Post by miss_ing on Jun 26, 2009 23:57:43 GMT
MICHAEL JACKSON (1958-2009)
On 25th June 2009, our world lost the most creative, influential and successful pop singer of ALL time. He was a sweet-natured, kind, shy, humble gentleman, and an outlandish, eccentric, complex and misunderstood 'man-child', but whatever people's personal opinions (good or bad), there was no getting away from the fact that his legendary contribution to the music industry spanning four decades had earned him the epic title 'King of Pop'. There will never be another like Michael Jackson - EVER. He was unique in every sense of the word - a true icon - a musical genius - a legend, who defined a generation and was admired, loved and respected by his fellow artists and masses of fans around the globe, including myself. EVERYONE knew who Michael Jackson was. He was a massive part of my own growing up years - I bought his albums - I watched his videos - I marveled at his talent - I watched Earth Song at the Brits - I even tried to moonwalk and dance 'thriller'! ('tried', yes-- but, didn't we all?!) --and, .....I had myself a ticket to see him perform this September, at the 02 Arena.
With this come-back tour just weeks away, his sudden death is especially tragic and untimely. For many of us, a life time's dream is now lost - never again will we have an opportunity to see him onstage -- the place where he used to feel happiest and most comfortable. I'm still finding it difficult to fathom the enormity of his loss. I continue to shake my head in disbelief whenever I hear, or see, or read, a news update, and those mind blowing words 'Michael Jackson is dead - has died - has passed away'. Someone say it's not true!? Why do the music 'greats' of our time (Elvis, Freddie Mercury, John Lennon etc) rarely make it to their twilight years? It seems like the whole music bizz life (and all that that entails) is a monster too big to handle, and it kills these beautiful people in the end - one way or another. Was poor physical and mental health to blame for his sudden demise? Was the pressure of expectation on the 50 'This Is It' gigs, too much? Did his advisors fail him? Did his doctors fail him? Did his family and friends fail him? Could this all have been prevented? Does somebody have blood on their hands tonite? So many unanswered questions right now. Time will tell us what caused Michael's death, but I can't help but fear right now, that his addiction to pain medications has played a sinister hand here. THAT would make this whole situation all the more devastating and difficult for us to accept, knowing that he was pushed over the edge by his circumstance, and died before his time - before he was ready to go.
Truth is, the impact he had on us in life thru his music, his passion, his performances is SO profound, that he will NEVER truly die. With this at the forefront of mind today, let's unite in our mourning and set aside his past personal life drama which has been so damaging to his career, and raise a glass to celebrate his massive contribution to music, and focus on the legacy our 'King of Pop' leaves behind....
Thank you for the music and the memories, dear Michael. I'm so grateful to have lived this generation with you. You did 'make the world a better place' -- take your place up there with the stars, now, and rest in peace .... you were BRILLIANT.
My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fellow fans.
-ing x
"Well, let's face it -- I mean.... who wants mortality? Everybody wants IMMORTALITY. You want what you create to live, be it a sculpture, or a painting, or music, or a composition, ...uh, like Michael Angelo said, you know? --'I know the creator will go, but his work survives. That is why, to escape death, I attempt to bind my soul to my work'".
Michael Jackson