Micheal Jackson has died

[Mistral]

Jacko was, in the words of one person I recently read, an icon of the X generation. I'm part of that generation. I have to agree. I have my burned copy of Thriller in the truck, right next to the Eels and Postal Service. It never comes out. Gotta keep it on hand if I need some funky beats blended with rock guitar and techno rhythms. What an innovative guy he was. I think he, in his time, well, we said "Gotta be Startin' Somethin' " And he did.

 

[Trekker4747]

I do not believe for a moment that MJ was a pedophile. I believe he loved kids -platonicily- I believe he may have done things with them -non sexual- that maybe isn't a good idea to do with non-related children at a certain age -like sleep in the same bed- but I don't believe he did any "bad touching" or sexual acts.

Any claims that he did couldn't be supported/backed up and were likely done to try and cash-in on his riches and fame.

The guy also went a wee bit overobard on the plastic surgery. Recent pictures of him... Not good. The man really did "spite his face."

Still, he was a legend. A pop, GOD. God, this is shocking, shocking stuff.

The guy was a freak and his "career" so far was just a matter of what stupid/nutty thing he was going to do next but the guy was still a legend.

People are going to be seeing him in truck-stops having coffee with Elvis for generations.

 

[es!]

How devastating
RIP Michael.

 

[RogerWaters]

RIP Michael. I hope you can find peace now.

 

[exodus]

Liked his old material, shocked that he is dead, amazed at how disgusting people are with their "celebrations" that he is dead.

Society makes me sick. You don't have to like him or his music but to act as if it's time to party because he is dead is disgusting.

Amen! The last few years of his life does not negate a career that started for him at 8 years old.
Karma returns 10 fold.


"Never can say good-bye."

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

 

[Caligula]

It's like how I feel about Chris Benoit. In Benoit's case, it's true that he DID kill his wife, son and then himself. That is horrifying beyond belief just to be typing those words. However, I respect everything he did for the professional wrestling business. He entertained, he performed excellently in the ring, and gave us a memorable character.... let's emphasize that... character inside that wrestling ring.

Same with Michael Jackson. Okay, maybe not the best analogy, considering MJ never killed anybody, but stay with me here.... However eccentric he was, however many times he may or may not have molested little boys, his impact on the music industry cannot be denied and, for that, I have tons of respect for MJ.

 

[kythe]

I do not believe for a moment that MJ was a pedophile. I believe he loved kids -platonicily- I believe he may have done things with them -non sexual- that maybe isn't a good idea to do with non-related children at a certain age -like sleep in the same bed- but I don't believe he did any "bad touching" or sexual acts.

Any claims that he did couldn't be supported/backed up and were likely done to try and cash-in on his riches and fame.

To be honest though, he's not an easy target for those looking to "cash in". Consider how things looked at the time of the allegations: He's famous and popular enough that millions of people will still worship the ground he walks on no matter what happens. There was no precedent for the allegations, and it is always hardest to be the first to try to bring something negative to a popular person. Also, he's rich enough to be able to afford all the lawyers in the world who can deal with any problems. Sound like easy prey for gold-diggers? Not really.

Sexual abuse claims are always hard to back up, even when the alleged perpetrator is not rich and famous. There are almost always no witnesses and no physical evidence. It's just one person's word against another, and a victim can be very damaged by making allegations due to the reputation they develop when they can't prove their case.

I'm in no better position than anyone else to say whether the allegations were true. However, I don't automatically assume that those who are rich and famous, or in a position of power, are always above this kind of thing.

 

[exodus]

I do not believe for a moment that MJ was a pedophile. I believe he loved kids -platonicily- I believe he may have done things with them -non sexual- that maybe isn't a good idea to do with non-related children at a certain age -like sleep in the same bed- but I don't believe he did any "bad touching" or sexual acts.

Any claims that he did couldn't be supported/backed up and were likely done to try and cash-in on his riches and fame.

To be honest though, he's not an easy target for those looking to "cash in". Consider how things looked at the time of the allegations: He's famous and popular enough that millions of people will still worship the ground he walks on no matter what happens. There was no precedent for the allegations, and it is always hardest to be the first to try to bring something negative to a popular person. Also, he's rich enough to be able to afford all the lawyers in the world who can deal with any problems. Sound like easy prey for gold-diggers? Not really.

Sexual abuse claims are always hard to back up, even when the alleged perpetrator is not rich and famous. There are almost always no witnesses and no physical evidence. It's just one person's word against another, and a victim can be very damaged by making allegations due to the reputation they develop when they can't prove their case.

I'm in no better position than anyone else to say whether the allegations were true. However, I don't automatically assume that those who are rich and famous, or in a position of power, are always above this kind of thing.

No they aren't but it doesn't really matter anymore now, does it?
The people who rallied around him were those that were touched by his music because it meant something to them. While he was rich, he also gave a good percentage of his wealth to sick, dying and starving children all over the world. Even at times to his own financial detriment. That should be the legacy he leaves behind.

