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Inside Michael Jackson’s Troubled London Comeback

6/25/09, 8:27 am EST

Photo:McCormack/Getty
Will he or won’t he? That’s the question dogging Michael Jackson as the King of Pop edges closer to his 50 sold-out concerts at London’s O2 Arena, which are scheduled to begin July 13th. Will Jackson will able to complete the run that would once again cement him as one of the biggest stars on the planet — as well as save him from the giant debt the Thriller singer has accumulated during his lengthy hiatus? In the new issue of Rolling Stone, Fred Goodman takes an in-depth look at the This Is It! concerts, the challenges facing Jackson and promoter AEG Live, and how Jackson’s perfectionism has already forced the postponement of the run’s opening four dates.

In England, bookies at betting parlors are already increasing the odds that Jackson will cancel some shows — a prospect that would devastate fans who snatched up more than 750,000 seats (at prices starting at $81 per ticket). While Jackson has been rumored to be frequently absent from his Los Angeles rehearsals with choreographer and musical director Kenny Ortega, the technical complexity of the shows, as well as Jackson’s perfectionism has been cited for the delayed starting dates. (Jackson is reportedly seeking a children’s choir that knows sign language and is “exactly equal” in racial diversity.)

For Jackson, the stakes are high, as he’s amassed a massive debt of unpaid wages, lawsuits, upkeep on his former Neverland Ranch and a lifestyle that has been described as “a millionaire who spends like a billionaire.” But the pressure is also on for AEG Live, who have fronted all the cash for Jackson’s run, putting the singer up in a lavish estate during its duration and paying $5 million up front to a Bahrainian prince to settle a lawsuit that would have prevented Jackson from performing at all. If all goes well, the London shows would net Jackson and AEG Live $70 million and kick-start a three-year, three-part worldwide deal between the pair. If it fails, Jackson may have burned his last bridge. “He’s doing it mostly for his fans,” Jackson’s former spokesman Dr. Tohme Tohme tells RS. “And he’s doing it for his children and the children of the world.”

For much more on Jackson’s comeback shows, check out the new issue of Rolling Stone, on stands now.

Related Stories:

Michael Jackson Postpones First O2 Arena “This Is It” Concerts
New Report Goes Inside Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” Rehearsals
Michael Jackson “This Is It” Run Threatened By Jackson 5 Lawsuit


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Comments

AB | 6/25/2009, 9:32 am EST

Will he or won’t he?
He won’t.

Because his nose will fall off. Then the team of doctors who travel with him will rush up & put a surgical mask on his face. Then they’ll dress him in pajamas and place him in a wheelchair and give him an umbrella.

Thus completing full-circle the tragedy that MJ has become. He’ll continue to go on as the biggest freakshow in pop culture rather than the superstar he should be.

I hope that doesn’t happen, but his track record of late sucks.

And I hate saying this because I (used to be) a huge MJ fan.

TheCoz | 6/25/2009, 9:39 am EST

The odds of any of these Michael Jackson concerts actually happening are about the same as getting Metallica to play at my backyard BBQ.

tony montana | 6/25/2009, 9:42 am EST

he’s busy making that jesus juice so give the guy a break!
it takes alot of work to put that wine into those soda cans!

Sarah | 6/25/2009, 10:11 am EST

Michael WILL have a great comeback and people need to just let the man claim the stage again and except the fact that he is still a great entertainer. I’m going to opening night and another one of his shows in January. I’m looking forward to it and all the haters will eat their words. Give him a chance for f*cks sake.

PEREZ | 6/25/2009, 10:14 am EST

PERFORMING IS THE ONE THING MICHAEL DOES FLAWLESSLY. NO OINE HAS EVER SAID HE IS NOT A GREAT PERFORMER. AND IF YOU THINK HE IS. YOU ARE PROBABLY IN YOUR 20′S OR YOUNGER AND ARE NOT OF THE GENERATION THAT GREW UP WITH JACKSON. THE SELLING OF ALMOST A MILLION TICKETS IN ONE DAY PROVES THAT JACKSON CAN STIL DRAW THE MAGIC. HE IS GOING TO BE PHENOMENAL WHEN THE DIM THE LIGHTS ON JULY 13, 2009. MONEY AND GLORY WILL BE AT THE END OF JACKSONS LONDON RUN OF SHOWS. I HOPE HE SECURES BOTH.

Jere | 6/25/2009, 10:40 am EST

“Jackson is reportedly seeking a children’s choir that knows sign language and is “exactly equal” in racial diversity.”

Yeah, I kinda have a feeling these shows aren’t gonna happen.

YOU ALL SUCK! | 6/25/2009, 10:54 am EST

HOW DARE YOU MOCK THE KING OF POP! Michael Jackson is the greatest musician ever known to mankind so what the hell makes you fools think he can’t put a series of immediate-sellout concerts together? HE IS NOT A PEDOPHILE AND HE IS NOT AN IDIOT! He is a better human being than all of you haters put together! HE is MICHAEL JACKSON for god’s sake! Here’s a tip, go on youtube and spend an hour or two watching his past performances. His very latest televised one was in 2002 and that was incredible! Like he could lose all his talent in seven years! Let me clear something else up, HE HAS NO FATAL DISEASES OR FINANCIAL WOES! You’ll all see. You will all be eating your words come July! To “theCoz”, you better start setting up that BBQ for Metallica now!

sam | 6/25/2009, 11:22 am EST

why do ppl continue to write bullshit about michael and the damn concerts are right around the conrner. Michael jackson is goin to prove u wrong rollong hot mezz ass rolling stone.

Jan | 6/25/2009, 11:42 am EST

For all who think they know what’s going on, just follow Kenny Ortega on Twitter. You’ll see that the concerts will happen and stop hating because you wish you had a ticket and can’t go. Too bad!

