In concert: who decided which jumpsuit to wear?

[Jungleroom76]

It is not true that the "Mexican Sundial" was the only suit that still fitted. During the June tour of 1977 he was less heavy than in 1976. There were numerous jumpsuits that would have fitted him. Especially because most suits after 1974 were designed to let out if Elvis would gain weight. Remember that at the beginning of the last tour Elvis wore the 1974 "Arabian". Other suits he could have worn were the 1975 "Chief", the 1975 "V-neck", the 1974 "Blue Swirl".......

But I strongly believe the reason for wearing the "Mexican Sundial" over and over again was because he was saying goodbye. If you examine the Aztec Calender stone on the front and back of the suit it says 16-8 all over.

The rumour about the so-called "Laser Suit" is what it says; just a rumour. Kept alive by Bill because the fans like to hear it, it's just good entertaining at Elvis meetings.
It was meant as a suit covered with mirrors that would catch the stage lights and create the effect of lasers beams. In fact the technigue was not available in 1977 to create a laser suit.

THANKS FOR THE INFO. LEROY!!!

TCB!
Mike

[1100ccRider]

It is not true that the "Mexican Sundial" was the only suit that still fitted.

Very true. Here's something on that topic:

http://members.tripod.com/beyondther...itmalaise.html

I've always thought that he wore that (1974) Sundial suit so often that last year because he was depressed and just didn't care. Ditto the 1976 prehistoric bird suits. That kind of thing's a pretty common symptom for people with clinical depression.

The rumour about the so-called "Laser Suit" is what it says; just a rumour. Kept alive by Bill because the fans like to hear it, it's just good entertaining at Elvis meetings.
It was meant as a suit covered with mirrors that would catch the stage lights and create the effect of lasers beams. In fact the technigue was not available in 1977 to create a laser suit.

I've always doubted Mr Belew's veracity on this one, too....no way was laser technology such in 1977 that Elvis' suit could have contained laser devices, not unless it was a kaftan the size of a small circus tent complete with a crew of several laser technicians inside. A mirror-studded suit could have reflected laser beams, sure, or caught and scattered regular stage lights, but no way was a laser-equipped suit possible. Looks like Elvis wasn't the only one into James Bond fantasies...

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

There has to be a really good reason why Elvis wore the Mexican Sundial as much as he did, perhaps as Leroy has said there is some link as to why he did so. I am certain that the guys around Elvis would have given more than the one option to Elvis if it was available. The trend for new Jumpsuits (excluding Two Piece Suits) had slowed from it's peak in 1973 of 17 new designs to just 2 Jumpsuit in 1976! So the Jumpsuits that Elvis wore were going to feal the wear and tear.

Jumpsuit Breakdown:-

1970 - 13 New designs
1971 - 13 New designs
1972 - 14 New designs - 7 Two piece suits
1973 - 17 New designs
1974 - 10 New designs - 3 Two piece suits
1975 - 08 New designs - 7 Two piece suits
1976 - 02 New designs
1977 - 01 New design - (Unworn)

The list above does not cover some of the one day only jumpsuits possibly worn in Vegas or take into account of the fact there were multiple versions of the same suit!

Leroy has named some Jumpsuis that Elvis could have worn but the list could easily be extended..... for instance the Silver/White and Red Bird suits along with the Rainfall or the Egyptian Bird suits.

It was not uncommon for Elvis to wear a Jumpsuit many times for instance Elvis wore the Blue Egyptian bird at least 30 times in 1976 and the White Egyptian Bird at least 34 times in 1976. The Mexican sundial was worn at least 39 times in 1977, when you put it into this context, yes it was worn a lot but........ so were others in 1976-77.

Matt

Just a simple equation, in 1977 Elvis did 55 shows and wore the Mexican Sundial 39 times, that equals 70.9%

[Leroy]

Thanks for the input Matt. It very well put a lot of things into perspective.

I've always thought that he wore that (1974) Sundial suit so often that last year because he was depressed and just didn't care. Ditto the 1976 prehistoric bird suits. That kind of thing's a pretty common symptom for people with clinical depression.