 

[kythe]

True. And whatever else he did, he left quite a legacy. He also wrote and produced "We Are the World", gathering over 50 famous singers to raise millions of dollars for relief aid in Africa. Not that this excuses his personal issues, but it's an accomplishment he should be recognized for.

I've heard his passing and the reaction to it compared with Elvis Presley. There is no one else who will "take his place" in the music world.

 

[Morpheus 02]

And before this thread gets closed, remember the old joke? (It's sick when you think about it.)

What do Michael Jackson and McDonald's have in common?

Before the child molestation scandals, I always perceived him as this extremely talented and highly respected artist. But hearing about the scandals and allegations painted him in a totally different light. I don't think he was a classic pedophile that preyed on innocent children, but he was very immature and eccentric; he would've been very naive or stupid not to know right from wrong. I mean, really, even the act of sleeping with little kids not related to him in the same bed was rather questionable, and maybe he DID do a lot more than that, which would've contradicted his willingness to help disadvantaged children.

I would echo this...the man never had a real childhood, or it seems, a normal family. And especially after Thriller, he had a lot of people who were enablers, and wouldn't discipline him/strongly advise. They put their own paycheck ahead of what Michael really needed. And even if they tried (as MJ's attorney stated in an interview), he was past the age of really listening.

I doubt Michael had any real experience with normal family life or working with children. If someone was not taught otherwise, i can see how he could get the line really blurred between sleeping with your child in your bed (considered normal) vs. letting someone else's child sleeping his bed.

Did Michael have such experiences growing up, to know the difference? Or was he longing for something he didn't get.

Despite the success (or maybe because of), Michael didn't become the kind of man, the kind leader & example he could have.

Looking at the news reaction, it's clear he had a GREAT gift. But by not being raised correctly, it was essentially squandered.



I am personally concerned about the kids...the 2 oldest are 12 and 11...so they are qite conscious of what's going on...will they get the proper support they need (financially & emotionally), and would they be able & willing to seek out what they need to become more "normal", and be who they were meant to be.

 

[BRG]

Sorry to hear of his death. A true legend has passed.
But as others have already said, you are shocked but not suprised by the news, you always expected Jacko to check-out early.

Always an oddball, his rapid descent into his bizarre madness over the last decade had turned the guy into a joke, tore apart by the eager tabloid press, and pitied or despised by the general public.
However, as a performer, when this guy was good, he was bloody fantastic. In his prime, very few are even half as good. Indeed, look at the reaction around the world, like him or not, he is a giant, up there with Elvis and The Beatles.

So rest in peace Michael.
And my condolences to his family, friends and fans.
BRG

 

[Ethros]

Speaking of cash ins, I work in a supermarket (high flyer) and overheard a conversation with the store Manager talking to the Home & Leisure department Manager over the walkie talkie this morning, saying something like-
"I've just been told they're releasing a new CD all of his hits called King of Pop, so we better make some space for a display stand of the DVD/CD section"

I mean Jesus Christ. The guy died literally less than 12 hours earlier, and already the cash cow is getting milked

 

[Gryffindorian]

Yup. I remember when Heath Ledger died, Best Buy took advantage of the situation and started selling his DVD movies within hours.

 

[Loupjo]

I am so shocked and saddened by this news. Michael Jackson was one of my childhood heroes. I absolutely heroworshipped him as a kid. Less so later but I have never ceased listening to his music.

May you rest in peace Michael. I hope you have finally found your Neverland. Thank you for so many blessed memories. I will never forget you.

My thoughts go out to his family and especially to his three young children for whom this loss will be the hardest. While the world has lost an icon and a musical genius they have lost their father.

The world is a bit darker today but Heaven has gained a bright angel.

 

[TedShatner10]

Michael Jackson died not much older than when Elvis Priesly died, plue he arose, declined, and died roughly a generation after Elvis' chillingly similar cycle of fame.

 

[Zulu Romeo]

The bounce has started.

http://www.livehits.co.uk/

"Man in the Mirror" already #8 on the UK downloads chart. Posthumous #1 by Sunday?

EDIT: Now it's #2 on downloads, with several others closing in fast. MJ to lock out the top 5 I wonder?

 

[exodus]

True. And whatever else he did, he left quite a legacy. He also wrote and produced "We Are the World", gathering over 50 famous singers to raise millions of dollars for relief aid in Africa. Not that this excuses his personal issues, but it's an accomplishment he should be recognized for.

I've heard his passing and the reaction to it compared with Elvis Presley. There is no one else who will "take his place" in the music world.

I remember when John Lennon was killed. The reaction, out cry and vigils being held remind me very much of that.

The sad thing for me is, I don't think Jackson and McCartney patched up the friendship and now it's too late. Business rivalry should have never been the thing to come between those two. Very sad.

 

[Kirk's_Tights]

The ignorant people in this thread labelling him as a pedo are disgusting. He was accused of it and I wouldn't doubt that the family just wanted to get money from him. He was never found guilty and no other kids came forward.