Schultz | 6/25/2009, 12:33 pm EST

They guy used to be on top of the world – outstanding performer loved by all. Now the truth and drama have caught up with him and he has no clue how to handle it and continues to get more and more psychotic.

I don’t hate the guy, I just wish he would use the brain in his head to surround him with people that don’t just kiss his ass because of who he is, but will tell him that he is a friggin’ nutter and needs a serious does of reality.

Rumor has it that he is looking for disabled kids to bring on stage as well.. What is he going to do, have a revival and “cure” the kids? Gimmie a break!

Anonymous | 6/25/2009, 12:41 pm EST

Michael WAS a great performer… as a youth, and in his 20s and 30s…

Whether he will still be a great performer at age 50, remains to be seen.

I think the show WILL go on, if only because it HAS TO. He has so much financially riding on this. The tickets are already sold, so all he needs to do is show up.

Dale Cooper | 6/25/2009, 12:52 pm EST

“Michael Jackson is the greatest musician ever known to mankind”

What instrument does he play?

KZR | 6/25/2009, 1:02 pm EST

Whether MJ can do it or not, the pop music world NEEDS it. Pop music these days is becoming a homogeneous blend of auto-tune and obnoxious, generic synth beats. And, like I have said before, there is an entire generation that knows him for his controversial public image rather than for his music.

I really hope he can do it. Both with performance and a killer album. As a huge fan of his, it saddens me to say that if he doesn’t do it, it’s over. “This Is It”, indeed.

Riddle Waghorn | 6/25/2009, 1:06 pm EST

I hate this old has been pop star from the 1970s/80’s. There are much better stars today. He probably was good in his day – but whe were his rivals, Duran Duran and Culture Club. He means little to my generation. i thinks hes a freak. Good job he got those Beatles songs cause his own music aint selling.

Riddle Waghorn | 6/25/2009, 1:06 pm EST

I hate this old has been pop star from the 1970s/80’s. There are much better stars today. He probably was good in his day – but whe were his rivals, Duran Duran and Culture Club. He means little to my generation. i thinks hes a freak. Good job he got those Beatles songs cause his own music aint selling.

Boneface | 6/25/2009, 1:12 pm EST

MJ fell off once he stopped working with Quincy Jones.

Everything he’s released since then has been mediocre, bland r&b slop.

Moby | 6/25/2009, 2:11 pm EST

Don’t you guys want to wish anyone well? Michael Jackson is a genius and today’s music is so dead these days, how many artists in this generation can sell out 50 shows in minutes?

Let the shows begin and I am so sure all the negative critics will just go silent. I have seen him four times live, every minute of it has been amazing, no other shows have come near to the joy and inspiration the crowds expect – by the way I have seen hundreds of concerts by other artists.

Long live the King, Michael you’re the best.

TKOP | 6/25/2009, 2:29 pm EST

Even Rolling Stone have turn craparazzi. All this bashing is so lame. Its incredible how myopic and self sabotaging the press really are. Michael Jackson has nothing to prove and he is just too talented and intelligent to be so called broke. The media are even more p>>>>>d because they failed to destroy him. How he must have angered them when all he did was open his mouth and poof…every concert SOLD OUT. No zigabyte servers could handle the demand! So keep writing your trash if you have to. If this is how you treat genuine talent then you get what you deserve. Falling sails, plummeting audiences and mediocre pop acts. The millions of people who respect true talent don’t buy trash press we buy concert tickets instead. Real entertainment is priceless. Michael Jackson is an icon who’s talent, sweat and humanitarianism made him the astronomical phenomenon that he is. Michael you are Bad – ya know it!!!! We know it!!!! The press know it!!!! But they are too bigoted to deal with truth! That’s why they write lies!

mj_girl | 6/25/2009, 2:32 pm EST

Michael is the biggest star that ever existed…he still is that star and always will be!!
So stop talking shits about him…his fans love him (so do I-a fan too)no matter what…just…get a life!

Ann | 6/25/2009, 2:39 pm EST

I loved “Off The Wall”…

Kang | 6/25/2009, 3:08 pm EST

If you have purchased tickets, airfare, and hotel rooms, you are just as nuts as the man himself. I would be shocked if he performed even a third of these dates.

2cool | 6/25/2009, 3:24 pm EST

I can’t wait when MJ actually does the concerts and everyone who doubted him feels stupid. wtf, give the king a chance. who the hell are u 2 say he can’t do it. Newsflash! we’re talking about the best selling musician in the history of the world.

Anonymous | 6/25/2009, 3:27 pm EST

Dale Cooper | 6/25/2009, 12:52 pm EST

“Michael Jackson is the greatest musician ever known to mankind”

What instrument does he play?

.
.
.
.

Skin flute – junior boys model.

MJfan | 6/25/2009, 3:28 pm EST

MJ, u better come back! This generation needs good music, not the lame rap! The KING will retain his throne! oh yeah baby

Anonymous | 6/25/2009, 3:29 pm EST

The shows will probably be successful…. because there will be so many dancers and special effects, distracting the audience. Michael will probably do very little onstage himself.

Anonymous | 6/25/2009, 3:32 pm EST

psh… i know one thing. there hasn’t been any pop star, that i’ve seen, that can dance or sing like mj. all u haters just don’t know good talent, oh that’s right, all u guys like the stupid JONAS brothers. hahaha

Anonymous | 6/25/2009, 3:36 pm EST

I can’t wait till ur comeback and I want to c u bust the moonwalk!

Anonymous | 6/25/2009, 3:37 pm EST

forget Michael Jackson....

I  want to see MR. JEFFERSON!

:) | 6/25/2009, 3:40 pm EST

MJ, you have absolutely nothing to prove. don’t worry, there’s actually sane people in this world who are familiar with genuine talent. can’t say the same for others, who have no other business but to diss u. u rock mj!

