RIP MJ… and my $0.02
I’m very sorry and deeply shocked to hear of Michael Jackson’s passing. We were the same age, and of course I grew up with his music, and admired from afar as he blossomed into one of the world’s greatest entertainers. Then in 1982 I got to meet him, under quite surreal circumstances. I have told the story a few times. Today, by complete coincidence, I was booked to go into BBC Radio Suffolk for a rare live interview. They were pleased when I told them I not only knew Michael, I’d been to his house in LA and spent the evening with them.
Here’s a link to the interview I did today, which includes the story of my visit to Encino.
Well, as far as I am concerned that was the best, most relaxed and candid interview that I have heard from you so far.
There were a few of us FES listening live today and Twittering comments back and forth during the session. It was great to hear the insight from one of the few grown-ups that got to peek behind the drapes and see the real MJ (when he was in his prime) – however briefly.
There is a lot of speculation and commentary going on from people who never met him and really know nothing more than what the media has presented over the years. The news gatherers and presenters are grasping at any straw they can get. BBC Radio Suffolk really came up trumps today. The fact that the interview has been scheduled already for some weeks and happens to coincide with this tragic event was a boon for them, as was proven when excerpts from the interview were included on the hourly news bulletin also.
I’m an atheist so don’t believe that he is in a better place now chatting to Cole Porter, Monroe and so on but I do hope that his story will be a lesson to others.
He was truly the one that had it ALL and at the same time had so little. Let’s hope that his family find the right way and that his children get more of a chance than he did.
The legend lives on.
Thanks for sharing. It was a really good radio slot.
Jon
Very good interview.
It was fun with a few of us on Twitter passing comments to each other as it was happening.
Its amazing the immediacy of media these days. MJ’s demise was known by many within a few hours.
RIP MJ, his music will always silence the critics.
I guess I’m still in shock…suddenly someone who was “always there”,
isn’t, any more.
I was never much of a one for rock-star posters, but I had one of MJ
in about 1984, and man, he was adorable. Just *so* good-looking.
And I remember seeing the incredible way he used to dance, and
marvelling, “How is he DOING that?!” He seemed immune to gravity…
That was a perfect interview, Thomas. You cast both yourself and
Michael in the most dignified possible light…and, although I’ve been
feeling rather grave for two days, I have to say that the imitation you
did of your Dad made me laugh out loud, so thank you for that
wonderful spontaneity.
Peace and perfect pitch, Kara
[My apologies if this is worded awkwardly, since I almost never comment on blogs and the like...]
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I think everyone was shocked and saddened by Michael Jackson’s passing, regardless of whether they were fans or not. The loss of someone that had such a presence in entertaining and in people’s hearts has definitely created a more somber mood across the world. I know that I will certainly miss him…
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In the interview, you mentioned something to the effect of being slightly anxious about whether your music would appeal to a new, younger audience? Rest assured, there are definitely younger people who listen to your music, and will start listening to your music when your new album comes out. I should know, since I’m one of them! I started listening to you only about three years ago (I was barely 16 at the time), and I’ve been an avid fan ever since! So no worries on that front!
…oh, and that bit of Moonwalking you did in your ‘Airhead’ video was
pretty darned good, I thought! And I finished reading J.G Ballard’s “The
Drowned World” for the first time about a week ago, and it was really
quite something. Oddly, there was a news story about two days after
that about anticipated climate change, future flooding on the English
coast, and a 10-degree rise in temperature…and that freaked me right
out, because it was creepily like what I’d just read in “The Drowned
World”!!! Damn. And I thought, “East Anglia…lifeboat…flooding a
couple of years back…uh oh.”
Don’t forget about a few ‘family heirlooms’, there. Thomas…
excellent interview, thanks for the link.
Enjoyed the interview and agree with all of the above. For anyone yet to listen Thomas comes in at about 54mins.
I’m not completely sure how I feel about Michael Jackson.
I know in many ways he was incredibly immature and often showed poor judgement, but I don’t think he was a malicious person. He was unable to cope with being a pop star as a child and a mega star as an adult. His perception of reality was obviously distorted. He never got to experience the reality or normality that most of us share.
Part of me thought he was able to rise above the mistakes he’s made and intense criticism he’s received over the last 20 years, but by the way he has apparently self-destructed, that appears not to be the case.
Many of us perceived him as an entertaining oddball in his later years, but now I see him as a frail and insecure tragic figure. A boy that never grew into a man.
What I do know is, at the peak of his creativity and success, for me that would be the Thriller and Bad period, he created amazing pop music and videos. Just take a look at ‘Smooth Criminal’ on YouTube to see what an amazing dancer, performer and screen presence he was.
I can honestly say I am saddened by his passing, and I think the world is just a little smaller and less interesting without Michael Jackson in it.
Who fuckin’ cares?. An whole generation in Iran is being paddocked while we ponder the the thoughts of Michael Jackson’s Trainer.
Get a Grip.
bricameron, if you aren’t interested in this discussion, why did you read the post, let alone respond to it?
Thanks so much, for such an intelligent and insightful contribution.
P.S. Can people be barred from this site?
Hey Darren.
I Guess I was so sick & tired of the non stop ‘News’ that I just had to vent somewhere. Sorry if I offended your sensibilities.
There’s nothing ANY of us can do about the corruption and false
democracy in Iran, bricameron, so excuse *us* if we allow ourselves
to get distracted from dwelling on it.
Seems that the link to the audio interview no longer works
Thanks BBC.
Is it posted anywhere else?