The 404 remembers the King of Pop, Michael Jackson
In a very special, and very serious, episode of The 404, we sit down to reflect on the many ways Michael Jackson changed the world. From his music to his dance and music videos, MJ's ubiquity is undeniable. Heroes come and go, but legends never die! Rest in peace, Mike!
We've never done this before, but Michael Jackson had such a positive effect on all of our lives that we felt the need to take a moment and show him our appreciation. Obviously, we're not the only ones numbed by his passing--news sites across the Internet couldn't keep up with the hordes of people desperately trying to hear the news. Like so many people, Wilson and I spent hours poring over Michael's fantastic career, but there's something so edifying in knowing that the entire world shares this loss.
The real testament to MJ's success is the love from his fans--his live shows drew tons of people, many of whom often fainted at the sight of their favorite musician onstage.
Michael was also famous for bringing his most adoring fans up onstage for a quick hug before getting aggressively taken off the stage kicking and screaming for another chance to hug their hero. Isn't it weird to think about how many people have enjoyed his music? We all have our stories, whether it's dancing to "Thriller" at a prom, or singing karaoke to "Never Can Say Goodbye." Check out this episode and help us pay tribute to the King of Pop.
The 404 remembers the King of Pop, Michael Jackson
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Justin Yu covers desktop computers, printers, and peripherals for CNET. When he's not scouring eBay for useless ephemera or eating hot dogs for breakfast, he spends his time making fun of Internet culture every morning on The 404 podcast. E-mail Justin.
Wilson Tang is an associate producer for CNET TV. He's a part-time artist and filmmaker and has written and directed several films. He likes long walks on the beach and girls.
Jeff Bakalar is an editor for CNET Reviews, getting all the dirt on the gaming industry. After spending a few years in the world of film production, he has settled down and currently lives in New Jersey. He's an avid writer, gamer, and full-time pessimist.
Justin Yu can be found tinkering with printers and other peripherals for CNET, when he's not adjusting his headphones, riding his bike, or eating hot dogs for breakfast.
I suppose that is a good example of the impact Michael Jackson had on people. He is the beloved, yet tragic Shakespearean figure.
"You and I both know what I'm talking about.That article of http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10273229-1.html?tag=mncol (hours after his passing) had about as much substance as a Sarah Palin speech at a Cocktail Party. So lets just skip the diagnoses of your ill-informed, unintelligent, demonizing article that you unsympathetically SMACKED together and get to the part where you clean off your desk of Rogaine, hair plugs, and family photos of those who are to be embarrassed of any connection to you what-so-ever, (be it blood, sperm or sheer friend-of-the-moron) and turn in your resignation... Watch out for the MJ Fan barrage awaiting you near the exit sign of your building sir."
Idiot - A person of subnormal intelligence... Better put "Dan Ackerman"
i think all of those artists deserve all the credit in the world for catapulting their own unique genres into stardom: Beatles for britrockpop, Armstrong for jazz, Elvis for American Rock 'n Roll (no matter how controversial), Kurt Cobain for grunge rock, and Michael Jackson for pop. They're ALL music legends, but in their own right.
Thanks for commenting, wallet55!
Justin
"You and I both know what I'm talking about.That article of Michael Jackson, http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10273229-1.html?tag=mncol (hours after his passing) had about as much substance as a Sarah Palin speech at a Cocktail Party. So lets just skip the diagnoses of your ill-informed, unintelligent, demonizing article that you unsympathetically SMACKED together and get to the part where you clean off your desk of Rogaine, hair plugs, and family photos of those who are to be embarrassed of any connection to you what-so-ever, (be it blood, sperm or sheer friend-of-the-moron) and turn in your resignation... Watch out for the MJ Fan barrage awaiting you near the exit sign of your building sir."
Idiot - A person of subnormal intelligence... Better put "Dan Ackerman"
However, you can't deny the last 15 years or so that they speak about on the 404. During this time he was essentially a freak. Maybe I should refer to it as emotionally disturbed or he was under a lot of pressure and that had to be hard on him. The guy had serious family issues starting with his father. Just look at LaToya if you need another example from the family.
Remember Michael how you want as a great musical performer that forever shaped pop music, or as strange eccentric figure that was once a pop star. Listen to his music and live in the past when you wore the red jacket with the studs, a white sparkling glove and moonwalked your way across the mall or watch a episode of South Park or Family Guy where they poke fun at him. Either way your doing your thing like Mike did.
Dan's article still has not been modified as requested, so I will continue to draw attention to it.
Wilson
RIP MJ!
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by sav1981
June 29, 2009 8:11 AM PDT
- Smooth Criminal is the best freakin music video in history in my opinion. Thanks for getting me interesting in music Michael. RIP.
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