Time flies. It's been eight years since MJ passed away of a cardiac arrest after that hack Conrad Murray basically euthanized him, on June 25, 2009.

I was in such a horrible time in my own life at the time, basically crying my eyes out every day over things I was going through. The MJ thing just added another huge note of sadness to my days and weeks during those times.

I remember going to the mall, and browsing through an FYE. I saw all of MJ's CDs were sold out. That's when it hit me - my heroes are dying. Just that empty bin with a lone white placard that said JACKSON, MICHAEL sitting there by itself... it made me sad, and it made me realize just how loved MJ still was, despite tabloid fodder. It reminded me how his legacy reached beyond generations. People my age remember Thriller and Off The Wall in our early teen years. So by 2009, we were well old enough to have grandchildren. The fact that kids in 2009 were still dancing to "Billie Jean" blows my mind. So few artists truly have that stamina in the industry.

I reflect on Prince's legacy, and how I saw young people, and folks my age mourning Prince's passing. Of course, we know that June 25, 1984 was when Purple Rain soundtrack came out.

I just finished watching the biopic Searching for Neverland. In one scene, the bodyguards said something weird: "He would have died either way in LA". Because, allegedly, he HATED the fact that he's going back on stage, and it was too much for him, so they kind of forsaw that happening...

Anyways, Michael's life, his story, his legend, even his death, are a big part of today's culture. I can't say that his death glorified him to a "God" status as much as it was a massive shock, but I personally believe that a good reason why he allowed himself to go through such ordeals over the years is his lack of a strong self-confidence. Poor thing, but any entertainer, any human being in show buisness, can only wish to have a major legacy like Michaels...

Wondering if the BET Awards are going to mention the 8th year anniversary of his passing away..

BIG SIGH

Not a day goes by where I don't think about Michael. Michael has touched my life tremendously. He is my everything. I can write an entire essay on how much he means to me and how much I love him. I cannot believe its been 8 years already! I still remember when he passed away like it was yesterday. People like Michael only come once in a life time. They're so unique and so talented they don't even seem human or real. Its sad that certain people are blessed with talent beyond measure and the power to change the world but these gifts becomes more so of a burden than a blessing for them. There never be an artist like Michael ever again. Michael's unmatched impact will never be forgotten. He will always be immortal and a legend forever.

Shawy89 said:

I just finished watching the biopic Searching for Neverland. In one scene, the bodyguards said something weird: "He would have died either way in LA". Because, allegedly, he HATED the fact that he's going back on stage, and it was too much for him, so they kind of forsaw that happening...

Anyways, Michael's life, his story, his legend, even his death, are a big part of today's culture. I can't say that his death glorified him to a "God" status as much as it was a massive shock, but I personally believe that a good reason why he allowed himself to go through such ordeals over the years is his lack of a strong self-confidence. Poor thing, but any entertainer, any human being in show buisness, can only wish to have a major legacy like Michaels...

Wondering if the BET Awards are going to mention the 8th year anniversary of his passing away..

I was far from being shocked....

that ill fated 02 concert tour should have never been scheduled......I didn't believe for one single second those shows would come to fruition because of the 22 year backdrop that preceded...when I saw that 02 press conference, I saw a man who had absolutely nothing else to give, all the talent had been exhausted because it had been exploited to the very tilt because the very moment he reached what turned out to be the apex/pinnacle of his career with Thriller, he was pushed and pushed, encouraged, picked and prodded to change his being on every conceivable level and that human being who was on the verge of truly changing the world w/his music, that person was gone for good and the decline of music/entertainment started

and to this very day, his story still hasn't been told in the way that it needs to be told, all this circumventing and glossing over is not benefiting anyone who has followed his life/career. It's all about sugar coating at this point

but it will be told in the time that it's meant to, and maybe, just maybe the myriad of problems permeating w/in the music industry can be corrected and whoever has the talent to present music in fullness, won't be limited by the restrictions that are often placed by society itself, that includes entertainment execs, media, and fans alike.

GONE TOO SOON

[Edited 6/25/17 14:38pm]

Scorp said:

when I saw that 02 press conference, I saw a man who had absolutely nothing else to give, all the talent had been exhausted because it had been exploited to the very tilt because the very moment he reached what turned out to be the apex/pinnacle of his career with Thriller, he was pushed and pushed, encouraged, picked and prodded to change his being on every conceivable level and that human being who was on the verge of truly changing the world w/his music, that person was gone for good and the decline of music/entertainment started

There is a lot of truth in that. I agree. Plus, we've seen memos and emails among people at AEG and whoever, saying he wasn't in shape, they were worried because he seemed frail. Even MJ said he wasn't ready to do them or wasn't up to the task fully. As much money as MJ's made, and as brilliant of music that he's produced, it really cooks my noodle to think he was so easily manipulated. I don't think he was a pushover by any means. He certainly did what he wanted in life, and lived it his own way. But I have to tilt my head a bit to the side when I see certain things he agreed to do, or actually did.