Steve | 6/25/2009, 3:44 pm EST

He’s going to dance his face off. No literaly, he’s actually going to dance his face right off.

artifcialred | 6/25/2009, 3:46 pm EST

He’s doing it for the children of the world? Really? This guy is a circus side-show that really should go away!! Too bad he pissed away all of his money, maybe this whole thing will fail and he can live like the rest of us. Maybe he’ll have to get a job, that would be so cool!!!!

GoMJ! | 6/25/2009, 3:46 pm EST

u all were fans of mj once especially during the Thriller era. during that time, if a kid said they hated mj, another guy would pound him in the face to knock some sense into him. well, who knows? maybe mj still has the glamourous talent, the world adored him for!

Whitney Houston | 6/25/2009, 3:47 pm EST

Dookie Bubble!

Emmanuelle Rodriguez | 6/25/2009, 3:48 pm EST

Im simply shocked at people who think Michael Jackson cannot do these concerts, Im shocked that people are soo judgemental towards someone who is doing what they love doing, Im ashamed at how belittling and ignorant people have become about one man. Why is this even an issue? Why can’t there be fair and unbiased articles about him? What happened to just waiting and seeing what happens? I personally think that he will do a great job. Michael jackson has done alot for people, I wish so bad for people to quit the nonsense about his nose, or his skin, or sleeping with little boys. God Im so tired of dumb people on these comments writing stupid and ignorant comments about nothing in particular other than a negative rant. You people dont even know michael jackson, how can you judge without knowing anything? As far as this article goes, its crap, this is the dumbest article I have read by rolling stone. I hope this journalist gets fired cause I could do so much better and I would DO my RESEARCH. Instead of writing a dumb opinion about whether or not he can do it. What a line of BS. This whole article smell of BS, whomever wrote this, get off this subject, you clearly can’t write anything worth reading or get excited over. Its just a concert for pete sakes, what is the goal of this dumb article??? I dont get it!! Long Live Michael Jackson!!

Sal | 6/25/2009, 3:48 pm EST

Why is Dr. Tohme Tohme still speaking on behalf of Michael Jackson? He was terminated in early May and no longer has any personal nor professional contact with Michael Jackson.

SM | 6/25/2009, 3:50 pm EST

MJ, show these good-for-nothing pop stars, like miley cyrus, kanye west, chris brown, what MUSIC IS ALL ABOUT!!!

Anonymous | 6/25/2009, 3:54 pm EST

Back off haters. if u don’t like mj, why are u even commenting on this article? maybe its because u have no lives. LOOOOOSERS!

Emmanuelle Rodriguez | 6/25/2009, 3:56 pm EST

Man what is wrong with people anymore? What is wrong with a guy trying to do a concert tour? Talk about our troops who haven’t come home yet!!!! Talk about people dying in the streets of Iran!! anything!! But please stop this Negative BS about Michael Jackson, somethings gotta give!! Something! And for the Dumb people with nothing but hatred and negativity about michael jackson, just keep it to yourselves, obviously the new generation of kids these days have no respect for a great man who is doing great things. The heck is wrong with you people, Get a life!!!!!

jebeal | 6/25/2009, 4:03 pm EST

Is everyone ignoring Steve’s comment? Can’t we just laugh along with a very funny line?!? Check out Steve at 6/25/09 3:44 and let’s not take ourselves too seriously. Thanks for the laugh, Steve.

Jack | 6/25/2009, 4:07 pm EST

Rolling Stone better get this story right because I don’t believe that these concerts will even happen at all. I don’t even believe the so-called “Dr. Tohme Tohme” even exists. I think the whole thing is a con. Sorry.

Josh | 6/25/2009, 4:19 pm EST

Uh, Emmanuelle? This is Rolling Stone. They tend to write articles about, you know, famous musicians. Jackson is quite an interesting issue case study and he’s going to do something that some would consider in Rolling Stones area expertise: perform music live!

How could you blame people for reading this stuff about him? He’s one of the most famous train wrecks in the history of music.

I say he cancels at least 10.

Josh | 6/25/2009, 4:21 pm EST

“He’s going to dance his face off. No literaly, he’s actually going to dance his face right off.”

Lol, good line Steve!

perry pullman | 6/25/2009, 4:25 pm EST

3 words for ya THIS IS IT so beat it

Reina | 6/25/2009, 4:59 pm EST

I just heard on the news that he had a heart attack.

CNN/TMZ REPORTS | 6/25/2009, 5:09 pm EST

MICHAEL JACKSON JUST DIED!!!!!!! HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jungleland2 | 6/25/2009, 5:13 pm EST

This is a warm up for Vegas…mark my words

The only way Michael can survive this kind of schedule is to stay at one venue for months at a time, work his ass off and hope people still care enough to shell out the big bucks

I wish him well, but this is not going to be easy

T | 6/25/2009, 5:20 pm EST

Did he have a heart attack??
thats what I just read..
RS, give us the scoop.

Ken | 6/25/2009, 5:25 pm EST

KTLA is reporting that he went into cardiac arrest and was taken via ambulance to the hospital. They said he wasn’t breathing when they found him. Pretty sure you can kiss those 50 concerts goodbye…..

Lawrence | 6/25/2009, 5:37 pm EST

Maybe he couldn’t take the Farah Fawcett news, and was too upset?

ScaryFairy | 6/25/2009, 5:38 pm EST

Heart attack? Yeah right! He’s already got all your cash for those tickets, he’s gonna fake his death and make even more money from the After Death Sales. What a con.