Depression could have very well contributed to the routine of wearing the same clothes night after night. But, Elvis wasn't in a constant state of depression. Most of the time he was feeling up, joking with his surroundings. Although in 1977 the upcoming book of the West/Hebler gang must have layed heavy on his mind.

1976 was another story. In the first few months he brought in a little variety by wearing the 1975 "Silver Phoenix", the 1975 "Rainfall", the 1975 "V-neck" and the 1975 "Chicken Bone". But it was also American's Bicentennial year and by crossing the nation with almost only one night stands he had good reasons for wearing the "Egyptian Birds" for they were specially designed for this occasion. And....we see the photo's of Elvis wearing the same suits but a lot of people who attended the concerts in those days were not aware of that. Many of them saw these costumes for the very first time.........

[memphis 77]

you know thats a good point about depression and why E.P. wore the same suit, again and again, ELVIS was definetly depressed and suffered from BI POLAR disorder AKA [manic depression] I READ THIS SOMEWHERE I WISH I COULD REMEMBER, maybe someone outhere can help, anyway his depression was pretty severe thats why the group never knew what mood he would be in and most of the shows were lackluster , i think he hit a manic state durring the december tour of 76[grandiose, extreme energy etc] it could be that GINGER was the cause also, by FEBRUARY his DEPRESSION was back, his mood was somewhat normal but he was void of energy, and no doubt his mood coinsided with the rough times of showering, grooming, etc.., so i can see him saying to himself i don't care if i wear the same jumpsuit again, remember this is the same guy who ate the same meal for two years straight, compulsion disorder could have also played a roll, again just my opinion.

[Cryogenic]

Leroy, it's a pleasure reading your posts, but could you explain this comment:

But I strongly believe the reason for wearing the "Mexican Sundial" over and over again was because he was saying goodbye. If you examine the Aztec Calender stone on the front and back of the suit it says 16-8 all over.

Are you saying Elvis committed suicide?

And just how did he broach the sensitive issue of this design feature? "Er, guys, could you put all these references to 16th August in, as I'm planning to kill myself then. Thanks."

Seriously, I have never heard of this before. It's a fantastical claim. Could you elaborate?

[Leroy]

No, Elvis did not commit suicide. But Elvis was a very spritual person who was aware of forces and energy a lot of us are unaware of. And I did not mean Elvis was saying goodbye in a concious way. He did not decide one day: "I'm gonna wear this suit because the signs on it are obvious."

But have you ever experienced the death of a friend or relative? And then later on if you thought about it thinking backwards there were signs of a coming end? I believe very firmly in the fact that everybody chooses his own death. Not in our minds but in our souls. The mind (ego) wants to rule, wants to go on living, want to control. But the soul has other plans. It is done here and wants to move on to the next level of existence. So now there's a situation of conflict. This is the part where sickness, deseases and accidents come around the corner because almost all the time the mind (ego) will not do the wishes of the soul. So the souls have to use one of these tools to free itself. The soul will always win this battle.
But while this battle is going on there will always pieces of this in the mind. Subconciously you will do things that can be a signal, a weak signal most of the time. But they are there and you will behave differently. Your surroundings will take notice of it but they can't place it. I knew a kid once. He was only seventeen. In the last week of his life he started to "clean up". Payed his debts and on the last day just before suppor he said goodbye to his mom and went upstairs. When his mom called him there was no answer. When she entered his bedroom she found him lying on the floor he passed away. He didn't commot suicde, he died of a brain hammorage. There were signs.

And that is what I meant what happened with Elvis. He wasn't aware of it himself or maybe in a way he was....... If all people were more spiritual these signs could have been picked up because they are there to make people ready for it. But most of us lost it. And that why it goes unnoticed most the time.
Please realize this is not gospel for everybody. It's also not an opinion, it's just the way I believe and it used to be the way Elvis believed.

[rick]

could you please explain Leroy where the 16/8 references are on the sundial jumpsuit?
rick

[MauriceColgan]

What's all the fuss about death? I read somewhere it has nothing at all to do with life.

Anyway we will all experience it for ourselves....or will we?;-)

Elvis put more into his 42 years than most people do in the three score and ten years we are "supposed" to get. He did more than alright compared to a young 17 year old killed stone dead in a motobike accident. And all the other tragic and early deaths suffered by human beings.

