine ;)

[Tommy]

A great looking jumpsuit always liked this one, very nice photo (y) thank you Matt. (y)

[Tony Trout]

What's so bad about this suit? I think it is nicely understated.


That paisley design is the worst design for a jumpsuit that Gene Doucette and Bill Belew could think of...it's like Elvis wanted to compete with James Burton for the title of "Which one of us does paisley look the best on?"

Back to the "Flame" suit, though....I think it's a pretty good looking suit...although Elvis's hairstyle doesn't wanna make me go "gaa-gaa!" because of it....

[john carpenter]

I don't like that blue suit.I guess i'm partial to the white jumpsuits.My all time favorite would have to be the "Tiger Jumpsuit", 2nd on my list would have to be the Aloha from Hawaii jumpsuit.

[SeeSeeRider777]

This suit would have been better if it had Stones on the sleeves.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

This suit would have been better if it had Stones on the sleeves.

from about 1974 most jumpsuits stopped having ornaments on the sleeves, I'm guessing that it was a conscious decision to stop guitars from getting scratched and possibly to reduce the weight of Jumpsuits :hmm:

[tony70]

didnt he wear that in 74 also ?

[Tony Trout]

didnt he wear that in 74 also ?


No, you are getting this suit confused with the "Red Flower (http://www.tcb-world.com/showthread.php?t=1225)" suit from '73-'74.

[Unchained Melody]

from about 1974 most jumpsuits stopped having ornaments on the sleeves, I'm guessing that it was a conscious decision to stop guitars from getting scratched and possibly to reduce the weight of Jumpsuits :hmm:

You know Matt I never really paid that close attention to that until you said that but it is true. Maybe the design team wanted to go for a different style perhaps..:hmm:

[tony70]

No, you are getting this suit confused with the "Red Flower (http://www.tcb-world.com/showthread.php?t=1225)" suit from '73-'74.

ah your right thanks so much boy I feel dumb

[elvispresleytheking]

Reading through the omments, I'll agree that it is too flashy. I saw a modified poto once with a black jumpsuit and blue flames, which looked better. Too much red, and you first notice the suit, not Elvis. I like noticing Elvis, then the suit.

[WHITETIGERMAN]

I must agree that this suit is not a favorite of mine.I just don't care for it .

[medleyofcostumes]

I saw a photo on the net of a rack of jumpsuits with 2 Clourful flames suits.



My question is why a duplicate suit?

[Leroy]

There are several reasons to make duplicate versions of a suit. Around 1970 Elvis' wardrobe wasn't that large so in order to make it possible for him to wear a certain suit several times they made several identical version. In case of the 1970 "Chain Suit" even three versions. Later on when the suits got more eleborate and expensive the copying stopped.

Both 1973 "Black Spanish Flowers" were made to keep the staff busy. So there you have another reason. In case of the 1976 "Flame Suit" it might be just that; keeping the staff busy. It could bever have been a case of a need because as history showed us, Elvis wasn't really fond of this suit....

[medleyofcostumes]

That's interesting, Leroy - keeping staff busy at EP's expense!!!

Compared with 'busy' years like 1972 or 1973 where many suits were made, 1976 was a 'slow' year with only one addition (except for the 'Colourful Flame, of course).

In other posts, you stated that Elvis had nothing to with design of stage wear. Does this mean, that Elvis didn't even commission a jumpsuit (whatever the design)? If this was the case, and I were Gene, I would have made plently of suits in 1976 and 1977 that Elvis would have added to his wardrobe.

From your conversations with Gene (and your opinion), do you think there were other suits planned in mid/late 1976 and 1977? (apart from the unworn suit of 1977)

[easyrider]

Very good jumpsuit

[Leroy]

That's interesting, Leroy - keeping staff busy at EP's expense!!!

Compared with 'busy' years like 1972 or 1973 where many suits were made, 1976 was a 'slow' year with only one addition (except for the 'Colourful Flame, of course).

In other posts, you stated that Elvis had nothing to with design of stage wear. Does this mean, that Elvis didn't even commission a jumpsuit (whatever the design)? If this was the case, and I were Gene, I would have made plently of suits in 1976 and 1977 that Elvis would have added to his wardrobe.

From your conversations with Gene (and your opinion), do you think there were other suits planned in mid/late 1976 and 1977? (apart from the unworn suit of 1977)


In the end Elvis only payed for what he got. There are two sides on the story of keeping the staff busy. Apart from avoiding his people to "hang around the store" they also created something extra... As you probably know Elvis could make decision in an instant and it had to be fulfilled right that moment. Several times Gene was confronted with having to work around the clock in order to created a "spure of the moment" jumpsuit.