Walter | 6/25/2009, 5:38 pm EST

Eight-year-olds, dude

JR | 6/25/2009, 5:47 pm EST

I was born in 1958 and loved Motown, Jackson 5 and Michael. I saw a projected picture of what he would look like at 50 if he had not had all the surgery. Much different and by far much better than he looks now. He is talented but has chosen to live his life in a strange way. Cancelling concert dates is the same as ringin in sick. Unacceptable, unless supported by a Doctor’s note. Could his admission to hospital be his further planned refuge from reality and work.

jacko on his backo | 6/25/2009, 5:50 pm EST

He just died.

Pete | 6/25/2009, 6:01 pm EST

he really must have hated this article.

Steve | 6/25/2009, 6:02 pm EST

quote

”HE HAS NO FATAL DISEASES OR FINANCIAL WOES! You’ll all see. You will all be eating your words come July!”

People are so short sighted…

Just Saying | 6/25/2009, 6:08 pm EST

I have a feeling he won’t make a big come back.

semsee | 6/25/2009, 6:10 pm EST

he died:( do he won’t make it

Anonymous | 6/25/2009, 6:11 pm EST

He wont make it…he’s dead

david | 6/25/2009, 6:12 pm EST

time to remove this I guess. He certainly won’t be touring now.

D | 6/25/2009, 6:12 pm EST

michael is really gone well i guess everyone has there time to go well at least blanket will have a lot of money

LOVEHISMUSIC | 6/25/2009, 6:13 pm EST

U ALL R AZZHOLES, tomorrow when u wake up, if you do wake up that is, please read the comments that u were saying as he was on his death bed.

Rob Jackson | 6/25/2009, 6:15 pm EST

Let’s be more humane if someone was in your family was to pass you would want a little compassion.

Micheal you will always be known as THE KING OF POP bar none.

Their will never be another YOU.

GOD BLESS YOU.

ROB JACKSON

TP | 6/25/2009, 6:15 pm EST

rip MJ. very sad. too young.

psuedothespian | 6/25/2009, 6:16 pm EST

Michael Jackson has died…find that small sacred sector of your otherwise concrete heart and show some respect for the dead.

Beast007 | 6/25/2009, 6:19 pm EST

Yo Dip Sh$#@%^#@$&%^

The Man has really died, are you cats retarded!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jas | 6/25/2009, 6:20 pm EST

RIP xx

meghan | 6/25/2009, 6:27 pm EST

well his dead now so…
he cant x

meghan | 6/25/2009, 6:27 pm EST

well his dead now so…
he cant x

sick | 6/25/2009, 6:29 pm EST

U PEOPLE R HEARTLESS HE HAS PASSED AWAY AND U CONTINUE TO MAKE JOKES ABOUT HIM. THATS REAL CUTE THINK ABOUT HOW U WOULD FEEL IF PEOPLE WERE TALKIN ABOUT UR LOVED ONE THAT PASSED AWAY THE WAY U PEOPLE R TALKIN ABOUT HIM. U R VERY COLD AND HAVE NO RESPECT. MAYBE U DONT LIKE HIM AND THATS FINE JUST KEEP UR TRAPS SHUT

Me | 6/25/2009, 6:38 pm EST

Unreal – this should make you appreciate today. Instead of worrying about all of the little things, which we are so good at doing now. Which adds stress to ALL our lives. I believe it is time for change. Unfortunately, our children are so self-absorbed and self-centered (thanks pubic ed) that there is no hope for that.

Anne Marie | 6/25/2009, 6:39 pm EST

God bless Michael Jackson. For those of you who posted such ugliness on the day he died, may you take a lesson from it. It certainly will be one of your actions that you can be most proud of for the rest of your lives. And the same for any negative articles posted and written today.

There will never be another Michael Jackon; he was the greatest.

JAY RILEY/THERILEYGROUP | 6/25/2009, 6:42 pm EST

SOME PEOPLE HAVE NO SYMPATHY FOR OTHERS AT ALL, THIS IS SO SAD. MICHEAL JACKSON WAS A TRUE PIONEER WHO WILL ALWAYS BE REMEBERED !!
( 2300 JACKSON ST. ) IN GARY,IND.
WHERE HE WAS BORN ON AUGUST 29TH 1958.
ALWAYS A FAN IN ATLANTA,GA. – J.RILEY

miguel | 6/25/2009, 6:42 pm EST

i just got the news here in jamaica trust me i love this guy music truly a world icon my is sole rest in peace.

JAY RILEY/THERILEYGROUP | 6/25/2009, 6:42 pm EST

SOME PEOPLE HAVE NO SYMPATHY FOR OTHERS AT ALL, THIS IS SO SAD. MICHEAL JACKSON WAS A TRUE PIONEER WHO WILL ALWAYS BE REMEBERED !!
( 2300 JACKSON ST. ) IN GARY,IND.
WHERE HE WAS BORN ON AUGUST 29TH 1958.
ALWAYS A FAN IN ATLANTA,GA. – J.RILEY

yolande | 6/25/2009, 6:44 pm EST

It is so sad to missed the greatest pop star that the face of earth have ever seen. will be sadly missed by the world his family and his fans.

NAZIR | 6/25/2009, 6:45 pm EST

RIP MICHEAL YOU ARE A LEGEND THAT NEVER BE FORGOTTON, PEACE

Anne Marie | 6/25/2009, 6:49 pm EST

ME—I can tell by your post that you are not from MJ’s generation. Primarily I can tell that because we are an educated group; we take the time to key with proper grammar and spelling. We are motivated enough to use the shift key. Most importantly, we know how to show respect and manners. I wish we could go back to that and leave you behind.

Jack | 6/25/2009, 6:59 pm EST

Michael had no way out. He couldn’t do the shows, and even if he did, he would have lost all the money to the outstanding lawsuits. Bankruptcy was imminent, meaning that he would have lost his half of Sony/ATV – and would have ended up without money or ability to earn a living (no voice, no steps). Tragic end, but predictable. But what of his children? I predict nothing for them but problems ahead. How now to face the real world? Michael was a sick man that nobody could help – very sad indeed.

yvonne, inverness, scotland | 6/25/2009, 7:00 pm EST

a sad loss

RIP MJ | 6/25/2009, 7:11 pm EST

ITS OK TO CRY I DID!

