Beat It | Craig's Movie Report

I know this isn’t exactly movie related, but I felt I must say something about the tragic death of music legend Michael Jackson. When first hearing the news, late night here in the UK, I was at first shocked and then in denial that such an icon was no longer with us. I was unable to comprehend it. It didn’t seem real. Then after watching some of the news footage, I began to accept but not entirely understand that the king of pop was dead.

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This incredibly talented and very misunderstood man had a remarkable effect on me in my youth, especially during the eighties and early nineties. His music seemed so well put together with a professionalism few had seen since Elvis Presley, and such a comparison will surely be made in the coming weeks if not for years to come – his passing is definitely on the same level.

I am not ashamed to admit that it upset me, more this morning as the reality of the news sank in, and I played some of his music videos Smooth Criminal, Black or White, Thriller etc as a small tribute in my household. Just hearing him sing or seeing him dance (honestly, who else could move like him?) was a powerful moment, and it’s hard to believe we will never see his like again. Having passed on the eve of a 50 date tour of the UK is also a shame, as surely it would also have been a fitting end to a remarkable career. But then again, this is life, and it can be as cruel as it is wonderful.

So to close, I would like to think of Michael Jackson as probably the most unique and influential solo musician of our time, a controversial and mysterious figure who should be remembered for what he was, what we grew up loving him as, and that is one of the greatest entertainers of modern times.

Rest in peace, Michael.