Oh Michael
I’m not unaware of the fact Jacko has moonwalked off this mortal coil – don’t get me wrong. I’m just having trouble getting gloomy about it when there are so many fantastic jokes about it coming out of the UK already, in typical British style. My favourite remains the headline “King Of Pop Michael Jackson dies, Madonna has contacts family, asks how much they want for the kids”. Another reported that Eric Clapton had enisted a medium to warn his son Jacko was on his way up. Yet another reports that In light of Michael’s UK contractual commitments, Gary Glitter has been in touch with Jackson’s management to offer to take care of some of Michael’s dates….. And finally, the Jackson family is said to be considering having Michael’s body melted down and turned into toys so that kids can have a play with him for a change….ow! Okay, that’s enough and bear in mind none of them were my own creations.
Sadly, I look on Michael the way I look on Phil Spector: a tragic example of how boundless fame, wealth and bloodthirsty public scrutiny combined with some leftover childhood issues is a recipe for sure disaster. I feel his downfall and subsequent death is at least 75% attributable to us and how we adore fame for any sake. That’s a sad thing. I think his musical legacy from the J5 and the first few years solo when Quincy Jones was at the helm is absolutely immense and will always stand strong as some of the best pop music ever made – that is a really good thing. A man of immense talent and charisma, bludgeoned by fame and poor guidance.
Rest in peace, MJ, you’ve been responsible for some happy, happy moments of dancing (both alone and in public) in my life and I truly wish you hadn’t become a figure of fun in your latter years but that’s how the game goes.
