The Man In The Mirror

Just yesterday while preparing for an opening ceremony of our clubs inaugural sporting event; we were informed that the band would be playing Michael Jackson’s Black or White as one of the covers for their first set. The idea was quickly met with criticism, mainly because many felt it wasn’t a suitable song for an athletic event such as the one we we’re hosting – I was one of those who objected the idea, the song was replaced with a more up-tempo rock ballad which went fine with the audience. If only I had known that the King of Pop today would be busting up dance moves with Elvis Presley and smoking the freshest homegrown up above – I would have surely changed my mind.

I’ve always been a huge fan of MJ, I might not have been the most vocal or crazed supporter of the controversial singer but I’ve always and will always be a fan of his music, and his ability to provide some of the best entertainment on (and off) stage.

I remember going to a Michael Jackson’s History concert way back in 1996 at Merdeka Stadium, Kuala Lumpur. Even before the event was confirmed, the arrival of the gloved one was marked with objection , especially from over religious groups who claimed Michael’s crotch grabbing moves and his unique ability to cause a mass hysteria (even larger than the one’s witnessed in government schools before an examination date) would have adverse effects on the youth of today.

Yet somehow, our then Prime Minister, Dr M must have certainly owned a couple of copies of Thriller and Off The Wall because the concert was approved.

I’ve been to my share of concerts after the MJ gig of course, but I must admit then when it comes to providing the full package entertainment value from start to finish – nobody comes close to Michael Jackson. From the grand entrance of a bullet-shaped spaceship crashing into the stadium, to a staged explosion and the ability to bring a huge tanker right up to the front of the stage – nobody does it like MJ. Take my word for it – you haven’t been to a concert until you’ve been to a MJ concert. Did I mention the breathtaking dance moves and the quick change of wardrobe? (Enough to rival some of today’s biggest Diva’s).

However like all big stars, MJ’s life was riddled with controversy, scandals and plastic surgery. Just as much as everyone loves to see a hero win, the world sadistically also loves to see a beloved hero fall – especially the Hollywood tabloids. MJ has always been honest about his bad childhood, from abuse to being forced to perform in front of large crowds at such a young age. It’s no doubt that such emotional trauma and the stress of being required to hold up this public image day and night to huge crowds took its toll on him and hence we entered the era of Wacko Jacko as the media soon referred to him. He was a tabloids best dream, a living freak to some – the black man who turned white, the man with the plastic nose, the best babysitter in the world. Articles of MJ sold more copies in the newsstands than a Harry Potter book from J.K Rowling (not based on actual figures).

Strong supporters of MJ stood by his side, while some of his closest friends manipulated their power to get the most out of his wealth. There are tons of accusations against MJ, in-fact if we waited a little longer I’m pretty sure that space chimp he’s so fond off would have lodged a law suit as well, but unfortunately we will never truly be able to tell if it’s based on fact or fiction. After all if you had a screwed up childhood, was forced to sing your ABC songs in front of a huge television audience and your earliest pet was a Rat named Ben – I doubt you would have the ability nor guts to turn into one of the biggest icons in music history today (take that haters).

It’s just a pity that the youth of today will probably never truly learn to appreciate the genius that is Michael Jackson – like the time I heard a teenager calling up a local radio station to request for Fall Out Boys “Beat It” – and when the radio deejay asked him if he knew the original singer of the song, he said “Fall Out Boy la!”.

The worst bit was when the radio deejay told him that the song was originally sung by the king of pop; MJ – the kid started laughing – like it was the biggest joke he had ever heard in his poor little pubescent life.

So the next time you listen and swoon over Justin Timberlake’s new music video, or wonder why Neyo keeps wearing that funny little top hat just appreciate the fact that most of today’s pop singers were in one way or another influenced by Michael Jackson – and for many of us he will truly and forever be the one and only King of Pop.