I rode motorbikes for six years often at very high speed...a death wish?????? I was swimming in the Ocean recently and had to make a hasty return to the beach.........I could not breath enough air after foolishly chasing our grandchildren under water! Yes I'll go swimming again......................but slowly;-)

We all have a personal philosophy of life so everyone can make up their own minds as they experience more of it.

[Lonniebealestreet]

If you examine the Aztec Calender stone on the front and back of the suit it says 16-8 all over.

Leroy, I too am just now latching onto this statement you made nearly a month ago. All of your insights in this thread are much appreciated and I would like to hear more on this as well.

[Leroy]

I had a picture somewhere that I used for explaining. I hope I can find it.

[Cryogenic]

No, Elvis did not commit suicide. But Elvis was a very spritual person who was aware of forces and energy a lot of us are unaware of. And I did not mean Elvis was saying goodbye in a concious way. He did not decide one day: "I'm gonna wear this suit because the signs on it are obvious."

But have you ever experienced the death of a friend or relative? And then later on if you thought about it thinking backwards there were signs of a coming end? I believe very firmly in the fact that everybody chooses his own death. Not in our minds but in our souls. The mind (ego) wants to rule, wants to go on living, want to control. But the soul has other plans. It is done here and wants to move on to the next level of existence. So now there's a situation of conflict. This is the part where sickness, deseases and accidents come around the corner because almost all the time the mind (ego) will not do the wishes of the soul. So the souls have to use one of these tools to free itself. The soul will always win this battle.
But while this battle is going on there will always pieces of this in the mind. Subconciously you will do things that can be a signal, a weak signal most of the time. But they are there and you will behave differently. Your surroundings will take notice of it but they can't place it. I knew a kid once. He was only seventeen. In the last week of his life he started to "clean up". Payed his debts and on the last day just before suppor he said goodbye to his mom and went upstairs. When his mom called him there was no answer. When she entered his bedroom she found him lying on the floor he passed away. He didn't commot suicde, he died of a brain hammorage. There were signs.

And that is what I meant what happened with Elvis. He wasn't aware of it himself or maybe in a way he was....... If all people were more spiritual these signs could have been picked up because they are there to make people ready for it. But most of us lost it. And that why it goes unnoticed most the time.
Please realize this is not gospel for everybody. It's also not an opinion, it's just the way I believe and it used to be the way Elvis believed.

Leroy, that's a fascinating insight. I've never heard death talked about in just that way before.

But I wonder: how would this apply to people dying of disease and famine in third world countries? Or even people in developed countries being randomly shot or run over? Surely, in the case of the former, not everyone wants to die, but physical reality has the last word? Or are all their souls exasperated and ready to move on? And, in the latter, does a part of that person foresee a sudden event happening to them, once again meaning the soul is ready? I'm having difficulty seeing this cohesively.

In the case of Elvis, there are at least two things to consider: 1) Lisa Marie was at Graceland when he died. 2) He chose to take a lethal cocktail of drugs. Or are you saying his soul either foresaw or somehow compelled him to do it? Once more, I'm having a hard time applying what you've said to reality.

We may or may not have souls. Something may or may not endure in a world or dimension beyond our own. I am not a member of any faith. Though I think intelligence arises from somewhere beyond the physical. Why do we have the ability to consciously know of our existence? To think and feel? Even to dream up the most exotic fantasies? While I believe every last thought we have can be attributed to brain chemistry, the mere fact that conscious beings exist suggests that a greater intelligence may be behind the universe. I guess I am agnostic, tending towards pantheism. Though labels always seem crude to me.

Anyway, please proceed. I think you've piqued our curiosity over the design of the sundial suit. Let us hear your thoughts!

[Leroy]

Cryogenic, I'm getting in trouble a little this time. Not because of lack of knowledge on this subject but because of a lauguage barierre. Although my English is above average for a Dutch guy I am afraid I could get lost in trying to explain. We are also drifting away from the original subject but I don't mind if others do not maind too.

First I would like to make a suggestion. If you are really interested in this stuff, not only because of Elvis role in this all, but also because of the whole concept I would like you to read "A Conversation with God" from Neale Donald Walsh. It's the kind of book Elvis would have read if he was still alive. Although many of Elvis' books are of the same kind.