As far as Elvis commissioning pieces of wadrobe.... In the beginning Elvis worked on a very close base with Bill Belew. The 1969 "Cossack Top" two-pieces was a design based on ideas of Elvis. When the jumpsuit made its debut in 1970 Elvis began to concentrate more and more on his performances and left the wardobe intirely to Bill Belew. After that the only jumpsuit(s) he commisioned was for the 1973 Satelite show.

During 1976 Gene and his staff mostly worked on repairs and alterations of the excisting suit. The only new ones were the 1976 "Light Blue Egyptian Bird" the the two already meantioned "Flame Suits".

According to Gene five newly designed jumpsuits (including the 1977 "Light Blue Paisley" jumpsuit) were delivered to Graceland. EPE has some explaining to do......

[medleyofcostumes]

So there are 4 never-before-seen jumpsuits hidden somewhere!! My guess is that with the confusion after Elvis' death, someone must have taken them.

Once again Leroy, thanks a million for your answers!!!

[Brad Stalnaker]

from my Memphis Trip in October 2008

[elvia7]

It's good but no too best :(

[moody-blues67]

I like this one !!!

[nabelt24]

In the end Elvis only payed for what he got. There are two sides on the story of keeping the staff busy. Apart from avoiding his people to "hang around the store" they also created something extra... As you probably know Elvis could make decision in an instant and it had to be fulfilled right that moment. Several times Gene was confronted with having to work around the clock in order to created a "spure of the moment" jumpsuit.

As far as Elvis commissioning pieces of wadrobe.... In the beginning Elvis worked on a very close base with Bill Belew. The 1969 "Cossack Top" two-pieces was a design based on ideas of Elvis. When the jumpsuit made its debut in 1970 Elvis began to concentrate more and more on his performances and left the wardobe intirely to Bill Belew. After that the only jumpsuit(s) he commisioned was for the 1973 Satelite show.

During 1976 Gene and his staff mostly worked on repairs and alterations of the excisting suit. The only new ones were the 1976 "Light Blue Egyptian Bird" the the two already meantioned "Flame Suits".

According to Gene five newly designed jumpsuits (including the 1977 "Light Blue Paisley" jumpsuit) were delivered to Graceland. EPE has some explaining to do......

Great info, Leroy!!! But, lord have mercy, missing FOUR suits that were produced and delivered to Graceland.... how in the world could that have happened? They've got to be somewhere?
Leroy, did Gene mention what the designs were on these four suits? It would be very interesting to know.

[Éireann Elvis]

Nice suit, pitty its only worn twice, although there seems to be allot of photos of it. Good one.

[Éireann Elvis]

Great info, Leroy!!! But, lord have mercy, missing FOUR suits that were produced and delivered to Graceland.... how in the world could that have happened? They've got to be somewhere?
Leroy, did Gene mention what the designs were on these four suits? It would be very interesting to know.

Yeah I'd love to know wha the designs where of the other suits.:blush:

[Leroy]

Great info, Leroy!!! But, lord have mercy, missing FOUR suits that were produced and delivered to Graceland.... how in the world could that have happened? They've got to be somewhere?
Leroy, did Gene mention what the designs were on these four suits? It would be very interesting to know.

You have to remember that in the chaos that occured directly after Elvis passed away, a lot of items were taken away. Lots of Elvis' personal belongings just "disappeared", jumpsuits included.

I do know about one of the designs. It was a design that caused many discussions on several message boards about the possible excistence of a "Laser Suit". According to the rumours it had build in electronics to send out lase beams. It was a rumour that was hard to kill, especially because Bill Belew talked about it during fanclub meetings. But originally it was a suit covered with lots of tiny mirrors that would capture the stage lightning and create the effect of laser beams.

On the whole Gene stayed very misty on this subject.
He did tell me there was a black version of the 1975 "Rainfall" and a black version of the "Silver Phoenix", which is only logican since the original design of the suit was to be a zebra. And zebra's are black and white, not blue and white.

[nabelt24]

You have to remember that in the chaos that occured directly after Elvis passed away, a lot of items were taken away. Lots of Elvis' personal belongings just "disappeared", jumpsuits included.

I do know about one of the designs. It was a design that caused many discussions on several message boards about the possible excistence of a "Laser Suit". According to the rumours it had build in electronics to send out lase beams. It was a rumour that was hard to kill, especially because Bill Belew talked about it during fanclub meetings. But originally it was a suit covered with lots of tiny mirrors that would capture the stage lightning and create the effect of laser beams.

On the whole Gene stayed very misty on this subject.
He did tell me there was a black version of the 1975 "Rainfall" and a black version of the "Silver Phoenix", which is only logican since the original design of the suit was to be a zebra. And zebra's are black and white, not blue and white.

