i had never had the chance to see him live. despite all the live concerts i've been to.
i pulled out my first vinyl crate and found Thriller. it's scratchy, but it sounded like the first time i played it.
made me feel sick to my stomach to think it's done.
we had already lost Farrah Fawcett earlier that morning, and i don't think i'll ever forget driving to meetings in Burbank and both my iPhone and my blackberry starting to blow up w/texts.
all i could think of was my Jr and Senior high school friends that were so obsessed with him that they dressed like him and knew all the steps in thriller, beat it, Billie Jean. when off the wall came out it was mesermizing. soul music came through pop-like rock chord progressions. his apollo show with the jackson 5 was long gone then. it was MTV that made him omnipresent, iconic, legendary. how talented he was. how his voice when he sang Ben could bring tears.
i was the one loving bowie in that same way, but really Michael was the most popular singer, bowie was not at that time. i completely appreciated their fanaticism, though. it was amazing, really like how bowie was in the 70's.
but i digress.
eventually, the swirl of the rumours gave way to the sad truths--2:46 pm EMT; cardiac arrest, UCLA hospital, failed to resuscitate.
it really felt surreal. and terribly sad.
passed at 50... with the London shows right around the corner.
the London shows that sold out in MINUTES.
which showed the undying love for this man's talent/music.
in the end, it's what he will be known for, thankfully.
his music and not his eccentric behavior.
i just wish he had had the chance to do those shows, remind us of his talent, and reclaim officially his musical throne.
but that was not to be.
this morning, i can only listen to his music and celebrate his life. i just read john's blog (bluestraveler.com) and it was great perspective. especially from someone who i always worry is on a creatively destructive path. in it he refers to the music. it's the music that will persevere. that made me feel better...
here's to Michael Jackson--who will always be remembered as the true, undisputed King of Pop.
they are moon walking in heaven.
hollywood, out.
k
Song of the moment: obviously an MJ one-- You rock my world.
it's the best video with Marlon Brando and others.
check it out and have your own Michael Jackson moment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k0GZaPPkf4
