Today has just been a strange day. First, waking to the news of Farrah Fawcett passing away, after suffering in these last few months. But like Ryan O’Neale said, she was so strong, brave and fought to the end documenting her life in those last few weeks, in the most honest and raw way that anybody can, when terminally ill.
Then came the breaking news that Michael Jackson had been rushed to hospital after cardiac arrest. Then, as I was having to get ready for work, and keeping an eye on the television, once on the way to work, I had to rely on emails and/or Twitter. I honestly think that its a very morbid way to find out about news; especially when a tabloid website is the first to report a death. How do you find out the truth? Particularly when some agencies reported a coma, others were confirming a death. It was horrible either way; all the while, either way a music, dance & fashion icon; the true King of Pop at only 50 was in an unknown state. Then, once the news was confirmed.. some not so considerate, or sensitive souls were already making jokes about his private life, or about his oddities. It was very hard not to immediately fire back and ask them how anyone could be so cruel. But I held back knowing that it wasn’t worth getting into an ‘argument’ with someone. At the end of the day, whether you know someone or not, to speak ill of the dead, or to make jokes is putting it mildly, in poor taste.
So I thought, I had to share with you my first memory of experiencing Michael Jackson. Thriller
When Thriller was released, I would have been 1 year old. No, readers I do not remember watching or hearing Thriller as a toddler; perhaps I might have been… 6? Please bear with me, whilst I may have this memory of Michael Jackson in the red leather jacket; I can barely remember the last time I vacuumed the house! Moving on..
So I was being babysat, and I remember sitting, fascinated as miss babysitter-whose-name-I-can’t-remember told me all about this cool movie by Michael Jackson! I’m not sure I knew who he was but let me tell you, the memory I have is being so scared, running out of the room, possibly crying, possibly shrieking, being SO scared. The clear memory I have is that I don’t think I watched enough of it to realise that at the end; its just a movie, and Michael’s date has imagined all of the zombies, and demons, and ghosts, and Michael growing those funny whiskers! Honestly, its an awesome videoclip, and who doesn’t want to learn that dance? I wish I could have the moves, just like Jennifer Garner does in 13 Going On 30!
He will be remembered, for a long time. The dance style he inspired, the fashion and the music and countless songs I still sing along to, and listen to, it is a big loss. He is my generation’s John Lennon or Elvis Presley and I will certainly not forget his legacy. Watch the videoclip for Thriller here.