MJ was a big kid because he missed out on those years. His father made him get into singing at the age of 5. What kind of 5 year old kid wants to live a celebrity lifestyle? Kids want to have fun and play with their friends. I wouldn't doubt that he had very few friends his age as a kid. No child should grow up without experiencing what it's like to be a kid.

His interviews over the years show how generous he was. He loved everyone and appreciated his fans. A lot of celebrities are stuck up assholes who don't seem to remember that fans get them where they are and without their fans, they would be nothing. MJ made sure to tell his fans all the time how much he loved them. He was very shy and very caring.


I like his older songs but I am not a HUGE fan that buys all his albums, goes to his concerts or is interested in MJ news in general but I still find it really sad to see how people are so quick to label someone as something when they don't even know the truth. I was hoping that people here had at least a bit of decency in them. Too bad I was wrong.


Unless he groped you personally, you should just STFU (said nicely ).

 

[NileQT87]

When Elvis died, his music started selling out everywhere. 70,000 people mourned in Memphis. 20,000 went past his open casket before the family couldn't take it any more (Vernon died of a broken heart 2 years later and Minnie Mae followed just a year after that. Elvis, his father and his grandmother died in quick succession.) 3 girls were actually hit by a drunk driver among Elvis' mourners and 2 of them died. And of course, every year now he still has a candlelight vigil held for him as part of Elvis Week.

John Lennon and Michael Jackson's deaths caused a similar reaction, though I doubt either will have vigils with 75,000 people 30 years later and beyond (yes, Elvis still attracts that many people this many years later). Though Michael has Neverland Ranch, which, if his estate is able to come out of debt and repurchase it, could become something of a Graceland. One piece of his legacy that Lennon never had. Honestly, I don't see the mourning for either going on for decades the way it has for Elvis. It's a media event now, but it won't be annual.

Here's Lisa Marie Presley's response to Michael's death:

Years ago Michael and I were having a deep conversation about life in general.

I can't recall the exact subject matter but he may have been questioning me about the circumstances of my Fathers Death.

At some point he paused, he stared at me very intensely and he stated with an almost calm certainty, "I am afraid that I am going to end up like him, the way he did."

I promptly tried to deter him from the idea, at which point he just shrugged his shoulders and nodded almost matter of fact as if to let me know, he knew what he knew and that was kind of that.

14 years later I am sitting here watching on the news an ambulance leaves the driveway of his home, the big gates, the crowds outside the gates, the coverage, the crowds outside the hospital, the Cause of death and what may have led up to it and the memory of this conversation hit me, as did the unstoppable tears.

A predicted ending by him, by loved ones and by me, but what I didn't predict was how much it was going to hurt when it finally happened.

The person I failed to help is being transferred right now to the LA County Coroners office for his Autopsy.

All of my indifference and detachment that I worked so hard to achieve over the years has just gone into the bowels of hell and right now I am gutted.

I am going to say now what I have never said before because I want the truth out there for once.

Our relationship was not "a sham" as is being reported in the press. It was an unusual relationship yes, where two unusual people who did not live or know a "Normal life" found a connection, perhaps with some suspect timing on his part. Nonetheless, I do believe he loved me as much as he could love anyone and I loved him very much.

I wanted to "save him" I wanted to save him from the inevitable which is what has just happened.

His family and his loved ones also wanted to save him from this as well but didn't know how and this was 14 years ago. We all worried that this would be the outcome then.

At that time, In trying to save him, I almost lost myself.

He was an incredibly dynamic force and power that was not to be underestimated.

When he used it for something good, It was the best and when he used it for something bad, It was really, REALLY bad.

Mediocrity was not a concept that would even for a second enter Michael Jackson's being or actions.

I became very ill and emotionally/ spiritually exhausted in my quest to save him from certain self-destructive behavior and from the awful vampires and leeches he would always manage to magnetize around him.

I was in over my head while trying.

I had my children to care for, I had to make a decision.

The hardest decision I have ever had to make, which was to walk away and let his fate have him, even though I desperately loved him and tried to stop or reverse it somehow.

After the Divorce, I spent a few years obsessing about him and what I could have done different, in regret.

Then I spent some angry years at the whole situation.

At some point, I truly became Indifferent, until now.

As I sit here overwhelmed with sadness, reflection and confusion at what was my biggest failure to date, watching on the news almost play by play The exact Scenario I saw happen on August 16th, 1977 happening again right now with Michael (A sight I never wanted to see again) just as he predicted, I am truly, truly gutted.

Any ill experience or words I have felt towards him in the past has just died inside of me along with him.

He was an amazing person and I am lucky to have gotten as close to him as I did and to have had the many experiences and years that we had together.

I desperately hope that he can be relieved from his pain, pressure and turmoil now.

He deserves to be free from all of that and I hope he is in a better place or will be.

I also hope that anyone else who feels they have failed to help him can be set free because he hopefully finally is.

The World is in shock but somehow he knew exactly how his fate would be played out some day more than anyone else knew, and he was right.

I really needed to say this right now, thanks for listening.

~LMP

 

[Kirk's_Tights]

I have this odd feeling that he planned this. He was heavily in debt....