The reason were here is because we have to experience things we already know. This is the souls' task, no not task, it's a wish. But to have experiences the soul needs transportation. That's the body. The motor of the body is the mind. The path is all layed down. The tracks are there. The soul has made choices a long time ago and that's why some things happens. I do realize it's hard to understand for a lot of people but nothing in life happens without a plan. It happens because it was asked for. It's the experience that counts, not only for our own soul but also for the one around us.

The souls of the people in Africa who are dying of hunger are there to experience just that. But it's also a double edged sword. They're there to deal with it and to "know" what it is. But they are also there for us...... To show us what we are. They are teaching us about ourselves. Giving us a choice to turn and run or to re-create ourselves into someone who cares about what's happening. I know it's fare away from the original Christian beliefs as we have learned through the ages but that is one of the "benefits" of people who have manipulated the contents of the Bible in a way so they could rule with the hand of fear and repressing. By the way, the Bible isn't complete. They have removed chaptes about spirituality and reincarnation.

To go back to Elvis. I have found the picture I was talking about. Just count the patters on the rings I have pointed out with arrows. In a way I hoped to find some clues with the numbers 1977 or 42 but I don't believe they are there.

[Lonniebealestreet]

Very interesting, Leroy. I have heard some of that before and am open to some of the possibilities there.

About the suit specifically...the Aztec calendar is apparently open to some interpretation--is that correct? I know nothing on the subject except for Googling it a few minutes ago and briefly reading about it on a couple of websites. I'm trying to ascertain whether it is a matter of the numbers 8 and 16 simply being represented there, which is something of a coincidence, or if the literal translation of the calendar on Elvis' suit is August 16, which would obviously be a remarkable coincidence.

Has Gene Douchette ever addressed his inspiration for the design?

[Cryogenic]

Leroy, that is brilliant!

Your English is also excellent. It's better than most native English-speaking people. And that's a fact.

I am familiar with the holistic approach of Eastern religion and mysticism through, of all things... Star Wars. In fact, I am familiar with various aspects from Star Wars, including concepts like The Endless Knot. I was just kinda trying you out there.

I am still very dubious that what you've found means anything, though. Humans always look for patterns in things. For instance, 8 is half of 16, and flipping it around, 16 is twice of 8. One thing strongly points to coincidence, and since the second thing is intimately linked with the first, in a simple mathematical relationship, it's hardly any kind of evidence to a critical thinker like me. Unless, once again, you can elaborate, and maybe explain something I've missed. Nonetheless, that's a beautiful picture, and I doubt I'll ever be able to look at that jumpsuit in the same way again. I have always thought that they should emphasise the suit in a release of EIC, and now I think that more than ever. They could design some really beautiful boxart for a future DVD release around it. Incidentally, do you have any more close-up pictures like that?

[thehillbillycat]

I know some on Aztec and the calendar that they have. That is indeed 8/16 on the calendar. My god, I couldn't believe it when I saw it. That is kinda weird when you think of it. The way to find the year on the Sundial Calendar is this way:

The Aztec year consisted of eighteen months, each having 20 days. Each month was given a specific name. This arrangement
took care of 360 days (18x20), to which five dots were added inside the circle. These dots, known as Nemontemi, were
sacrificial days.

The next concentric circle is composed of square sections with five dots in each section, probably representing weeks of five
days. Next are eight angles dividing the stone in eight parts. These represent the suns rays placed according to the cardinal
points.

On the lower portion of the stone, two enormous snakes encircle the stone and face each other. Their bodies are divided into
sections containing the symbols for flames, elephant-like trunks, and jaguar-like forelegs. It is believed that these sections are
also records of fifty-two year cycles. A square is carved at the top of the calendar between the tails fo the snakes. Inside the
square the date 13 Acatl is carved. This corresponds to 1479, the year the calendar was finished. 1479 is when the real aztec sundial was completed.

From looking at the Sundial that is on Elvis' costume I don't think it has a year on it. By using what I found on looking for the year.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Leroy and Elvislennon, thank you for the insight into spirituality and Aztec history.

