Saturday, 25 June 2011

Never Can Say Goodbye

Today is the second anniversary of the passing of The King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Even though it is two years gone this day will always evoke the emotions of that time. A bizarre mix of sadness and elation. Sad for the loss of someone so inspirational and magical, and sad that the figure who seemed to have an air of sadness and who never found true happiness. And elation at the unity, the joy, the music, the dance, the altruism and the sense of hope that he brought to people. 

But I never feel words give justice to what I want to be able to say about Michael Jackson. For me Michael Jackson was, and still is, the soundtrack to my life. Anyone born in the 1980's will surely share this sentiment. It was the height of Jackson mania. Every child of that time idolised and wanted to be Michael Jackson. School disco's were all who could most dance like Michael Jackson. Every song, lyric and music video were memorised. He was the standard. He made people dream big. He made you believe anything was possible.

When I think back to that time it makes me smile. I loved my childhood and Michael Jackson was a big part of that. To be a part of that sense of knowing that you were seeing something extraordinary and world changing is unlike anything else. And when I listen to Michael Jackson or watch videos of him performing I still get that childhood feeling of wonderment and delight. To this day when I hear the first beat of 'Billie Jean' I still get excited! And this is a song I have been listening to my whole life!

And that is just some of the reasons why I love Michael Jackson. He ability to inspire and delight, the genius of his music and dance - he really was the physical embodiment of the rhythm and beat. But to me Michael was more than just the world's best entertainer. A huge part of why I love Michael is his altruism and nature. No matter what was said about him or what he was put through he always responded was grace and dignity. He seemed grounded and truly had love and care for the plight of others. He spoke passionately about important issues and really did seek to spread love. Seeing how Michael Jackson was influenced my own life. It made me be aware and want to seek what is going on in the rest of the world. It then made me get involved in charity work, campaigning and activism. He reminds me to be a better person, to dream big, care for others and to spread love and joy whenever I can.

I was reading through some quotes people made when they heard the news of Michael's passing. It is incredible to see the unity Michael brought to people even in their react to the news. There was an article that I really think captured the emotions of people who grew up with Michael Jackson. You can read it here. There are some sections of the article that I really relate to.

'There was a strange feeling that took my body completely hostage when I heard those words. It's a year later and I still can't describe that feeling. The thought of Michael Joseph Jackson not being alive is completely implausible...But one thing remains consistent from generation to generation; we aren't supposed to live in a world without Michael Jackson.'

Those words really stuck a chord. I think it was evident that the world was in shock. This almost mythical figure was dead? It was almost incomprehensible.

Here are a selection of quote by celebrities that resonate with me.

"Michael Jackson went into orbit and never came down. Though it ended way too soon, Michael's life was beautiful. Sure there was some sad times and maybe some questionable decisions on his part, but Michael Jackson accomplished everything he dreamed of. The more I think about Michael and talk about Michael the more I think that 'King of Pop' is not good enough. I think he is simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived." -Berry Gordy

"Michael Jackson lit the fuse that ignited the spirit of dance in us all. He gave us a song and a sweet melody that will never die. Now we all carry his legacy with joy and pride." - MC Hammer

"There is no one in the world like MJ. Never has been. Never will be. We all know him in one way or another. In some way he has touched us, been the voice of one of our sweetest memories. And what a wonderful, genuine, compassionate, soft-spoken giant so full of love. He gave us love, excitement, one-of-a-kind moments in a mundane world. I can't believe he won't be with us here on earth anymore. But long from now, when we are all dust, he will still never be forgotten. To the best that ever did it! You are loved, admired and respected forever." -Alicia Keys

"Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life. He made me believe in magic." -P Diddy

You can see the legacy of Michael Jackson through other performers in the music industry. There are three performances that really touch me, because you can see how how much genuine emotion is running through the performers. The first is Beyonce, who all throughout her 'I Am...' tour paid tribute to Michael. The second is Stevie Wonder, another musical legend, who speaks of his friendship and love of Michael. Stevie's performance at Michael Jackson's memorial was also very beautiful and moving. And the third is Janet Jackson's tribute at the 2009 VMA's. Combine the world's best choreographers who either worked with or were influenced by Michael and Michael's sister Janet and you get an explosive performance! A fitting tribute.
Earlier this year I wrote a blog in response to an article 'Michael Jackson & Proper Emotions'. In it I tried to give a sense what Michael Jackson meant to me. I can not full articulate exactly how The King of Pop has influenced and impacted my life but below is a section which touches the surface.


