Hard to believe it’s been 11 years. I remember being on this board when the story was developing cause mj boards were crashing

Let’s share our favourite mj clips/moments here

I remember catching the 30th Anniversary by chance and I was blown away by his solo performance. Come to find out, that was hardly even his best. But even not at his peak he was better than most.

It's a double-edged sword; his obsession with big releases and perfection meant he crafted some great albums, but there's also not a lot of material out there compared to other legends of his stature.

Also, the people who run his estate are mediocre at best. That first posthumous album was a disgrace because of three funky tracks. And not the good kind of funky, either...

[Edited 6/25/20 17:19pm]

I liked the 30th anniversary concert too, I was just so excited he was back and feeling pumped, even though looking back, he was having a hard time during that performance

Superstition said:

I remember catching the 30th Anniversary by chance and I was blown away by his solo performance. Come to find out, that was hardly even his best. But even not at his peak he was better than most.

It's a double-edged sword; his obsession with big releases and perfection meant he crafted some great albums, but there's also not a lot of material out there compared to other legends of his stature.

Also, the people who run his estate are mediocre at best. That first posthumous album was a disgrace because of three funky tracks. And not the good kind of funky, either...

[Edited 6/25/20 17:19pm]

I keep thinking there's got to be more material out there... Hard to believe it's been over a decade since he passed...

purplethunder3121 said:

Yeah, tell me about it, I also remember it was a Thursday

MY MOM CRIED Y'ALL.

She was always relaxed and "stiff upper lip". She freakin cried when Michael died. I'll never forget it.

alphastreet said:

Yes, it’s hard to believe it’s been 11 years. I remember I had just gotten off from work and suddenly the DJ stopped the music and said “ Let’s stop everything. Michael Jackson has just died. I couldn’t breathe. I called my daughters and they didn’t believe it. They wanted to wait until they got home and watch CNN to confirm. I cried all the way home. I actually saw people pulling over on the side of the road just sitting there crying. Steve Harvey said he couldn’t get out of the bed for days. Teddy Riley said same thing. The reaction was worldwide.

Btw, not only did MJ boards crash, so did Google, Twitter and basically the entire internet. At one time, it was reported that it was thought that a terrorist attack was happening. The impact and reaction was mind blowing and went on for WEEKS and WEEKS.

The amazing thing is that he has gained even more fans since his murder/death.His music, influence and popularity is still very prevalent even after 11 years, and that is truly remarkable and reassuring.

[Edited 6/26/20 11:53am]

Free2BMe said:

I was also bedridden following the news and got into a deep depression for a really long time. I remember it was hard being online, watching tv and even being out in public since his music was everywhere. Though I’m glad it was playing it was upsetting me cause I felt many jumped on the bandwagon and weren’t playing him like I was before June 25th
[Edited 6/26/20 12:08pm]

Free2BMe said:

alphastreet said:

Hard to believe it’s been 11 years. I remember being on this board when the story was developing cause mj boards were crashing Let’s share our favourite mj clips/moments here

Yes, it’s hard to believe it’s been 11 years. I remember I had just gotten off from work and suddenly the DJ stopped the music and said “ Let’s stop everything. Michael Jackson has just died. I couldn’t breathe. I called my daughters and they didn’t believe it. They wanted to wait until they got home and watch CNN to confirm. I cried all the way home. I actually saw people pulling over on the side of the road just sitting there crying. Steve Harvey said he couldn’t get out of the bed for days. Teddy Riley said same thing. The reaction was worldwide. Btw, not only did MJ boards crash, so did Google, Twitter and basically the entire internet. At one time, it was reported that it was thought that a terrorist attack was happening. The impact and reaction was mind blowing and went on for WEEKS and WEEKS. The amazing thing is that he has gained even more fans since his murder/death.His music, influence and popularity is still very prevalent even after 11 years, and that is truly remarkable and reassuring. [Edited 6/26/20 11:53am]

Omg, I don't think people react like that when a relative dies, let alone someone they probably never met or don't know personally! Some people in our world are way too celebrity obsessed, it's no wonder that some celebs think they're on the same level as God.....geez!

looby said:

Lest you forget it wasn’t only just regular fans who reacted that way, it was celebrities( I only mentioned a few in my post) who reacted the same way. Some people have that effect on others, and Michael was that type of person who had that effect worldwide, and still does.