Having come from a childhood of religion (my school was called Holy Trinity) I have struggled with the concept of how religion or more to the point God conducts his affairs with his children (US!) I have absolutely no problem with spirituality as this seems a more pure way of leading your life without the heavy handed way that years of revisionist history from totalitarian regimes has given us. However perhaps the breakdown of the God fearing Idomatic society has largely left a capitalistic way of life which has little time for family values of old.

As Leroy has already commented the Bible is far from accurate it also is slanted in such a way as to frightening people into capitulating.

Enough of me ranting about my personal psychosis

To get back on track with the topic at hand.... Elvis was I believe at odds with his fame and how it impacted him, he searched beyond the conventional religious philosophy to give him the answers he desperately needed. The Sundial Suit was made and designed by Gene and any correlation to Aztec philosohy would surely be purely coincidental on Elvis' part, is this then where the unconcious mind/soul plays a part?

Matt

[vulcandude]

It is my understanding that the decision as to what suit Elvis would wear for a particular concert very heavily depended on what mood he was in. He might be more apt to wear one suit one night, but be in a mood to wear another for the next. As for the making of the suits, Elvis did present his own ideas, (and not just for the Aloha suit), but Priscilla would sometimes have ideas as well. I'm not so sure that Elvis wore the Aztec Sundial almost exclusively, ( I think starting in March or April), due to his weight gain, but I rather believe he really liked the suit as he wore it so much. If Elvis had been that concerned about his weight to where he could only wear one particular outfit, (and it's fairly well known he was concerned about it), I think he'd have had others made. I also think he wore this suit a lot because of its popularity with the fans. Elvis wanted to please his fans...with his music, and with what he wore. Lastly, if anyone can help me find any photos of Elvis from his concerts in Murfreesboro, Tennessee at MTSU in 1974 and 1975, I'd gladly pay for them.

[vulcandude]

"No, Elvis did not commit suicide. But Elvis was a very spritual person who was aware of forces and energy a lot of us are unaware of. And I did not mean Elvis was saying goodbye in a concious way. He did not decide one day: "I'm gonna wear this suit because the signs on it are obvious." But have you ever experienced the death of a friend or relative? And then later on if you thought about it thinking backwards there were signs of a coming end? I believe very firmly in the fact that everybody chooses his own death. Not in our minds but in our souls. The mind (ego) wants to rule, wants to go on living, want to control. But the soul has other plans. It is done here and wants to move on to the next level of existence. So now there's a situation of conflict. This is the part where sickness, deseases and accidents come around the corner because almost all the time the mind (ego) will not do the wishes of the soul. So the souls have to use one of these tools to free itself. The soul will always win this battle. But while this battle is going on there will always pieces of this in the mind. Subconciously you will do things that can be a signal, a weak signal most of the time. But they are there and you will behave differently. Your surroundings will take notice of it but they can't place it. I knew a kid once. He was only seventeen. In the last week of his life he started to "clean up". Payed his debts and on the last day just before suppor he said goodbye to his mom and went upstairs. When his mom called him there was no answer. When she entered his bedroom she found him lying on the floor he passed away. He didn't commot suicde, he died of a brain hammorage. There were signs. And that is what I meant what happened with Elvis. He wasn't aware of it himself or maybe in a way he was....... If all people were more spiritual these signs could have been picked up because they are there to make people ready for it. But most of us lost it. And that why it goes unnoticed most the time. Please realize this is not gospel for everybody. It's also not an opinion, it's just the way I believe and it used to be the way Elvis believed."

I just read this by Leroy, and I'm not so sure. I don't believe Elvis committed suicide or anything, but, I do believe he thought he might not live much longer than his Mom. I don't think though, that Elvis knew he would die when he did, and therefore go around consciously making preparations. I know Elvis lived with a lot of fears, but we all do, it's part of what makes us human. And this battle between soul and ego also doesn't take into account the fact we all have free will. Talking about Elvis' death doesn't help...it only reminds us more that he isn't here.....

[MISSCLAWDY]

I read a bit about the subjects Leroy talked about , and I tend to believe our souls "know" when the time of leaving our bodies is coming ; it's not something we consciously know , more unconsciously I might say. I believe our souls follow ways we're not always able to understand , very ancient paths , ruled by the wisdom of ancient knowledge.
Sorry for my English, I hope you understand what I mean..