Michael Jackson tribute turning into a fiasco

Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert is turning into a fiasco with no acts announced, family squabbles, estate representatives announcing they have not given approval, issues with pricing tickets, sales put on hold, and serious concerns by many on the timing of this event considering it occurs during the manslaughter trial that many feel is the only way to get justice in the death of Jackson.
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Jackson family split over Michael Jackson tribute

The Jackson clan seem split on how appropriate a Michael Jackson tribute concert is according to media sources. The family press conference attended by Katherine, La Toya, Jackie, Tito and Marlon announced the show in Cardiff, Wales on October 8. Katherine said it would be a “world-class event.”

A one-off tribute show to Michael Jackson featuring some of the world’s biggest artists will be held in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and beamed across the world, it was announced last night.

Michael Forever – The Tribute Concert has been backed by members of the Jackson family and will be shown to 30 countries in both 2D and 3D.

The line-up for the show, which will take place on October 8, is yet to be announced but is said to include major stars who Jackson himself had admired before his death in June 2009.

Brothers Jermaine and Randy do not agree with this concert particularly the timing. They released their own statement against the concert

Jermaine and Randy said: “While we wholeheartedly support the spirit of a tribute that honours our brother, we find it impossible to support an event that is due to take place during the criminal trial surrounding Michael’s death.

“There will come a time and place for an amazing and deserving tribute to Michael. But we feel that the most important tribute we can give to our brother at this time is to seek justice in his name.”

Now this is not the first time that Jermaine has been at odds with the family over a planned tribute and Randy has been very outspoken regarded business dealings the family have had following Michael’s death.

No artists have yet been announced for ‘Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert’ – which will be held in front of 75,000 fans. Reports state that performers will be revealed daily until August 4, when tickets will go on sale.

Tito promised the concert will feature “all the artists [Michael] admired and respected so much.

“Michael loved doing things on a large, major scale. This is definitely one that he would approve.”

Global Live Events, the company behind the concert, said this tribute will be a fitting tribute to the King of Pop’s musical legacy.

Chris Hunt, president of Global Live Events, said: “We wanted to do something decent and worthy of Michael’s musical genius yet something fun and authentic that you would envision Michael attending with excitement and joy surrounded by talent that he respected and loved.”

Go to Michael Jackson tribute concert planned in Cardiff for a video of the press conference

What do you think about not only this tribute but also the timing of it?

Mohamed Fayed unveils Michael Jackson tribute

Mohamed Al-Fayed, chairman of the Cottagers and close friend of Michael Jackson, unveiled a statue of MJ outside Fulham’s Craven Cottage stadium in London this week. During his introduction he told fans of the club they could go and support another team if they did not like his tribute.

“Why is it bizarre?” Fayed told The Associated Press. “Football fans love it. If some stupid fans don’t understand and appreciate such a gift, they can go to hell. I don’t want them to be fans. If they don’t understand and don’t believe in things I believe in, they can go to Chelsea, they can go to anywhere else.”

Mohamed Al-Fayed was a friend of the pop star. Although he stated that, “People will queue to come and visit it from all over Britain and it is something that I and everybody else should be proud of” some questioned the rationale behind the billionaire’s latest move.

Fayed, 78, known for purchasing a controlling interest in the Harrods department store in 1985 and the sad death of his son, Dodi, with Diana, Princess of Wales, in August 1997, is no stranger to controversy.

This 7-foot-6 plaster and resin statue of Michael Jackson was erected outside the stadium of English Premier League soccer club Fulham.

Let us know what you think.

Liz Taylor laid to rest near Michael Jackson

As in life and now in death the deep connection of Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson cannot be denied.

Fierce and loyal friends for decades, the two now are laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial-Park in Glendale. Read more

Glee finally covers Michael Jackson material

Fans of Michael Jackson and many music historians have wondered for quite some time why the popular TV show Glee took so long to cover the King of Pop’s material.

With shows dedicated to specific musicians such as Madonna and Britney Spears, we still must wonder why an entire segment is not dedicated to the man who changed music and the way it was visually seen has not occurred.

It is not for lack of material both private and personal. Does Madonna’s show that highlighted how she changed the path for women in music mean more. Did Michael not only change music but also change how celebrities use their exposure for the better of mankind.

We would like to see a Glee show focusing on his music, videos, charity work and the effects of media and fame. With fame glorified especially in light of reality TV, is not the study of Michael Jackson nothing short of something that should be taught in modern society classes today.

