The Presley Commission investigates "Is Elvis Alive?"
EIN: Our understanding is that The Presley Commission holds the view that Elvis was not affected by drugs and in fact faked his 'strung-out' appearance. What evidence supports this view?
PA: In the matter of Elvis' supposed decaying health, the blame is too often placed on bad habits. There is no physical evidence relating to an addiction to drugs. The medications that were being administered at the time were a combination of pharmaceutical items that were purchased for the two known conditions that Elvis was legitimately being treated for. Glaucoma, and an impacted colon problem had developed. Medications for the Glaucoma condition, are said to have been ordered as well as Testosterone shots as suggested treatment for the impacted colon problem. Contrary to popular belief, Elvis did not have a colostomy. The medications that were ordered to accompany the entourage on tour was for varied legitimate problems that various members of Elvis' entourage required. It is the Commissions' view that polypharmacy did not figure into the equation.
EIN: And why then did Elvis check in to hospital in 1973 and 1975 for alleged drug detoxification?
PA: The reports indicate that he was in for basic testing and rest. We do know there was a 1975 liver biopsy to check for Hepatitus, due to his mother's related condition, and they were generally concerned about it at that time. This tissue would prove to be important in later DNA determinations.
EIN: The element of music in the Elvis Is Alive conspiracy theory is an interesting and diverse one. For instance, the masked singer Orion (the late Jimmy Ellis) was an integral part of the early narrative. What is the Presley Commission's view on the suggestion that that there were, as some fans attending Orion concerts contend, actually two Orion's, one possibly being Elvis Presley?
PA: This matter was covered adequately in The Elvis Files, by Gail Giorgio, and The Presley Report. The Commission is aware of the reports by Orion fans, and currently acknowledges the stories. There is currently no physical evidence to suggest that Elvis and Jimmy were connected, although there are rumours to the effect that they were related, but no official ruling has been brought forth on this.
EIN: The whole Orion conspiracy thing appeared to get out of hand with theorists moving the goalposts beyond the singer Orion, and seeing Elvis connections in films released by the Orion Pictures organisation. To many disbelievers it seemed that all rational thinking had flown out the door and an 'anything goes, conspiracy driven' utopian mentality had taken over. What is your response to this perspective?
