Over the past two weeks people from all over the world have mourned the loss of possibly the greatest artist of all time, Michael Jackson. I grew up listening to Michael Jackson as a child. His song “Beat it” changed the way I looked at music forever and obviously I was just one of many. It is hard to explain to the kids today just how influential he really was. He single-handedly revolutionized the music TV industry with his unique blend of music, fashion and dance moves. His songs are still as great today as they were when I was young. Now that he is no longer among us his true brilliance once again shines. Sadly, over the past few years his wild and outrageous antics made the news and tarnished his great career.
As Ken put in his post earlier his achievements speak for themselves.
I was lucky enough to actually see his concert in Bangkok back in the 90s. While I can’t say it was the best concert I have ever been to due to the acoustics and the weather I must say that I was able to see a master at his craft. From the minute the lights dimmed the crowd began bursting with anticipation. A few minutes later there was an explosion on stage and there he was. People went berserk. For 2 minutes he didn’t move a muscle. He stood there just soaking in the atmosphere. Then, finally, he moved. I can still remember it, all he did was move his head from right to left but the effect it had on everyone inside the stadium was indescribable. I have been to a few concerts in my life but what I witnessed that night still makes me understand just what an amazing performer he was. He knew what the crowd wanted and he gave them everything they wanted and more.
He will be missed.
Adrian
Ken says
Adrian you have captured the essence of Michael Jackson’s concerts – he delivered what his audiences wanted and more. Any person who was providential enough to have witnessed one of his performances was invariably touched by his magical moves, as I wrote he was “… a musical genius and performer extraordinaire”.
In passing yesterday I went to Tower Records in Shinjuku to pick up a free copy of ”METROPOLIS” and whilst there went to see what “POWDERFINGER” (An Australian rock band) CDs were in stock and just happened to notice, while walking past the “M – Pop/Rock” section, some Michael Jackson CDs which at 1,000 yen each were just too cheap to pass up, especially as most of my Michael Jackson CDs and LPRs are in storage back home in Surfers Paradise.
Ken
Smith’s School of English Koenji