For the first time since I have been enjoying these leisurely days at home, I put one of the morning shows on while I drank my morning coffee (I watch them so regularly, I am unable to even tell you which one!). Hadn’t listened to the news yet, and there I sat for the next 2 hours. Because, love him or hate him, the news of Michael Jackson’s death was like watching a car crash. Could not turn the damn TV off.
I remember similar responses to Diana and 9/11. Why can’t we tear ourselves away, even though we know we are not going to learn any new information? Is this the only way we can absorb unexpected news?
In MJ’s case, I think it was because it took me straight back to my high school days. His music was so influential, and music has so much to do with our memories. A song can transport you to an exact moment in time. And who didn’t try a few of those dance moves from time to time?! So this morning I ignored the weirdness and controversy of his latter years and watched his film clips with my kids. But wisely decided against busting a few moves of my own!
Tania said,
June 28, 2009 at 1:39 am
I am in the “love him” category, always unashamedly have been. I feel deeply saddened by his death, as I have felt about the circus his life had seemed to become. He had so much, but he never had “normal”. My kids watched the “Thriller” video clip tonight and as they saw it for the first time in it’s entirety, I was also transported back in time to the Blue Light Disco in Noarlunga, where I stood mesmerised as it appeared on the screen.
Matthew and Daniel tonight did their best at trying to moon-walk ,suffice to say, they are just as un-co as me.
Rest in peace Michael.
Louise B said,
June 30, 2009 at 10:35 am
Thriller was the first album I bought with my own money I had saved (got it on tape!) and for me that was his peak- those songs helped define a generation. He predicted he would die young in a similar fashion to Elvis and sadly it came true. Despite the wierdness we can all appreciate what a genius he was. And Lisa, I too have been watching all the specials and tributes on the telly- and remembering some good times.