Very cool, Leroy! Thanks so much for sharing! I'd love to see someone on the modified photo board create a black "Rainfall" suit! That would be interesting to see. If Elvis had lived, I wonder how much longer he would have worn the jumpsuits?:hmm:

[Éireann Elvis]

You have to remember that in the chaos that occured directly after Elvis passed away, a lot of items were taken away. Lots of Elvis' personal belongings just "disappeared", jumpsuits included.

I do know about one of the designs. It was a design that caused many discussions on several message boards about the possible excistence of a "Laser Suit". According to the rumours it had build in electronics to send out lase beams. It was a rumour that was hard to kill, especially because Bill Belew talked about it during fanclub meetings. But originally it was a suit covered with lots of tiny mirrors that would capture the stage lightning and create the effect of laser beams.

On the whole Gene stayed very misty on this subject.
He did tell me there was a black version of the 1975 "Rainfall" and a black version of the "Silver Phoenix", which is only logican since the original design of the suit was to be a zebra. And zebra's are black and white, not blue and white.

Great Info leroy, Thanks:notworthy

[Leroy]

Very cool, Leroy! Thanks so much for sharing! I'd love to see someone on the modified photo board create a black "Rainfall" suit! That would be interesting to see. If Elvis had lived, I wonder how much longer he would have worn the jumpsuits?:hmm:

We talked about the possible change in Elvis' wardrobe if he had lived. The jumpsuit would have stayed for another while but the outlook of it would have changed. Gene was trying to lead Elvis away from the kick pleats. That means that the bell bottoms would get smaller and disappear eventually, which happened in the 80's. Also the collar would be lowered. And the designs would have been less flashy..

[medleyofcostumes]

Thanks Leroy for your valuable info!!

[nabelt24]

We talked about the possible change in Elvis' wardrobe if he had lived. The jumpsuit would have stayed for another while but the outlook of it would have changed. Gene was trying to lead Elvis away from the kick pleats. That means that the bell bottoms would get smaller and disappear eventually, which happened in the 80's. Also the collar would be lowered. And the designs would have been less flashy..

Almost sounds like they were going back to a 1969-70 look? I would love to have seen that! (y)

[molokai123]

Flame Jumpsuit (1976) Apparently Elvis didn't like this Jumpsuit which is a shame because It Is absolutely Stunning!!

Known Dates Worn:-

October 20, 1976 (8:30 pm) South Bend, IN.
October 26, 1976 (8:30 pm) Dayton, OH.

thanks i didnt know that,it is a shame this is a stunning suit!!

[chinese doll]

a flaming star!!!

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

This suit knocks the sox off the unworn Jumpsuit (y)

[TCB4ELVIS]

This suit knocks the sox off the unworn Jumpsuit (y)

I have to agree with you here.

btw, very cool default pic and banner (y)

[keninlincs]

Thanks.some nice photos there

[lvelvis]

i wonder if the rumour is true that ELVIS hated this suit as SEAN SHAVER wrote in his book THE LIFE OF ELVIS . I was amazed to find out that there were 2 of them made - didn't know until i bought inside graceland the ELVIS UNLIMITED book.

[Tommy]

http://www.tcb-world.com/gallery/data//34/1976Tahoe.jpg

http://www.tcb-world.com/gallery/data//34/HEISDAYTON26thOct7617.jpg

http://www.tcb-world.com/gallery/data//34/FlameTommyTCB2.jpg

http://www.tcb-world.com/gallery/data//34/FlameTommyTCB.jpg

[jean francois]

http://i47.servimg.com/u/f47/12/57/89/40/flame_10.jpg
enjoy!!!!

[elvia7]

Thank you JEAN!!!!!:notworthy:notworthy:notworthy:notworthy: clap::clap::clap:

[elvia7]

Thank you my dear friend TOMMY(y)(y)(y):clap:

[Tommy]

You are very welcome my dearest Evi............:clap::clap::clap:Thank you very much!! (y)

[jean francois]

ARE VERY WELCOME EVI....

[Tommy]

http://www.tcb-world.com/gallery/data//34/1976DaytonTommyTCB.jpg

[hounddog]

one from Dayton

[hounddog]

a few more

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

http://imageshack.us/a/img37/7007/flame1976.jpg

[Tommy]

http://www.tcb-world.com/gallery/data//34/img358.JPG

[Tommy]

http://www.tcb-world.com/gallery/data//34/111276vegas1.jpg

[drumzz70]

Not one of my favorites, although close up the art work is rather impressive. The belt is real nice though and he could have worn it with any black or white pants as casual. this belt, the tiger, and phoneix zebra belts are probabaly the most alike being a full design. a belt like the peacock belt would have looked better if it had more detail. I've always been a bigger fan of the belts because they added a rich aspect to all the suits.

[hounddog]

i like this one