Anonymous | 6/25/2009, 7:12 pm EST

Wow, I can’t believe he’s really dead. He was and will always be THE king of pop. And for all of you haters out there, all I can say is that while he has made many mistakes in his ilfe, his music is extremely good and much better than the pop that is out there now. Michael Jackson was very talented should not be remembered for his plastic surgeries and scandals. I have always liked MJ’s music and always will, and he will definitely be missed in my family.

Dwrice | 6/25/2009, 7:14 pm EST

May God bless his soul, rest in peace Michael.

Jack | 6/25/2009, 7:22 pm EST

He was never the “King of Pop” – that was something placed upon him – an aspiration he could never reach but tried. His downfall started with all the surgery he had done around the time of “Bad.” He was mentally unwell and probably believed what he was told. He was a millionaire who spent like a billionaire. Now, his kids will have nothing but scars and fear for the future. If he cared about his kids, he would not have killed himself, but I’m sure that is what happened as will be reported by the coroner, assuming he can be trusted with the truth (we know how they hide the truth about celebrities).

But – what about the $100 million worth of tickets sold? I wonder if any of the ticket holders will ever get their money back? I’m willing to bet not. Money has already been bet upon whether he would perform a single show – the odds were low because so many didn’t think he would even show up. But to kill himself? I can only think that becoming poor was, to him, worse than the prospect of going to prison. But again, his thinking didn’t involve his children. When all is said and done, I don’t think people will remember him kindly. He’s burned too many people. Including his fans with this show – he stole their money and probably had no intent to perform. RIP.

Jean | 6/25/2009, 7:23 pm EST

Why don’t you all just stop with the bashing? The man is dead. D.E.A.D. what don’t you understand about that? He cannot hear your words.

What venom you spew out now is only going to hurt his family and mainly his children and their children.

Give it up guys – go find someone else to bash if that’s all you can do.

I’m sure your children would really be proud if they knew how heartless you all were.

We’ve lost three icons of the entertainment world. Let them Rest In Peace…

John Löfgren | 6/25/2009, 7:25 pm EST

Well i hate to dissepoint u but his carer is over but still.. (He is NOT dead) if you look att the newest picture on wonderland youl see an hearth in an boddy on the right.. aaaand more things like he sedd he would go in an coma and gues what !? hes whole carer in vidios and songs shows that he will die (end his carer)
im the one n1 fan Mickael if you can see this i suport youre needs :)

jim | 6/25/2009, 7:25 pm EST

He was at best an idiot that could shuffle and sing. At worst, a diddler with an obsession for plastic surgery and getting white. Disturbingly, fanatical fans still worshipped him long after the court cases and after his talent gene pool was empty. A girl here in Ottawa bought a plane ticket and ticket to his show in London. Maybe she can now learn something worthwhile visiting the museums. His life was a weird sci fi story. Pathetic. Like William Shatner said years ago, people get out of your basements, get a life.

emile | 6/25/2009, 7:25 pm EST

i love u bro how chris brown gona feel abowt dis.

emile | 6/25/2009, 7:25 pm EST

i love u bro how chris brown gona feel abowt dis.

Jackson Yuan | 6/25/2009, 7:26 pm EST

His music is truly great there will not be another like him for a long time truly a greatest music artist of his time

jim | 6/25/2009, 7:28 pm EST

3 icons lost? who are the others? Liberace?

ML Detroit | 6/25/2009, 7:33 pm EST

Sad to hear that he’s gone, truly a talent and a revolutionary at his game. My girlfriend is a huge fan, I was gonna take her to see him if he came around. I’m not even a big fan of his music, but as a musician I would have liked to see a legend. Thanks for all the influence MJ, you will me missed.

Anonymous | 6/25/2009, 7:39 pm EST

maybe kids can be safe with wacko gone.

ML Detroit | 6/25/2009, 7:46 pm EST

Hey Jim… post your address so I can hunt you down and stop your ass into the ground you piece of shit. Have some respect, how about I wait till your mom/wife/sister dies and then make posts about only the skeletons in their closet, rather than the good they did? (If theres any at all being related to you.)

jim | 6/25/2009, 7:49 pm EST

Maybe they could open “The Michael Jackson Memorial Daycare Center and Wonderland”

fan no.1 | 6/25/2009, 7:56 pm EST

he was an awesome singer i wanted to cry when i heard the news i saw it on extra and i prayed that he didn’t die. but he did i guess it was his time to go

ur mom | 6/25/2009, 7:58 pm EST

i love you mj ur moomwalk rock im crush can do the moomwalk i love you rip rest in peace

I-con | 6/25/2009, 8:00 pm EST

You can’t deny his immense contribution to music, dance and culture, but I’ve got to be honest, in his later years, he came across as a deeply disturbed person and I personally found him quite sinister.
I wouldn’t wish anyone dead though & I feel very sorry for his family right now, his children in particular.
There’s a strange idea pervading my mind however, that perhaps this is some kind of outrageous publicity stunt, or an elaborate hoax to allow him a “get-out” of his lawsuits, debts and the glare of the media?
Either way, I guess the man will always remain an enigma.

BONGO | 6/25/2009, 8:05 pm EST

Now what happens financially?

This is it!

liam | 6/25/2009, 8:14 pm EST

Great talant.
I love his music, dance and as a performer, BRILIANT!
The press will have to find somkeone else to hit on.
JFK
ELVIS
MJ
God Bless.

Anonymous | 6/25/2009, 8:15 pm EST

Whats the difference between Michael Jackson – and Alex Ferguson???

