The Michael Jackson Appreciation Thread - RIP

[Howie]

Dedicated to the King of Pop... the world is much poorer for your loss... you'll be remembered always.

[Brando]

Such unexpected and sad news..

Without a doubt the world and music industry has lost an honest to god LEGEND.

[Norman]

RIP MJ. The world's music is poorer without you.

As many have said before, Rest in the peace you never got to have when you were alive.

[Mants]

RIP to possibly the greatest entertainer of our time.

50 years...too young, but you brought so much happiness to so many lives in those years.

[Howie]

I don't remember a time when Michael Jackson hasn't dominated the music scene, he had a profound impact on my generation and I really doubt we'll ever see a superstar of his calibre in our lifetimes. Was really looking forward to his comeback too, and I guess we'll never see the new dance move he had created for the comeback which he said would make everyone forget about the moonwalk (like we ever could anyway). So so sad.

[Howie]

Michael Jackson Tribute 1/3


Michael Jackson Tribute 2/3


Michael Jackson Tribute 3/3

[MaximumForce]

I remember when he came to Adelaide in 1996. I was 17 and I was in the crowd waiting to get a glimpse and maybe even a close up... Yeah right! I was wasn't in a great position in the crowd but I thought if I could just get to see him then I'd be more than content and more than happy. And I did. I did get to see him... And it was so cool! I just wish I could have seen him up a little closer... So I thought, I'd walk toward the Hyatt along the side of the casino to get a better opportunity.

To my suprise no one was there. Nobody at all. Not a soul. There werent even any barriers to shield the crowd from him.

Michael began to make his way to where I was now standing. To where there weren't any barriers. He must have thought there was a crowd waiting for him, but there was just me... just my brother and I. And here he came. An unforgettable moment occured. Michael Jackson saw me.

He was only a few metres away. Two or three metres max and looking right at me! Then... so cool, MJ gave me the peace sign! Looking right at me he gave me the peace sign!!

A few moments later as the crowd began to move toward me a couple of girls ran up from behind me toward Michael screaming. He signed some autographs for them. Later I thought man... I wish I had a pen or something to get an autograph too.

But now when I think back... yeah an autograph would have been so nice, but that eye to eye moment. That peace sign he gave me... I treasure that more than what an autograph could have even given me

Today I re-live that moment. It is even more poignant as I opended the Saturday Advertiser this morning to see myself that very day. At the spot where I got my first glimpse of Michael Jackson.

R.I.P. A historical figure.

Simon

[Rahul]

Hey everyone,

This is my first post on S-A. Firstly I would like to say that I think it's fantastic that this forum exists. I've been an observer for a while, and have often found myself losing track of time as I read the lively debate on various aspects of our city. I won't waste more time here introducing myself - I'll do that properly after my exams are over.

Anyway, returning to this thread. I just had to comment on MaximumForce's post. What a story! That kind of thing just reaffirms how much respect Michael had for his fans. Although I never got to meet Michael Jackson in person and I wasn't around when he was at the peak of his superstardom (I'm 19 years old), I felt as though I knew him through his songs. I don't know another musician who has tried to connect with their audience as closely as Michael Jackson did, and deliver their lyrics with such passion and energy. It is obvious that he truly considered his music as his outlet for personal expression, and consequently, he was never afraid to innovate or speak his mind. It's clear that he carried this attitude into his performances. He continually set the standard for live performance, only to exceed it at his next show.

People who haven't been brought up on Michael Jackson, would probably struggle to understand how millions and millions of people could be so deeply affected by his passing. Actually, I can't really explain it myself. All I can say is that his music has resonated with me for as long as I can remember. It's cheered me up when I've been down, made me think about things in a way I hadn't before and of course, compelled me to publicly break out in dance. No other artist can, or ever will have that effect on me. It's sad that he was never accorded the respect that he deserved while he was alive. We won't see another superstar with such genius and universal appeal ever again.

Thankyou for all the memories, MJ. May you rest in peace. You'll be sorely loved and missed by all your fans.

And thankyou, Howie, for starting this thread. I hope to hear other people's recollections on Michael Jackson.

Peace.

[Howie]

Welcome to the site Rahul! Glad you could join us.

[omada]

It's funny how last week he was regarded as "Wacko Jacko", now all of a sudden he is "The King of Pop". Fodder for a generation of paparazzi, his life was in the end a morally dubious affair. Sure I feel sorry for him, but please lets take a step back and refrain from the hazy eulogizing.

[AtD]

It's funny how last week he was regarded as "Wacko Jacko", now all of a sudden he is "The King of Pop". Fodder for a generation of paparazzi, his life was in the end a morally dubious affair. Sure I feel sorry for him, but please lets take a step back and refrain from the hazy eulogizing.

Seconded. As I've said elsewhere, I hope Nelson Mandela gets the same level of attention when he inevitably passes on. He's in his 90's now.

[cruel_world00]

Regardless of what you think about Michael Jackson's personal life etc, I don't think anyone can deny his contribution to the music industry. We will probably never see a musician of his calibre in our life time. Personal life aside, he was the King of Pop.