Michael Jackson 2026 & 2009 in Hollywood

 

Michael Jackson, a manufactured boy who despite the best efforts of his creator / craftsman / Father became a real boy, man and this modern cultures 'King of Pop' has been given the biopic treatment. A somewhat shallow history of his HIStory, the movie takes one on the journey of a lonely kid who was forced (and beaten in to submission) to perform with his brother band and constantly improve his showmanship and God given talent.

For some of us who grew up in the 70s-90s, the sight of young Michael being struck repeatedly with a belt in the hand of his Father (whom apparently the children only referred to by his Christian name "Joseph"), might not seem shocking and may in fact bring memories on ones own childhood. Most of us though I'd like to think had some respite by being able to play outside till the street lights came on, had a bike to transport us to where we needed to go, and maybe a radio or TV at night to whisk us away from the things we thought back then were considered troubles.

Michael's life was destined for the stage. From the living room rehearsals to smoky bars, he would James Brown boogie, shuffle and sing his heart out like a sparrow. In his off time he found escape in Storybook art namely Peter Pan, Pinocchio and The Wizard of Oz and classic movies (whom he shared viewing with his Mother). All of which would prove itself as inspiration in his out art. As he grew older and more wealthy, he collected animals and treated them as friends. For fans, he thought of them as a loving family.

I'm an early 80's baby, weaned on the TV and my memories are filled with MTV images of glittering fantastical people were so surreal it only concreted itself in my mind as the ultimate true reality. Art as expression. Art as output. Art as self. Michael Jackson, Madonna, George Michael could be seen on TV, heard on the radio and seen flipping through your parents or older siblings album collection. In the time before Google, Google Images, the internet - find handheld media was the only way to view this pop culture art form. 

Every time Michael's "Billie Jean" hit the tube, in the New York backdrop, light up sidewalk and cool cat Jackson with that excellent bass line - it was electric. Each hit from that only got better and better. Thriller (with it's religious apology card at the beginning), Beat It, Bad, Black and White, Do You Remember the Time? and yes dude - even that Free Willy song with a naked Lisa Marie Pressley - Michael was funky, cool and pretty heavy metal. 

Watching this film, I took it for what it is. A shallow tale spin in to the life of an iconic star of the modern era. It felt like going to a concert and yes I hooted, hollered and clapped!

After watching - I was reminded of the day he passed in  2009. Hearing the news and finding it much like the life he led, surreal. Feeling so sad for the children he left and how Paris hugged on to her Aunt Janet. A family with a legacy to us. To these children - their family.

That night, at 1am, my friend and I drove to Hollywood to visit his star, pay our respects and leave some roses. There was a barricade and you couldn't see his star with all the flowers and gifts left. People were dancing on the sidewalk, selling newspapers of the day and crying. These are the pictures of that night.

 

Though somewhat eclipsed by the passing of Michael, the world also lost Charlie's Angel Farrah Fawcett that day. Here is what was at her star that night.

Though super stars in the eyes of culture, American and Worldwide, these humans were also just that. A human soul with a light, talent, love and family. The fact that we get to enjoy the art they were able to share with us and that it enriched our life is a gift. A gift we all have to give to one another. Remember to always let your light and love shine for others. You never know the impact you may leave.