Ferguson will be playing giggs in August…

XD

^^ | 6/25/2009, 8:21 pm EST

RIP michael jackson

jim | 6/25/2009, 8:39 pm EST

For M and all else who want to stomp my ass here is my address and directions:

Prairie Chapel Ranch 6.4 km estate located seven miles (10 km) northwest of Crawford, Texas.

MLJ | 6/25/2009, 8:41 pm EST

Keep dancing, mate. The world will be even stranger without you.

RIP

Deedles | 6/25/2009, 8:49 pm EST

This is a classic thread because you can scroll down to the bottom and see all the pre-death comments and then as soon as it hits 5PM everything changes. Made me wonder if MJ was reading Rolling Stone today…

Lemon | 6/25/2009, 8:52 pm EST

I guess he won’t. RIP

lolwut | 6/25/2009, 8:54 pm EST

And…only his stupid fans cared.

BT | 6/25/2009, 9:01 pm EST

Did Michael Jackson hoax his own death? The same as some people believe Elvis did? He was, after all married to Lisa Marie. Maybe he learned from the greatest hoaxter of all time. This article came out just yesterday This would be the perfect way to leave it all.

MJ FAN 4ever | 6/25/2009, 9:10 pm EST

Perez Hilton today you wrote nasty things hoping Michael Jackson would die then you delete it once he did die. You are heartless and I will never go to your site ever again.

SAD!!! | 6/25/2009, 9:21 pm EST

much love to you MJ…you were GREAT…. RIP

MJ Fan | 6/25/2009, 9:27 pm EST

RIP

mose | 6/25/2009, 11:20 pm EST

He succumbed from cardiac arrest not heart attack you freaks

Enough Already | 6/25/2009, 11:34 pm EST

I am amazed at how people worship and feel love for a media image. Nobody here actually knew MJ. They only knew the media presentation of him. A guy gets on a stage and dances and people feel more love for that fake image then they do their own family and friends. If he killed himself I don’t blame him. Can you imagine having millions of Spiritually lost sheep worshiping your every move? Pathetic.

ryan | 6/25/2009, 11:37 pm EST

for all you haters,,,get a life,,
micheal was obviously a a beautifull person who didnt ever have real love in his life,,,
that is the true tragety,,,
his songs are out of this world,,,just listen 2 them and he will never die..
rest in peace now,,micheal i love you

Anonymous | 6/25/2009, 11:47 pm EST

i love and miss micheal jackson r.i.p micheal u with god now …angela

Anonymous | 6/25/2009, 11:47 pm EST

i love and miss micheal jackson r.i.p micheal u with god now …angela hubbard

rob | 6/26/2009, 12:00 am EST

Say what you will about him but Mike had some great radio tunes back in the 80’s. Its too bad that fame and fortune made him lose his way and become a complete mental nut.

Rich And Famous people don’t seem all that happy to me. Maybe its time we take a lesson from this and realize that people on stage or TV are just people and we shouldn’t put them on a pedestal that they cant live up to.

Mike couldn’t go to a mall or supermarket or drive his own car because of you folks screaming after him like he was god almighty.

If you ask me, his fans killed him. Fame is HUGELY over-rated.

RIP

M. Khan | 6/26/2009, 2:11 am EST

I still can’t believe it… and it’s very sad to know that this was written on the same day as he died.. wondering if he would do the shows or not..

MJ IS KING

My Name Isn't Important | 6/26/2009, 4:20 am EST

It’ll all come out in the wash..
He was dead at the house. His manager couldn’t get in touch with him, as MJ didn’t show for their meeting. Message after message left- he goes to the house and finds MJ dead. Over 2 dozen sleeping pills ingested. He chose his way out.

Jean | 6/26/2009, 4:41 am EST

Jim- if your’re still around. The three icons I was referring to are:
Ed McMahan – Farrah Fawcett – Michael Jackson

They entertained us for a long time – so the least we can do is let them Rest in Peace and remember them in our own way…

Clyde | 6/26/2009, 6:26 am EST

Why have you taken him Space Lord? Why? Space Lord must explain the point of this latest play if he wants me to still worship him. At present I can see no justification for this act. Tell me what you’re up to Space Lord. You are God. You live in outer space. You don’t know how it is down here. You don’t understand how important Michael Jackson was for a lot of people. I bought tickets to his show! Now I won’t get to see him! Explain yourself Space Lord! Do not mess me around! I think it’s pretty obvious that you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s a simple question: Why did you take Michael Jackson away Space Lord? Answer the question or I will destroy you using facebook and twitter. You have twenty-four hours.

fred only nija boi | 6/26/2009, 8:54 am EST

Get a life, the man made great music, if you don’t like him then shut up about it, the man is dead whether you liked him or not and that is a tragedy.

Just an FYI to those slamming him before he’s even off his death bed, please tell me, you must have been damn close to him to know how bad and evil he was, what was it like hanging around him? OH WAIT YOU DIDN’T SO YOU NEED TO STFU you clueless f*cks, ignorant a**holes. You won’t ever be remembered like he will be :) and I’m happy.

ANYONE EVER STOP TO THINK THAT MAYBE THESE FAMILIES WENT AFTER HIM FOR HIS MONEY?!?! No no, we must expect the worst from people. If anyone even watched the trial they would know how shakey and uncertain all of the families were with their testimonies!! oh no, but we won’t judge him on the trial, let’s all go with hear say shall we?? dammit people, think. Besides HE IS A HUMAN, NOT A MONSTER, and he DIED! Jeeze, where are some people’s hearts and brains…

Sandy | 6/26/2009, 10:11 am EST

Give MJ a break. I think the delays are down to him being a perfectionist like some people have said. I can imagine he wants everything to be just right seeing as this is his big comeback. Why don’t we wait and see what happens instead of running MJ down before the shows have even started.

the general | 6/26/2009, 10:24 am EST

umm Sandy? I hope you’re sitting down… Michael Jackson has died from an overdose yesterday. Sucks if you’re really hearing about it this way but that’s what has happened I’m afraid. Sorry to be the one to break it to you.