He certainly would have been better off just making a record, doing some great videos, maybe a few appearances on shows (like a Grammys, BET, or AMA performance) here and there, and just let it be. That's a 9-5 job, opposed to the touring life. A residency at the 02 was really ambitious, and while MJs has taken on ambitious things before, at near 50, it wasn't for him. Vegas residency? Who knows - could have been a nice middle ground, really. But someone like MJ playing a 4000 seat room? The ticket sales alone would have been bonkers.

The press conference: There's a telling moment (among many), when he said, "This is it, the final curtain". Not as an omen to death or anything. But the way he tilted his head, raised his eyebrow, kinda sucked his teeth... it was almost like "here's hopin'". It would have been nice to see it done, but that might have killed him too. Or it would have been plagued with canceled shows, tech issues, whatever.

I'm not sure how I feel about Kenny Ortega around him. They've certainly worked together a lot in the past. But he was either being very respectful to MJ, or really kissing his ass to keep his paycheck coming in. It all sorta angers me.

It's amazing 8 years have passed since his passing. I remeber how much of a shock was for me when i learned he had died, i cried the whole evening throughout the night listening to his music specoally Music And Me song. When i firat learned the news about his passing, i laughed 'cause i was sure it was another lie, it was my sister and my father's girlfriend at that time, the ones who made me realize this time it was for real he is gone.

RIP and props to Madonna's tribute in 2009, who told it like it was .....unlike some of MJ's fair weather friends etc where were they when he needed their support? It's one of the reasons why he isn't here anymore.....but now they want to bask in his shine etc

[Edited 6/25/17 18:35pm]

[Edited 6/25/17 18:38pm]

Yep. 8 years. Remember vividly the day he died. It was so surreal. I cried. Idn't cry over Prince. Strange.

I'm gonna save my tears and abject grief for when Bill Gates dies; do any of you remember life
before Windows 95 and the advent of personal computers?

Some of you seem to think that your everlasting mournfulness for Michael Jackson indicates just
how much of a fan you are of his so you actually embrace the everlasting mournfulness without
realizing the irony: your adoration of him contributed to his MVP-itis, which contributed to his
death, and now you're stuck in perpetual grief, unable to move on with your own life.

Dasein said:

I'm gonna save my tears and abject grief for when Bill Gates dies; do any of you remember life
before Windows 95 and the advent of personal computers?

Some of you seem to think that your everlasting mournfulness for Michael Jackson indicates just
how much of a fan you are of his so you actually embrace the everlasting mournfulness without
realizing the irony: your adoration of him contributed to his MVP-itis, which contributed to his
death, and now you're stuck in perpetual grief, unable to move on with your own life.

Oh do pipe down, there's always someone to ruin a calm thread.

kremlinshadow said:

Dasein said:

I'm gonna save my tears and abject grief for when Bill Gates dies; do any of you remember life
before Windows 95 and the advent of personal computers?

Some of you seem to think that your everlasting mournfulness for Michael Jackson indicates just
how much of a fan you are of his so you actually embrace the everlasting mournfulness without
realizing the irony: your adoration of him contributed to his MVP-itis, which contributed to his
death, and now you're stuck in perpetual grief, unable to move on with your own life.

Oh do pipe down, there's always someone to ruin a calm thread.

I'm here to provoke and irritate. But, it's your avatar that is ruining a calm thread, don't you
think?

Dasein said:

kremlinshadow said:

Oh do pipe down, there's always someone to ruin a calm thread.

I'm here to provoke and irritate. But, it's your avatar that is ruining a calm thread, don't you
think?

Nope

TrivialPursuit said:

Scorp said:

when I saw that 02 press conference, I saw a man who had absolutely nothing else to give, all the talent had been exhausted because it had been exploited to the very tilt because the very moment he reached what turned out to be the apex/pinnacle of his career with Thriller, he was pushed and pushed, encouraged, picked and prodded to change his being on every conceivable level and that human being who was on the verge of truly changing the world w/his music, that person was gone for good and the decline of music/entertainment started

There is a lot of truth in that. I agree. Plus, we've seen memos and emails among people at AEG and whoever, saying he wasn't in shape, they were worried because he seemed frail. Even MJ said he wasn't ready to do them or wasn't up to the task fully. As much money as MJ's made, and as brilliant of music that he's produced, it really cooks my noodle to think he was so easily manipulated. I don't think he was a pushover by any means. He certainly did what he wanted in life, and lived it his own way. But I have to tilt my head a bit to the side when I see certain things he agreed to do, or actually did.