Btw, I am not celebrity obsessed. I like a lot of celebrities; however, none of them have the effect on me as Michael did and continues to have for 35+ years. FTR, I am probably older than most of you in this forum, and he has had that type of effect for all of those years. Extremely proud to be a part of the MJ fandom. Nothing will ever change that.In fact that fandom has grown even stronger, if that’s possible, since his murder/death.
[Edited 6/26/20 13:52pm]

I think it’s safe to say the whole world was in shock and I think about 2 billion had seen the funeral

alphastreet said:

Yeah, and they blocked off/closed down streets to keep people from gathering around the Staples Center. The police said that they couldn’t allow crowds just to come because it would have been overwhelming. Thus, the reason that they limited seats. If they had not limited seats to the capacity, you have had thousands and thousands of overflow.

Free2BMe said:

I remember reading about that. Even Sunday square in Toronto had large crowds that weekend and his music was played and performed by local musicians; and on Canada day when they played his music

Free2BMe said:

looby said:

Omg, I don't think people react like that when a relative dies, let alone someone they probably never met or don't know personally! Some people in our world are way too celebrity obsessed, it's no wonder that some celebs think they're on the same level as God.....geez!

Lest you forget it wasn’t only just regular fans who reacted that way, it was celebrities( I only mentioned a few in my post) who reacted the same way. Some people have that effect on others, and Michael was that type of person who had that effect worldwide, and still does. Btw, I am not celebrity obsessed. I like a lot of celebrities; however, none of them have the effect on me as Michael did and continues to have for 35+ years. FTR, I am probably older than most of you in this forum, and he has had that type of effect for all of those years. Extremely proud to be a part of the MJ fandom. Nothing will ever change that.In fact that fandom has grown even stronger, if that’s possible, since his murder/death. [Edited 6/26/20 13:52pm]

I just think it's very bizarre and unnatural for people (celebrities included) to react that way about someone that they don't know personally or whom they have never met. Prince is my favorite celebrity and I loved him dearly, so much so that you couldn't tell me that I wouldn't someday marry the man. However, I knew the difference between reality and fantasy, therefore I didn't fall apart when the man died. Yes, I felt sad, just as I did when Michael Jackson died, but did I fall into a deep depression, cry hysterically, or not be able to get out of bed?.....NO! That's just not a normal and sane reaction, or behavior for someone that I didn't know personally, whom had no idea that I even existed! I understand being a little shocked or upset when a celeb passes, maybe even shed a tear or two, because most of us feel like we know these people personally, but to go into hysterics and not be able to function, being severely depressed over it, that's taking things a bit too far and to the extreme.

[Edited 6/26/20 15:16pm]

Actually I cared a lot about him but for me, it also opened up wounds of losing other people before him and his music no longer being a distraction from that so it wa very hard. You’re lucky you were able to cope better

looby said:

I was never hysterical when Michael died and neither were any of my family members. However, it really hit us hard and I was surprised by that. My career keeps me so busy that I was able to channel that grief into my work. Maybe more so because I am in the music business. I am also truly blessed that I have an extremely strong family support system. However, I can understand fans who were attached to Michael in a way that his persona and music made them feel connected to him. There was just something about him that made people-women, men and children of all ages- feel that way.
Really, one person can’t tell another person how to react or feel during grief. It’s insensitive and in reality a little arrogant. Every person is different. Some people react differently even in the same family when a loved one dies. Therefore, there is no script that tells a person how they should react during grief.

Free2BMe said:

I fully agree with this, especially the last part. There is no right or wrong way to grieve and most were hit with shock over this. Check your pm I sent you something

Free2BMe said:

looby said:

I just think it's very bizarre and unnatural for people (celebrities included) to react that way about someone that they don't know personally or whom they have never met. Prince is my favorite celebrity and I loved him dearly, so much so that you couldn't tell me that I wouldn't someday marry the man. However, I knew the difference between reality and fantasy, therefore I didn't fall apart when the man died. Yes, I felt sad, just as I did when Michael Jackson died, but did I fall into a deep depression, cry hysterically, or not be able to get out of bed?.....NO! That's just not a normal and sane reaction, or behavior for someone that I didn't know personally, whom had no idea that I even existed! I understand being a little shocked or upset when a celeb passes, maybe even shed a tear or two, because most of us feel like we know these people personally, but to go into hysterics and not be able to function, being severely depressed over it, that's taking things a bit too far and to the extreme.

[Edited 6/26/20 15:16pm]

I was never hysterical when Michael died and neither were any of my family members. However, it really hit us hard and I was surprised by that. My career keeps me so busy that I was able to channel that grief into my work. Maybe more so because I am in the music business. I am also truly blessed that I have an extremely strong family support system. However, I can understand fans who were attached to Michael in a way that his persona and music made them feel connected to him. There was just something about him that made people-women, men and children of all ages- feel that way. Really, one person can’t tell another person how to react or feel during grief. It’s insensitive and in reality a little arrogant. Every person is different. Some people react differently even in the same family when a loved one dies. Therefore, there is no script that tells a person how they should react during grief.