Bman | 6/26/2009, 11:51 am EST

“Rich And Famous people don’t seem all that happy to me. Maybe its time we take a lesson from this and realize that people on stage or TV are just people and we shouldn’t put them on a pedestal that they cant live up to.”

THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Famous people are just people who are famous. Admire them for their talent but just remember they’re not different than you or me.

Anonymous | 6/26/2009, 11:51 am EST

“Rich And Famous people don’t seem all that happy to me. Maybe its time we take a lesson from this and realize that people on stage or TV are just people and we shouldn’t put them on a pedestal that they cant live up to.”

THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Famous people are just people who are famous. Admire them for their talent but just remember they’re not different than you or me.

Dad | 6/26/2009, 11:51 am EST

we grew up together…. thank you for the music and the dance…. bye michael

lil e | 6/26/2009, 12:22 pm EST

Hey Enough Already….god bless you….you are so right…people need to re-exam their priorities.

He was a nut job and dangerous to kids…to the person who asked about the families motive’s to just go after his money…Why did he settle one of the suits for $20 million? If your innocent, you don’t settle, especially for that much. Would have cost less to go to trial and seek the truth and clear your name? Why settle?

You people need to get a hold of yourselves. Hey I can get totally see soemone saying. “Hey thanks for the music Michael, rest in peace.” Fine….but all this other sh*t that puts him in god like status?? Keep in mind…the best thing he ever did for his legacy was die. But let’s not forget that he was a deeply troubled man who got away with a lot, because of his celebrity.

Lil’e

lil e | 6/26/2009, 12:22 pm EST

Hey Enough Already….god bless you….you are so right…people need to re-exam their priorities.

He was a nut job and dangerous to kids…to the person who asked about the families motive’s to just go after his money…Why did he settle one of the suits for $20 million? If your innocent, you don’t settle, especially for that much. Would have cost less to go to trial and seek the truth and clear your name? Why settle?

You people need to get a hold of yourselves. Hey I can get totally see soemone saying. “Hey thanks for the music Michael, rest in peace.” Fine….but all this other sh*t that puts him in god like status?? Keep in mind…the best thing he ever did for his legacy was die. But let’s not forget that he was a deeply troubled man who got away with a lot, because of his celebrity.

Lil’e

lil e | 6/26/2009, 12:22 pm EST

Hey Enough Already….god bless you….you are so right…people need to re-exam their priorities.

He was a nut job and dangerous to kids…to the person who asked about the families motive’s to just go after his money…Why did he settle one of the suits for $20 million? If your innocent, you don’t settle, especially for that much. Would have cost less to go to trial and seek the truth and clear your name? Why settle?

You people need to get a hold of yourselves. Hey I can get totally see soemone saying. “Hey thanks for the music Michael, rest in peace.” Fine….but all this other sh*t that puts him in god like status?? Keep in mind…the best thing he ever did for his legacy was die. But let’s not forget that he was a deeply troubled man who got away with a lot, because of his celebrity.

Lil’e

lil e | 6/26/2009, 12:35 pm EST

ooops…I meant to direct that last post to ML “I will hunt you down” Detroit”

Yer a friggn idiot….and a patsy….

jdcole | 6/26/2009, 4:07 pm EST

Michael Ceased To Be Relevant In Music Back In 1987 When His (Mis)Handlers Had Quincy Jones Removed From The Producers Chair Over A Dispute Concerning Royalties.I Mean Look At The Train Wreck Invinvible Was.What Did It Pay For About five Of The Songs.

haylee | 6/26/2009, 5:44 pm EST

you had good music you danced graded i loved your music why dose something bad have to happen like this the best singing dieing at the age of 50 thats young we will still lising to your misic and remeber you for ever love haylee…..

Anonymous | 6/27/2009, 1:35 am EST

mj was just creepy

True Be Talled | 6/27/2009, 9:01 am EST

Why are you lying?
MJ did his job centuries ago. He didn’t do a fkn thing since. Dead or alive he will sing all those old songs. Which part of the audience will be hurt now? NO 1. Fuck him he lived long, he sould be hit by lightening while he gave those babies a candy, that fkn bitch.

We have 1000’s of vocalists long live America! and the rest of the World!
RIH, not RIP

gary corshia | 6/27/2009, 10:42 am EST

OK folks all you who condemn michael who gave you the right to be judge and jury look at your own live are you perfect no your not let god be the judge and have the repect for the dead would you like someone talking bad about someone who died in your family?

PRINCE | 6/27/2009, 11:27 am EST

Lil E …….. you SUCK …Detroit SUCKS !!!!!

sad | 6/27/2009, 7:16 pm EST

i bet you twats who were saying those awful things are feeling real smart now!! eh?

