Phil Aitcheson (The Presley Commission) Talks To EIN The Case For Elvis Being Alive Since August 1977 the Elvis world has been a fertile ground for the promotion of numerous stories and theories. Those that have captured the imagination or interest of fans and non-fans include Elviss alleged illegitimate children, Elvis being murdered or having committed suicide and Elvis being abducted by aliens. However, since the late 1970s there has been one area of interest and belief that has existed continually in the Elvis world and periodically assumed prominence in the media. It is an issue that refuses to go away the intriguing idea that perhaps Elvis Presley didnt die on August 16, 1977. The ongoing interest in this idea parallels the level of interest and fervour exhibited regarding the deaths of JFK and Marilyn Monroe. The possibility of Elvis still being alive continues to fascinate and frustrate many Elvis fans. The subject is probably the most discussed special interest topic on the numerous Elvis message boards with several boards devoted solely to it and a vibrant Elvis underground continuing to thrive today. The postings on the message boards number in the hundreds with a similar number of threads, while the underground network has produced several regular newsletters on the subject. There are also competing groups within the Is Elvis Alive? sub-culture with one group referring to its members as Gatheringites. Gail Brewer-Giorgios book Is Elvis Alive? reached the top ten of the best seller lists in the USA and sold more than 1 million copies, making it one of the biggest selling Elvis books of all time! In total, at least 10 books have so far been published on the subject since the publication of the novel, Orion, in 1979. Is it the truth?, wishful thinking?, delusionary minds?, misguided fans? Whatever the truth, there is no doubting that the subject of the death of Elvis Presley is a fascinating one with many plot twists and turns, and one that clearly divides the Elvis world. The following represents a prepared list of questions from EIN directed to Phil Aitcheson, the Executive Liaison, and retired Director of The Presley Commission. Certain matters regarding the work of the commission from 1992 through the current day, are of a confidential nature. As a result, answers to some questions are limited in nature to maintain the security of the groups ongoing activities, with regard to the life and times of Elvis Aron Presley. The Presley Commission was formed in 1992 to undertake a serious examination of the death of Elvis Presley and based on inconsistencies surrounding reports of his death, consider the theory that perhaps Elvis didnt die on August 16, 1977. The Commission is composed of a network of individuals who had been interested in Elviss death for some time. The Commission differentiates itself from other believers in that it has always adopted a professional, research based approach to its subject matter and does not engage in the ridiculous and vindictive personal attacks that typify many believers active on the Is Elvis Alive? message boards. The Commissions research resulted in the publication of The Presley Commission Report in 1995 (now out of print). The Report received minimal publicity but independent journalists lauded it for its structured, bureaucratic style and inclusion of copies of actual documents to support its case. Since 1995 members of the Commission have continued to work on core issues in the report, in particular the controversial issue of DNA samples. In this detailed and challenging interview with EIN, Phil Aitcheson takes us into the world of the Is Elvis Alive? movement, particularly The Presley Commission, its findings and current work. Interview: EIN: Phil, many thanks for taking the time to talk to EIN. PA: I am pleased to be here today, and appreciate the opportunity to talk with you. EIN: Can you tell us about the genesis of the Presley Commission and who its principal members are? PA: While the Presley Commission members have requested that their identities be kept largely confidential, I can say that the beginning of their investigative research activities started in March 1992, and that I am the former Director, and now Executive Liaison. The commission is totally independent, and is not directly associated with Graceland Enterprises, other than being supportive of their continuing efforts to portray the memories of Elvis brilliant entertainment career and life. EIN: What are the credentials of those involved in The Presley Commission? PA: The Presley Commission utilized the personal and professional talents and abilities of a large number of individuals, who were capable of providing information and assurances that the evidence, both the previously obtained, and the ongoing, were researchable and verifiable. This included a number of professional people, from the fields of law enforcement, paramedical, medical, and literary areas of expertise. Most of the people already were maintaining activities in their respective careers, and assisting the commission on a voluntary basis. Their mere interest and respect for Elvis Presley brought them together, to assist in this historical effort. EIN: How did you, personally, become involved with The Commission? PA: As a principal founder, it was my responsibility to enrol the assistance of these professionals in an effort to establish a team, that would ultimately explore, process, or classify the evidence exhibits, and results of numerous interviews. My office moved forward to establish a non-profit effort to determine the facts and further educate the public about Elvis life, only after my professional colleagues approved the effort. EIN: Is it a fair comment to say that the Commission was largely unknown to most fans and operated largely as an underground organisation? PA: While the Commissions efforts were not widely publicized at first, there were a number of members of the media who held interviews with my office to determine the logistics of our intentions and efforts. So in essence, it was publicized fairly much, from the standpoint of interviews, but the organisation mainly operated semi-covertly, maintaining great caution, and respect for the people who ultimately would come to be known as involved. EIN: Why did you choose to operate away from the public gaze (so to speak)? PA: The Presley Commission operated in this manner so as to maximise the level of results in direct proportion to investigative efforts. It was critically important that our people did not compromise the safety and security of Elvis, or his family, during our interview efforts. As a result, more information became available to the Commission to analyse and process throughout the initial stages of their research. EIN: For those not aware of the essential concerns or issues of The Presley Commission can you outline them? PA: Some of the primary concerns of commission investigative researchers dealt with the events of 1970 to 1977 in the early stages, but later, their attention turned toward continuing events and incidents that occurred after Elvis alleged death, i.e. Fountain Pen investigations, document studies, and sightings, as well as physical evidence such as handwriting exhibits, voice prints, and many other matters. The Commissions intention was to be a clearing house for information, within legal and logistical parameters. EIN: What process(es), research and activities did The Commission follow in developing its case and preparing its report? PA: The Commission conducted a wide range of interviews, and collected documentation, with regard to items of evidence that had come to our attention. In addition, each person was assigned to research items and incidents that required official attention. In some cases, interviews were carried out in person whenever possible. All investigative research efforts were managed by the Executive Co-ordinators office, and verified by my office. EIN: The Presley Commission Report was published in 1995. What did the Commission want to happen at that time? PA: It was important in our view to educate the public about the findings, and to further explore the questions that were prevalent at the time concerning Elvis disappearance, as the commission later ruled. Our main interest was to see the end of a great controversy that had mesmerised Elvis public since his leaving in 1977. We felt that it was vital for Elvis privacy to be protected and respected. The Commission opened up the field so to speak, for further debate, but seriou
Posted on: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 20:16:12 +0000
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