|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| 6/29/2009 |
Rock Artists Share Their Thoughts On Michael Jackson
The death of Michael Jackson is being felt by musicians of all genres. Those in the rock community were saddened by last week's loss, and several musicians are sharing their thoughts about the "King of Pop." Here are a few quotes from artists about the life and loss of music legend Michael Jackson:
Death Cab For Cutie's Nick Harmer -- "Michael Jackson, for me, will always be a red jacket covered in zippers, sequined gloves, and the moonwalk which I could never do. When 'Thriller' was all the rage every kid in the neighborhood wanted to be him. I actually took a class offered for free at a local park that promised I could learn to moonwalk. That I too could move like the King Of Pop. I must have backwards walked a thousand times to 'Billie Jean,' shuffling my toes, slide, heel up daydreaming how popular I would be when I showed up at school and casually busted the move out on the playground. I never even came close. I still can't figure it out. But every time 'Billie Jean' comes on, I'll be damned if I don't keep trying. Michael Jackson's death is as tragic as it is surprising. I just wasn't ready for it. But Michael Jackson is not dead. He just left the body we all know he was so uncomfortable in and moved on to a place where he could be the perfect, happy person he always wanted to see in the mirror. He will forever live through his music and continue, as he did in life, to inspire countless creative people and set fire to countless dance floors. Long live MJ, the world will miss you."
TV On The Radio's Dave Sitek -- "I've never had a dream bigger than to be part of something like 'Thriller.' We are kids when we hear those songs. We are lovers when we hear those songs. Michael brought the music out of the speakers and affixed it to the most important moments of our lives...all with love...all without cynicism. Nobody moved the needle like him...nobody moved the people like him. He will be missed...and revered. Peace be with you, Michael."
M.I.A. -- "Michael Jackson - the first 2 English words I [ever] spoke. The future [sucks]!"
Tegan & Sara's Sara Quin -- "The album 'Dangerous' was huge when I was in grade six. MJ as an artist was new to me because my parents weren't massive fans and 'Thriller' hadn't resonated. Keep in mind I was a tween and really into Supertramp. When 'Black Or White' had its music video premiere, I was thrilled to discover that Macaulay Culkin had a cameo. My confusion around wanting to be Macaulay Culkin so I could kiss Anna Chlumsky in the movie My Girl meant that my eleven-year-old brain connected MJ to MC and I was fan from that point on. It's very surreal to know he has died."
The Specials' Jerry Dammers -- "The thing that sometimes seems to get overlooked about Michael Jackson is what an absolute phenomenal singer he was. He had one of the greatest gospel shouts of the 20th century, quite possibly the last of it's kind."
Shinedown's Zach Myers -- "I am more saddened that I can remember in the last five years. Call the guy whatever you want...judge his actions, judge his judgments, and judge the man any way in any language you want. But Michael Jackson was the best. There was no on better. There never will be anyone better. People don't try anymore. You can take any pretty loser who can't sing who has a good smile and sells records and make him a star. Just look at anyone on the charts today. Today we lost a part of music history, a legend, and the greatest pop music artist there ever will be. The things Michael created on 'Thriller,' 'Off The Wall,' and 'Bad' will never be matched...by anyone ever. Michael Jackson was the best. People believed in Michael Jackson who didn't believe in Jesus, and that, my friends, is a legend. God bless Michael Jackson's music, his soul, and his legend. That can never be replaced. Rest in peace, sir. God bless your soul."
Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst -- "On this tour I have been paying tribute to Michael Jackson by wearing his 'Beat It' jacket and rhinestone glove. The irony and timing is shocking. I am very sad. He was truly brilliant and the reason why I love to dance."
Chris Cornell -- "I got the news and was immediately saddened. I remembered being six-years-old and seeing the Jackson 5 on our black-and-white TV. His brothers were cool, but he had a halo around him. Superstar at 12. What promise! He had magic! It was by chance that I recorded and rearranged his song 'Billie Jean' and have been amazed at the response it gets when I perform it every night. He was amazingly talented and largely misunderstood. I hope the media will be kind and celebrate the genius instead of cashing in on the tabloid angles that made him a prisoner. I think he deserves that." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|