He certainly would have been better off just making a record, doing some great videos, maybe a few appearances on shows (like a Grammys, BET, or AMA performance) here and there, and just let it be. That's a 9-5 job, opposed to the touring life. A residency at the 02 was really ambitious, and while MJs has taken on ambitious things before, at near 50, it wasn't for him. Vegas residency? Who knows - could have been a nice middle ground, really. But someone like MJ playing a 4000 seat room? The ticket sales alone would have been bonkers.

The press conference: There's a telling moment (among many), when he said, "This is it, the final curtain". Not as an omen to death or anything. But the way he tilted his head, raised his eyebrow, kinda sucked his teeth... it was almost like "here's hopin'". It would have been nice to see it done, but that might have killed him too. Or it would have been plagued with canceled shows, tech issues, whatever.

I'm not sure how I feel about Kenny Ortega around him. They've certainly worked together a lot in the past. But he was either being very respectful to MJ, or really kissing his ass to keep his paycheck coming in. It all sorta angers me.

Sorry. That's a whole lot of bullshit. If his doctor hadn't killed him, he would have cruised through those shows. Any doubt he or anyone else might have had, would have been swept away during the first night he stood in front of the first 20,000 out of his 1,000,000 fans, who bought tickets.

PatrickS77 said:

PatrickS77 said:

Sorry. That's a whole lot of bullshit. If his doctor hadn't killed him, he would have cruised through those shows. Any doubt he or anyone else might have had, would have been swept away during the first night he stood in front of the first 20,000 out of his 1,000,000 fans, who bought tickets.

It's not, really. It's sorta rose-tinted glasses to think he would have just gotten up to speed once he heard the roar of the crowd. He's not 30 something anymore. It's not that pseudo-for-the-fans world we created for years.

We've seen the concerns between the promoters and managers saying MJ wasn't ready yet. He wasn't eating like he should in order to build up strength and muscle and stamina. The dude was 50. Not that 50 is old (I'll be there in less than a year), but he hadn't toured in a very long time. And while he grew up on stage, he took a huge step backward away from the touring world to raise his family. You can see him and while he looks like the MJ we knew, he also looked out of touch with it all. He was being pushed to something.

And we know that he agreed to a fraction of the dates that they put on him. He was not happy about that.

Scorp said:

PatrickS77 said:

Sorry. That's a whole lot of bullshit. If his doctor hadn't killed him, he would have cruised through those shows. Any doubt he or anyone else might have had, would have been swept away during the first night he stood in front of the first 20,000 out of his 1,000,000 fans, who bought tickets.

The man had puncture wounds in the palm of his hand, most fans didnt care, they just wanted to see him perform so they can stick it to the media and say he was still the king of pop It wasn't about him as much as it was about fans justifying their sense of entitlement He was already broken way before he met that doctor, body destroyed by years of transformational procedures [Edited 6/26/17 8:11am]

I totally agree with this as it supports my claim that the more rabid fans of Michael Jackson, those
who are especially devastated by his passing and have struggle with grief, have some modicum of
culpability for his death indirectly.

Remember The Guy: Michael Jackson Forever: 15 Ways We've Seen a New Generation Fall in Love With MJ http://www.fuse.tv/2016/0...ium=social

I certainly feel sorry for the guy. I think he was raised in a pretty dysfunctional family, at least in terms of his father, and from about age 8 or whatever he was the main bread-winner of the family, which is never a good thing.

Being forced into show-business and having to deal with adults before his time (and watching his older brothers seduce women over and over on the road), he (over-)compensated by trying to be pubescent and child-like his entire life. Which is also not a good thing.

His death was unfortunate because he was too young, but maybe it was just as well he was put out of his misery earlier. He was a pathetic figure in his last 20 years or so.

In retrospect, he peaked artistically in about 1980.

What a sad story.

PatrickS77 said:

ThePanther said:

In retrospect, he peaked artistically in about 1980.

Oh really? so you're saying that Thriller,released two years later,represents his artistic decline?

PatrickS77 said:

ThePanther said:

I certainly feel sorry for the guy. I think he was raised in a pretty dysfunctional family, at least in terms of his father, and from about age 8 or whatever he was the main bread-winner of the family, which is never a good thing.