I'm not telling anyone how to react or feel during grief, just stating my opinion of how I feel about those who stated that they were "deeply depressed, cried for days, couldn't get out of bed, etc." To me, that's extreme behavior over someone that you didn't know personally or never even met before, but only know of that person as an entertainer and celebrity. To me, that's not normal or sane behavior, having a reaction like that, just because a celebrity died! Michael Jackson was merely a human being just like every other human being that ever existed, no difference, except that he was a wealthy entertainer who could sing and dance. I just think that some people go too far in their worshiping and idolizing of celebrities and other figures that they put upon a pedestal and make gods out of. These people are not gods, they're no different and no better than anyone else! They are flawed human beings just like every human being created on this earth. If they cut themselves, they bleed just like the rest of us, they go to the bathroom just like the rest of us, they feel pain just like the rest of us, they cry and laugh just like the rest of us, if they don't bathe or shower, they stink just like the rest of us, they get sick just like the rest of us, and they live and die just like the rest of us, etc etc etc! It's we who put these people on a pedestal, idolize them, make gods out of them, who see them and think of them as more than what they are, in which is just regular human beings like everyone else!

[Edited 6/26/20 18:08pm]

I agree with you he was just human, I don’t think anyone disputes that it was just a very strange way to die and traumatic more so than just dying of natural causes that made it hard when he was so giving to others and was let down like that by those he trusted
[Edited 6/26/20 18:15pm]

looby said:

Of course Michael was human just like everyone else. He would have been the first person to tell you that. I just watched an interview with MJ’s son, Prince and the interviewer asked him if he knew his Dad was as big as he was? Prince said Michael never played his music around them or bragged about his fame. Michael’s son said he found out his famous his father was when they would go somewhere and people would be screaming and fainting. Prince says he asked his Dad why didn’t you tell us how famous you were. Michael answered “because I’m a regular person just like everyone else and no better than anyone else.” Prince also said that he and his siblings didn’t even know their father’s name was Michael Jackson when they were kids. They only knew him as Dad. Prince emphasized that their Dad always taught them to be humble and to never think they were better than anyone else just because they were wealthy.

Michael’s Legacy is his music and humanitarianism; however, his role as a father is just as important. He was an outstanding father and it shows in how he raised his 3 children.
[Edited 6/26/20 21:06pm]
[Edited 6/26/20 21:10pm]

Thanks for sharing that, I don’t think I saw that interview with prince.

alphastreet said:

Hard to believe it’s been 11 years. I remember being on this board when the story was developing cause mj boards were crashing Let’s share our favourite mj clips/moments here

They were very harsh times.

looby said:

Free2BMe said:

looby said: Lest you forget it wasn’t only just regular fans who reacted that way, it was celebrities( I only mentioned a few in my post) who reacted the same way. Some people have that effect on others, and Michael was that type of person who had that effect worldwide, and still does. Btw, I am not celebrity obsessed. I like a lot of celebrities; however, none of them have the effect on me as Michael did and continues to have for 35+ years. FTR, I am probably older than most of you in this forum, and he has had that type of effect for all of those years. Extremely proud to be a part of the MJ fandom. Nothing will ever change that.In fact that fandom has grown even stronger, if that’s possible, since his murder/death. [Edited 6/26/20 13:52pm]

I just think it's very bizarre and unnatural for people (celebrities included) to react that way about someone that they don't know personally or whom they have never met. Prince is my favorite celebrity and I loved him dearly, so much so that you couldn't tell me that I wouldn't someday marry the man. However, I knew the difference between reality and fantasy, therefore I didn't fall apart when the man died. Yes, I felt sad, just as I did when Michael Jackson died, but did I fall into a deep depression, cry hysterically, or not be able to get out of bed?.....NO! That's just not a normal and sane reaction, or behavior for someone that I didn't know personally, whom had no idea that I even existed! I understand being a little shocked or upset when a celeb passes, maybe even shed a tear or two, because most of us feel like we know these people personally, but to go into hysterics and not be able to function, being severely depressed over it, that's taking things a bit too far and to the extreme.

[Edited 6/26/20 15:16pm]

I felt a little bit like you, until i heard Prince died and i started crying on the street. Ive learned that you can not judge other peoples grieving.

I was very upset when my dog died, other people think its just an animal.

