I can’t even believe it’s possible. I still think it’s a publicity stunt for his new tour. I fully expect for him to pop up somewhere or to learn that it was just one of his clones that passed away. How many people imitated this man? Every known major pop performer in the world at least. It has to be an imitator right? Why can’t this be an imitator?
Some part of my own life has passed away. I don’t think I’m alone in this feeling. There is this sense of mortality when one who seems so immortal passes away. Remember his concerts in the 80s-90s? Live from Bucharest? My God! Men and women, boys and girls fainted cold looking at him. There is no man on this planet that had that level of power in my life. They say Elvis and the Beatles had it, but not in my lifetime. Michael Jackson was the closest thing to a living god we’ve ever seen in our lifetimes.
I remember his court cases–any public appearance–he was always followed by a huge entourage of SUVs trailing him from the beginning of his trip to the end of it. The moment he appeared from inside the darkened cavern he was worshipped. In some ways, we see these superstars as immortal. They aren’t supposed to die. Even now, as I write this, Michael is dancing across my TV screen as he always has. And he will keep dancing and singing.
When I first heard he was in the hospital, I told my daughter that there will be a throng outside the hospital playing his songs and praying for him. There was. When I heard he died, I didn’t believe it anymore than anyone else did. I still don’t. Michael’s promoting his tour. Watch. Ticket sales will go through the roof!
Weeks will pass and we will still not believe it. We will sing his songs and watch his videos and have him just as close to us as he’s always been. And someone will inevitably ask, “what does this mean?” It means we’re all mortal–stars or not. Today we witnessed a supernova–we will feel its effects for years to come. We will miss you Michael.
T.R. Locke
June 29th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Why do you suppose it is that we hunger for people who are larger than life? What is it in is that is so afraid to trust that we don’t need an entourage of SUVs and a rented mansion to feel and see the reflection of God in us? Instead we make others who’s talents intersect with opportunity in just the right way into demigods, cheating them of the best stuff of life in order to promote bling and support our inadequacy myths. I think that Quincy Jones biography should be required for every serious MJ fan. He shows the ravages of our hunger on Michael’s life.
Very, very sad.
June 29th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
The best thing about this is that at least we will get to remember him at his best, and for the powerful impact he had on our lives individually and collectively. Over time, his music and his talent will be celebrated and cherished. But, unfortunately, first we must survive the “sharks in the water” mode we are about to enter with a frenzy.
R.I.P. Michael
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:56 am
Well said and thanks for the comment.
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:18 am
Thanks for the comment, Tiffany. I haven’t read/seen the Jones Biography yet, but I know that fame does a number on people’s perceptions. I think it is that we see hem as gods. I know, for me, I link so much pleasure to Michael’s music, and his music and voice has been with me all my life that I sense it ass kind of a omnipresence. Even now that he’s dead we still hear him, right? And I think that the reactions of fanatics has an effect on us. How can you not be drawn to someone who’s very presence makes another person faint? It’s like they have magical powers or something, right? And of course the media, and the celebrities themselves often take and hype this even more. But it only works if we actually like the artists too. For instance, I can watch girls cry and scream all day, it doesn’t make me feel anything for the Jonas Bros.