'I personal felt, and still feel to some degree, what can be defined as grief over the passing of Michael Jackson. I was not a 'superfan' I just loved MJ's music and moves. I never had any merchandise, never read any articles, never followed what he was doing professionally or personally unless a single or album was out. But Michael Jackson was a constant throughout my life. My household was never musical, the radio never played, but the only albums we ever played in the household was Michael Jackson. Lest we forget that Jackson's career started when my mother was a girl watching The Jackson 5 with my grandmother.

In my childhood everyone wanted to be Michael Jackson. There was a magical quality to this man who's talents knew no abounds. Just when you thought you had seen it all MJ would pull something new and sensational out the bag. He was still thrilling people in the This Is It rehearsals, until the few hours before his death. In my primary school dances the highlight was always when Michael Jackson would come on and the whole school stopped to surround a boy named Freedom as we watched as he performed the entrancing and magical movements of Michael Jackson.

I will admit in the years after the 'History' album I lost interest somewhat. I didn't follow was was going on. This changed once I heard in 2008 that at some point Michael Jackson would be doing a residency at the O2. I knew I would do anything to get to see what would be the greatest show on earth by the best performer in the world. That inner child wanted it's childhood fantasy accomplished. I knew I would be dazzled and the thought of the atmosphere in that arena with 20,000 watching Jackson perform is still enough to give me goosebumps. Alas this was never to be.

On hearing of MJ's passing the first few days I was filled with a sense of wonderment of just what an incredible impact he had had on people. On 26th June 2009 every single shop, car and headphone was blasting out Jackson classics. It was such a great emotion to know we were all celebrating a life that we had received such pleasure and entertainment from.

In the few weeks afterward was when I started to feel grief. Grief for the loss of great talent. Sadness for a man that never really got to feel true happiness and satisfaction. A man who seemed to have it all but still carried an overwhelming sense of sadness and loneliness about him. Heartache for his children, far to young to lose their only parent. And a sadness for the loss of my childhood.

To me Michael Jackson is much more than a great singer and performer. He was the best. He is what everyone strives to be. He made songs that touched the soul, his moves defied logic and caused that childlike feeling of excitement of when we see something magical, his humanitarian work and altruism is inspirational and reminds me that I am not what life is all about - to look outside myself, help others and remember L.O.V.E. He overcame adversity again and again. He is the prime example of an underdog, a figure that people always stand behind. He conducted himself with grace and dignity no matter what was thrown at him. And most importantly he brought people together. He broke down barriers not just in music and dance but in society, in race relations, in environmental issues. He taught me how to be a better person. He was the last fantastical figure of my childhood that remained, unlike santa or faeries who disappeared long ago, and now that image was shattered as I realised he wasn't invincible, he was flesh and blood like the rest of us and ultimately perishable. And that is why I grieve for Michael Jackson. '


“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.” 


And although today will be sad it is also a day to celebrate the life and genius of Michael Jackson. There still is no other artist that unites people as much as MJ. Throw on 'Don't Stop Til You Get Enough' and everyone will be on their feet! I went to see Thriller Live two days ago and usually the audience are told to get up and dance during certain parts of the show. But at this performance the audience didn't need telling! From halfway though the second half everyone was up on their feet dancing and singing along! It was an amazing atmosphere and it really touched me just how much love there is for Michael Jackson. 

Not only was he the most incredible musician, dancer and entertainer he was also a philanthropist and humanitarian and this is the reason I have so much love and respect for this man. He reminded to people to look outside yourself and care for others, and that really had an impact on me and how I live my life today. 

So although there are times that will be sad I feel it is most important to celebrate! Celebrate the joyous music and the glorious dance! Celebrate the heightened awareness of issues and love that Michael spread! Celebrate the unity he brought to people! 

For all the times we forgot to say it, for all the times we took you for granted, for all the love you put out, I want to say thank you. Thank you for everything you did and the happiness you continue to evoke.  We love you Michael!

Now bust a move and give me a heehee!

“And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance.”