People don't react "sane", but on emotion.

when a celebriitie dies, it also meas we realise we are getting older, as the people from our youth die, so maybe we also grief about ourselves

nextedition said:

looby said:

I just think it's very bizarre and unnatural for people (celebrities included) to react that way about someone that they don't know personally or whom they have never met. Prince is my favorite celebrity and I loved him dearly, so much so that you couldn't tell me that I wouldn't someday marry the man. However, I knew the difference between reality and fantasy, therefore I didn't fall apart when the man died. Yes, I felt sad, just as I did when Michael Jackson died, but did I fall into a deep depression, cry hysterically, or not be able to get out of bed?.....NO! That's just not a normal and sane reaction, or behavior for someone that I didn't know personally, whom had no idea that I even existed! I understand being a little shocked or upset when a celeb passes, maybe even shed a tear or two, because most of us feel like we know these people personally, but to go into hysterics and not be able to function, being severely depressed over it, that's taking things a bit too far and to the extreme.

[Edited 6/26/20 15:16pm]

I felt a little bit like you, until i heard Prince died and i started crying on the street. Ive learned that you can not judge other peoples grieving.

I was very upset when my dog died, other people think its just an animal.

People don't react "sane", but on emotion.

when a celebriitie dies, it also meas we realise we are getting older, as the people from our youth die, so maybe we also grief about ourselves

I agree with that, and I'm not judging others, it's simply my view of the reaction that some say they had when the man died, nothing more. I just find it strange and puzzling that some people would react that emotionally, considering that they didn't know Michael personally, but only knew him as the celebrity that he was. Like I said, I loved Prince in the same way, but I didn't fall apart when the man died, because to me, that would be silly and irrational, because truth is, I didn't know Prince personally, nor did he know me, at all! And even though I knew of him as an entertainer, truth be told, he didn't even know I existed......that's reality. Now did I feel sad when he died, yes! I may have even shed a tear or two, I don't remember, but did I fall into a deep depression, cry hysterically, and not get out of bed for days, no! And if I would have reacted that way, I think I might have sought help, because in my opinion, that wouldn't have been normal behavior...but that's just me! That's all I'm saying, and it's an opinion that I have a right to say, whether some agree with it or not, or whether they like it or not.

[Edited 6/27/20 10:32am]

TonyVanDam said:

Yeah for sure, I also remember my discussion topics being pinned at the top for years

The only good posthumous release we've gotten was Bad 25 and that was back in 2012. The estate should be ashamed with how they've been handling MJ's content. He may not have a slew of outtakes, demos and unreleased tracks like Prince but there's still a well to be tapped into.

They can't even bother to do anniversary remasters. Bad's 30th was 3 years ago... nothing. Dangerous's 25th was 4 years ago... nothing. Off The Wall's 40th was just last year... nothing. HIStory's 25th is this year yet there's been no announcement for anything in regards to it. Don't be surprised if there's no announcement for anything to commemorate Thriller's 40th in 2022. And that's not even mentioning the complete disregard that his Motown solo albums have endured for so long.

Just pathetic. Mike deserves better than this.
[Edited 6/28/20 10:24am]

MotownSubdivision said:

The only good posthumous release we've gotten was Bad 25 and that was back in 2012. The estate should be ashamed with how they've been handling MJ's content. He may not have a slew of outtakes, demos and unreleased tracks like Prince but there's still a well to be tapped into. They can't even bother to do anniversary remasters. Bad's 30th was 3 years ago... nothing. Dangerous's 25th was 4 years ago... nothing. Off The Wall's 40th was just last year... nothing. HIStory's 25th is this year yet there's been no announcement for anything in regards to it. Don't be surprised if there's no announcement for anything to commemorate Thriller's 40th in 2022. And that's not even mentioning the complete disregard that his Motown solo albums have endured for so long. Just pathetic. Mike deserves better than this. [Edited 6/28/20 10:24am]

Motown had some stellar releases. 'Hello World', 'J5 Live at the Forum' 'Rare Pearls' etc. I rate them over any of the Sony releases. I'd bet there is more stuff hidden away but after that documentary last year, I don't think anyone will stick their neck out to release anything anytime soon.

That was a bizarro experience. Every period of my life there was Michael, then "poof" gone. It's still weird.

onlyforaminute said:

I fully agree, that’s just how it felt when it happened. I also thought I would see him in person for sure one day cause I had tickets to this is it

Marrk said:

That farce of a documentary certainly did hinder things but even that was just last year. We've gotten nothing music-wise since Xscape back in 2014. We could have gotten Dangerous 25 in 2016, some rereleases of his Motown LPs, more than what they've given. Even if Leaving Neverland never existed, I doubt there was anything the estate had in the works to celebrate Off The Wall's 40th.

The estate is complacent in the money they already make off MJ's name. I and many others wish they'd realize just how big of a gold mine they're sitting on and release more MJ content. Other artists in recent years (dead or alive) have been getting the deluxe collector's box set treatment, no reason MJ shouldn't have a few of his own especially with all the album milestones that have come/are coming up.