Let us know what you think.

Usher pays tribute to Michael Jackson during 02 concert

Usher, a long time fan and friend of Michael Jackson, paid tribute to his idol during a recent London’s O2 performance.

The ‘Love in this Club’ hitmaker gave a high energy show, mixing songs from his latest album ‘Raymond V. Raymond’ with his back .

At one point between tracks he addressed the crowd, saying: “It is an honour to play this venue, where we all looked forward to seeing a legend perform, but who sadly didn’t make it to those shows – although I would like to perform a tribute to that man.”

A conveyor belt brought across a pair of sparkling silver trainers to the star – who was clad in a black with a red leather jacket – he asked: “Ladies and gentlemen, do I have your permission to fill these shoes?”

Starting his dance tribute to the late King of Pop, who tragically died in 2009 ahead of a planned 50 comeback shows at The O2, Usher added: “Are you ready? For those of you who don’t know who I’m talking about, it’s the one, the only Michael Jackson.”

The star then applied his footwork to a version of Michael’s ‘Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough’, which segued into his own ‘U Make Me Wanna’.

There will never be another Michael Jackson

After following and reporting the news from the preliminary trial, I thought it was time to address some other issues or comments being made about Michael Jackson. These are not about his tragic death, disregard for his life or the troubling shift that was predictable “blame the victim” but rather comments on whether or not there will ever be another Michael Jackson. Read more

Michael Jackson’s doctor is a symptom of a sick system

Michael Jackson‘s doctor is on trial for the fight of his life. This fight begins with the preliminary trial that will determine whether or not the case goes to court.

Covering the details, we cannot imagine it not going to trial but as of last week the debate seemed to be whether a plea bargain would be sought. What a difference a few days make.

Now, with the latest direction by the defense, it seems to appear that the defense is not interested in a plea bargain but rather a full fledged trial where they can blame the victim and release the accused of any guilt and/or responsibility in the care he provided to his patient.

Our opinion and observations noted here are in no way trying to suggest guilt or innocence or a right to a fair trial with all the evidence. That is why there is a court system even if testimony is painful to report.

For us, however, it is again a reminder of how sick the system is that allows the professional oath of a doctor to be or appear to be so abused.

The first week started with damning evidence day after day painting the picture of how reckless a licensed doctor could be when caring for a patient. Now, it seems the defense’s strategy is to show Michael Jackson self-medicated himself causing his own overdose.

Now, lets be clear this is the job of the defense. They need to provide reasonable doubt. Whether fans want to agree or not, the defense are trying to lay out evidence to show that Michael used drugs, was addicted to drugs and was worn down by drug use over the years. Michael himself admitted to drug use and addiction. Fans did not realize or do not want to believe this abuse was so recent but clearly by the state of his body, medical testimony to the scene stating he looked like a hospice patient and his own friends and staff, no one cannot deny something was seriously wrong with the entire picture regarding his health and the promotion of the This is It concert run.

His own friends and staff have confirmed online and in interviews that AEG and others were either notified or were aware of his condition and nothing was done. AEG and others of course have denied these allegations. Some have accused others of not taking care of his condition and driving him into more drug addiction. The recent lawsuit by his mother Katherine names AEG, Kenny Ortega and others although Ortega is trying to have his name removed from the lawsuit.

So why does the doctor taking ‘care of him’ (believe me we use these words loosely) email insurance reps stating his health was fine the very morning he died. He was obviously not OK. He looked like a hospice patient so lets be real here.

Why? Well because a lot of money was at stake for everyone involved. Michael needed the cash desperately. He had spent years denying his dire finances but his own staff have confirmed bills were not paid, hotels refused his entourage, and millions had been spent launching his comeback.

Is it unreasonable for those investing to want a functioning singer? It was not probably an unreasonable request…we would probably want the same if it was our money on the line. It does not, however, excuse those that saw him falling apart to turn a blind eye, not get him help, lie to authorities, etc. We don’t think so.

Now regarding the medical care (or lack thereof) it goes beyond words to describe the lying, covering up, incompetence and unethical medical treatment that went on in this case and these are statements true even before Michael died.

Listening to the expert testimony last weeks a few things are clear:

1. Dr. Murray seemed reckless in administering a drug that should never be administered in a non-surgical/hospital setting.