Being forced into show-business and having to deal with adults before his time (and watching his older brothers seduce women over and over on the road), he (over-)compensated by trying to be pubescent and child-like his entire life. Which is also not a good thing.

His death was unfortunate because he was too young, but maybe it was just as well he was put out of his misery earlier. He was a pathetic figure in his last 20 years or so.

In retrospect, he peaked artistically in about 1980.

What a sad story.

nobody was talking anything about dysfunction when this stuff meant something...nobody was saying dysfunction during the years of Michael Jackson's glory as he rose to the top of the music world when this stuff meant something......and his family wasn't viewed back then the way they have been over the course of the past 28 years to push a narrative to justify how a system that permeates throughout the entertainment field led this man to destroy himself and obliterate his natural being that shattered the family dynamic, and that same system that's in place now and has morphed into different methods is the source of the real dysfunction and the true sad story

Michael Jackson was not forced into showbizness by his parents, he wanted to be a singer on his own

We can not have it both ways, we can't say he was born to be the entertainer that he was and the talent that he was and then in the same breath say that he was forced into showbizness

Stevie Wonder was a child prodigy just like Michael Jackson was, but we don't hear stories about him being pushed or forced into showbizness

Free2BMe said:

PatrickS77 said:

Sorry. That's a whole lot of bullshit. If his doctor hadn't killed him, he would have cruised through those shows. Any doubt he or anyone else might have had, would have been swept away during the first night he stood in front of the first 20,000 out of his 1,000,000 fans, who bought tickets.

Patrick, I agree. Michael would have done fine. You could tell from the rehearsal scenes that he was ready. Singing and dancing better than ever. It was amazing to see how he was out dancing the other dancers who were 30 years younger. Yeah if that son of a bitch, Conrad Murray, hadn't murdered him, he would have done those shows.

he would have done fine?...okay, keep believing that with him walking around with puncture wounds engraved in the palm of his hands

2 rehearsals out of 45

those rehearsal scenes that were featured in that movie were edited to the tilt by the filming crew that MJ brought in, bits and pieces that were cojoined together to give the impression that all was fine and dandy

when he said "this is it"....that's what he meant in "this was it"....

he was giving his final performance to the world in the form of rehearsals

SoulAlive said:

ThePanther said:

In retrospect, he peaked artistically in about 1980.

Oh really? so you're saying that Thriller,released two years later,represents his artistic decline?

That's correct.

Free2BMe said:

PatrickS77 said:

Sorry. That's a whole lot of bullshit. If his doctor hadn't killed him, he would have cruised through those shows. Any doubt he or anyone else might have had, would have been swept away during the first night he stood in front of the first 20,000 out of his 1,000,000 fans, who bought tickets.

Patrick, I agree. Michael would have done fine. You could tell from the rehearsal scenes that he was ready. Singing and dancing better than ever. It was amazing to see how he was out dancing the other dancers who were 30 years younger. Yeah if that son of a bitch, Conrad Murray, hadn't murdered him, he would have done those shows.

Exactly. He knew what he was doing. Everyone who doubts that is a fool and putting his own warped spin on it. Sorry, for being so blunt.

Scorp said:

Free2BMe said:

PatrickS77 said: Patrick, I agree. Michael would have done fine. You could tell from the rehearsal scenes that he was ready. Singing and dancing better than ever. It was amazing to see how he was out dancing the other dancers who were 30 years younger. Yeah if that son of a bitch, Conrad Murray, hadn't murdered him, he would have done those shows.

he would have done fine?...okay, keep believing that with him walking around with puncture wounds engraved in the palm of his hands

2 rehearsals out of 45

those rehearsal scenes that were featured in that movie were edited to the tilt by the filming crew that MJ brought in, bits and pieces that were cojoined together to give the impression that all was fine and dandy

when he said "this is it"....that's what he meant in "this was it"....

he was giving his final performance to the world in the form of rehearsals

^^Yeah. King of the fools and spin right there.

[Edited 6/27/17 6:55am]

PatrickS77 said:

Scorp said:

PatrickS77 said:

^^Yeah. King of the fools and spin right there.

[Edited 6/27/17 6:55am]

Since u are 100% he was going to fulfill those shows Share with everyone the total number of rehearsals he completed

Who cares? He's Michael Jackson. He knew his routines. And the rest he improvises. It's the kids that needed to get up to speed. The rehearsal footage show very well, that he knew what he was doing. And really, they had 2 more weeks to go. Usually he did a full rehearsal the night before the first show.

ThePanther said:

PatrickS77 said: