Saturday 27 June 2009

RIP Michael Jackson

Like much of the Western world, I was both shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Michael Jackson yesterday. For me, his death will be one of those "where were you when you heard ..." moments, just like I remember the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, and others before me would remember when John F Kennedy was shot. FYI, I was standing in a registration queue for the upcoming Wellington Marathon on Sunday, having just listened to the news while driving there that Michael Jackson had been taken to hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest. There was a large TV screen abovve the registration desk and CNN news was broadcasting; someone next to me looked up and said, "what, Michael Jackson is dead?". We all looked to the scrolling headlines and then I got a txt from my sweetie: "Michael Jackson is dead". Just like that.

I immediately started planning a blog post in my mind. I've thought about it overnight and realise that everything has been said already. Simon Sweetman's blog post entitled Michael Jackson's music summed it all up for me; I'm not interested in the allegations, eccentricities, behaviours, or tabloid fodder either. I may post some bits and pieces over the next week or so; we'll see.

It angers me to hear artists like Jackson called "singers"; performers, musicians, and composers deserve far more credit than that, especially someone who has attained such outstanding musical heights. And it's not just about record sales, either. I have said for nearly 13 years now that Michael Jackson's 1996 History tour to Auckland is the best concert I have ever seen and the yardstick I measure every other event with; none have even come close and I can't imagine they ever will. Three hours of non-stop, high-energy entertainment with brilliant music and exceptional staging; I remember saying to the friends I went with that I'm not surprised he collapses after concerts after all the effort that goes into them. Just when we thought the show couldn't possibly get any better, it did.

I don't want to hear about Jackson's 'weird' life, his chequered history, and anything to do with kids being dangled over balconies or 'playing' at his ranch. Now is not the time. For all the people posting on tribute sites, "was never a fan, don't really care" etc, why bother? Please just stay quiet. I'm happy to indulge in a joke or two about his life and/or death, but my overall mood is sad. The world has truly lost a musical genius.

Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

4 comments:

Julie said...

I agree about the rudeness of some comments. I am finding the musical assessments of interest to read.

The thing that really disturbs me is the media blitz that obliterates other - arguably more important - issues.

Blogger In Middle-earth said...

Kia ora Café Chick!

I've never been a great fan of Michael Jackson though I always enjoyed his music. But his dancing was something else. I could never take my eyes of his dancing when it was on the screen.

Since I began to take notice of (popular) dancers, there was Fred Astaire, Michael Flatley and there was Michael Jackson. He has been described as the world's greatest dancer. More people have imitated/mimicked/copied his dancing style than have done the same for any other dancer. His fans are in their billions.

Iconic? You betcha!

Catchya later

Sab said...

Agreed. I thought he was quite the performer.

I remember very well where I was... at an aunt's and uncle's place with my parents when my baby girl somehow managed to find the power button on one of the remotes she had grabbed... tv turned on to announce to us what had happened. We were all shocked.

Random Thoughts said...

I was in class. I knew that Farrah Fawcett had passed away and Ed McMann a few days prior to this, but someone said that blah blah was dead. I said who? A traditional college student said "MJ", and my professor said "Michael Jackson". This is the moment where I just couldn't believe what I was hearing. I won't lie, I thought it was a hoax or a prank at first, I had to read the numerous news articles before I believed it. My favorite radio station played nothing but Michael Jackson related music all day Friday.