2. Proper monitoring by Dr. Murray did not occur. He seemed rather busy texting, emailing, phoning and going to the bathroom to have any idea what his drug induced patient was either up to or condition he was in.

3. Inadequate equipment, expertise and rescue procedures were used or administered by the doctor.

4. Dr. Murray knowingly shipped drugs to a home address thus covering up the intended purpose or to who the drugs were being administered to.

5. An obscene amount of time seemed go by before Dr. Murray called authorities.

So what now can be said about a system that allows a licensed doctor to order and administer drugs in a method no better than a back alley drug dealer. Because a doctor can order drugs does that excuse him to order drugs covering up the intended purpose, administering them to a patient with a history of drug issues, or not having the proper training in administering the medication, rescue procedures, etc.

It seems to us that the public is far more concerned with not having a proper health care system that controls the administration of drugs, makes people accountable for their actions, etc. than really finally doing something to make licensed medical practitioners legally accountable for their actions, ensuring computerized record systems keeps track of abuse and standardizing/making available a medical system that is really in the best interest of the people not just big business.

Let us know what you think.

Never Can Say Goodbye Archives

Never Can Say Goodbye Archives from Katherine Jackson is the coffee table style book that has been advertised as being filled with many never before seen photos of Michael Jackson, family, fans and friends.

Rating:

Although this book is the official book from the King of Pop’s mother, much controversy has surrounded its release, the promotional tour on Oprah and other shows promoting it, the website that sells it and most recently the bizarre actions of the owner of the company releasing songs without authorization and claiming they are something they are not.

We were sent a copy of this book prior to any of this controversy last week so we are going to try now to review the book on the merits of it without being swayed by any of the other issues.

The first impression we got about the book was that we were impressed with the size and paper of the book. Many pictures, however, are not great quality but we were not sure if this was due to them being personal pictures or old technology.

The coloring on skin tones in particular are not good on some of the pictures (e.g. page 109) where MJ wears a white coat and his face has many different colors in it. Some have suggested it looks like a copy of a picture but we are not sure. Other pictures are blurry so we wonder about the selection of pictures but again it may be they were trying to get a ‘home taken’ look to some of them.

It did seem, however, that the period in which this book captures is childhood, Jackson 5 and Thriller time period. There seems to be no later pictures of Michael at all. We found that very disappointing. It seems to stop around the time he left home. There were years after this whereby personal pictures could have been gathered but they have not been included in this book.

Because the quality of the pictures selected are not to the standards usually adhered to for a coffee book style book, the price tag and the limited period captured in this book, we feel we can only rate it 3.

For fans, however, the words provided by Katherine Jackson may be enough to persuade them to purchase the book. It does appear to be a more personal look at Michael unlike most other books sold today.

Let us know what you think.

Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait

Michael Jackson spent his life giving his heart and soul to people all over the world – he gave us his talent, his genius, his inspiration, his love, his caring, and his generosity. He cared for every single one of his fans from the bottom of his heart, and equally we loved him back. Now he’s left us and never more have we needed to unite that love and show him exactly what kind of impression he made on us, how he changed our lives, and how he helped make us the people we are today.

Younger generations of fans are emerging to pay their respects to the King of Pop, Rock and Soul, and are doing so in large numbers. Older generations are still reminiscing over the immeasurable talent that Michael demonstrated when he made his debut in The Jackson 5. Members of every generation, across the span of almost 50 years, have been touched in one way or another by a man whom the majority has never met.

To celebrate Michael’s extraordinary life and legacy, world-renowned artist David Ilan is creating a unique portrait of Michael using only dots, in a technique known as pointillism. Each dot in the portrait represents someone that loved Michael, someone who will never forget one of the most wondrous people that walked this Earth in our lifetime. It’s a way for us to share our deep respect for someone that truly deserves to be remembered forever.

The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait is the coming together of fans all across the planet to do just that. By signing up to the project, we will form a part of Michael’s history in a tribute that will last for all eternity, just us and Michael together. The website for this tribute has even been dubbed “a Facebook for Michael Jackson fans.” It’s a way for fans across the world to come together and share their memories – hundreds of thousands of people have joined the tribute so far, and have already made lifelong friendships with people who understand so well the impact he made.

You can help to finish this fitting tribute to Michael by joining today to get your free dot number, and taking part in the largest tribute in the world, to be remembered alongside Michael and his family, and ensure that the legacy he left cannot be forgotten.

Sign up today to get your dot number!

www.michaeljacksontributeportrait.com

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