Latonya Campbell | 6/28/2009, 12:30 am EST

I just read the hater comments on mj. You haters suck! i loved mj, still do. I miss him alot. How would you feel if someone you love die? think about it. To the mj fans like me. Mj will always live in our hearts. he is in heaven dancing with his icon james brown like he did on the bet awards. when mj died, God picked him up told him to come home, you live with me now! you haters need to take look at your love ones cause they aint gonna be around forever. I bet you haters hate your own family you have too much hate in you. Haters need to stop drinking all that hater-aid! RIP MJ, love you forever! I am always thinking of you, i will cry! MJ please promise you’ll always stay in my heart and all your true fans, and even your entire family and friends!!!! MJ Always. Aug. 29th, 1958-June 25, 2009. I will never forget that day or you. You are never forgotten!! Love you MJ, I see you one day in heaven!!!!! :’(

Sana | 6/28/2009, 2:00 am EST

i am a51year old woman . micheal jackson was avery caring and giving man and iwill truly miss him people should not judge him.i truly am sorry because i am saden that people think they can judge a person.we are not the all mighty.i will miss.just pray for his home coming backto the allmighty his self.

wacko | 6/28/2009, 10:28 am EST

Jackson dead. Doctors blame it on the Boogie.

jim | 6/28/2009, 9:28 pm EST

He’s dead. It’s over. Lets all get a life. Yawn. bed time Free Iran

Gabriel | 6/29/2009, 8:47 am EST

The eternal king of pop

The rider of the moon dancing with the stars
He now dances with the planets around the sun
He will always be a bright star
He will always be eternal
He now dance to Billie Jean in comets
Finally Thriller play beyond the universe
The boy who did not want to grow now turned angel
Finally, Michael flew

For Michael, the eternal king of pop

SANDRO KRETUS

Skip Stone | 6/29/2009, 11:31 am EST

See the church, there’s the steeple, open the doors and look at all the stupid fucking idiotic gullible people.

That can double for Michael Jackson fans. After Thriller he was over. It was all just posing. He was a sick person who got away with essentially being a priest. Take yer ‘god bless you’ and shove it up your gloved asses. Now that he’s dead AEG, having gone out on a limb for his stupid ass, is gonna release his last rehearsal – WOW! We get to listen to him LIP SYNC in 5.1 surround sound! Brilliant. The King Of His Own Karaoke. The best career move is to die.

saz | 6/30/2009, 3:51 am EST

rip king of pop you were the at everthing you did so rip

saz | 6/30/2009, 4:00 am EST

rip king of pop

salma | 7/1/2009, 9:50 pm EST

may allah reward u jannah mj.i hope u have no troubles in this world and in the other world mj.i am your #1 fan .my whole room has your face in it.

salma | 7/1/2009, 9:52 pm EST

may allah put u in jena

livelaughlove | 7/2/2009, 11:27 am EST

I LOVED MICHAEL JACKSON AND ALL OF HIS SONG ..HE DIDNT HAVE TO DIE BUT WE CANT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT SO rip MICHAEL JACKSON AND I LOVE U AND MY FAMILY DOES TO!!!!!

mary johnson | 7/4/2009, 12:41 am EST

all these people that have all the neg. things to say about michael can rot i n hell !!!

Heaven House Arts | 7/11/2009, 8:05 am EST

Are any of Rolling Stone suffering ongoing (like 50 years man!)identity theft in similar vein as Michael suffered ……. wonder where it’s coming from and what caused it …….. Ju-ly, what a month to die for.

Date | 7/14/2009, 7:49 pm EST

This was published on the day MJ died :(

Kro | 7/16/2009, 8:42 am EST

How strange to read it this all now, almost a month after he died.
Indeed, “now we know that we know nothing”.
I miss him so much.

Bob | 8/2/2009, 2:54 am EST

RIP Mike.

mary berko | 8/4/2009, 4:11 pm EST

I love micheal jackson so much and i wash i see in los angle some people very luck see i love i love him

Jane | 8/13/2009, 3:55 pm EST

MJ a man of talent. Dancing moves that cannot be done by any others. Loved his music. His mother and family must be truly very proud. To lose a loved one is very,very hard. You never can get over it. I know///. LOL to the Jackson family.

Deborah Ffrench | 8/30/2009, 7:47 am EST

My comment is directed to the non-informed person several comments below who asks: ‘what instrument could Michael actually play?’ Short answer, piano. But even if he didn’t play it, non-musicians display profound ignorance by asking this. Any musician – and I am one – knows the voice is the FIRST instrument. Before the lute, harpsichord, penny whistle etc, there was the voice. It can be used to imply and express melody, rhythm, harmony and emotion; which is what instruments do. Michael Jackson, perhaps the greatest musical legend that ever walked the earth, wrote and interpreted songs as if his life depended on it,danced like a living dream, and when he sang – offered us everything he had. At the height of his ascendancy, when he would have otherwise gone on to explore his creativity from a place of fulfilled joy, he was traumatized by false allegations that essentially gated his spirit and locked him into a loop of explaining and defending himself both musically and verbally for over two decades. His crime? To be different( probably Asperger’s + early childhood abuse + effects of unpecedented level of fame on an essentially hermetic personality ) and look different. It is when one tries to understand a person, whether they be Michael Jackson or John Doe that cruel, brief assessments are avoided and pain to other people is not caused. The unprecedented level of public scrutiny and attack that Michael endured for over twenty years, set in motion the train of events that killed him long before Murray ever signed off on his first dubious prescription. He was just the last opportunist on the scene.

indranee | 9/11/2009, 12:01 am EST

to Deborah Ffrench:

great post! thank you for saying it best.

singing in the rain | 9/21/2009, 2:36 am EST

Deborah= I believe you have said it all..My comment is directed to the non-informed person several comments below who asks: ‘what instrument could Michael actually play?’ Short answer, piano. But even if he didn’t play it, non-musicians display profound ignorance by asking this. Any musician – and I am one – knows the voice is the FIRST instrument. Before the lute, harpsichord, penny whistle etc, there was the voice. It can be used to imply and express melody, rhythm, harmony and emotion; which is what instruments do. Michael Jackson, perhaps the greatest musical legend that ever walked the earth, wrote and interpreted songs as if his life depended on it,danced like a living dream, and when he sang – offered us everything he had. At the height of his ascendancy, when he would have otherwise gone on to explore his creativity from a place of fulfilled joy, he was traumatized by false allegations that essentially gated his spirit and locked him into a loop of explaining and defending himself both musically and verbally for over two decades. His crime? To be different( probably Asperger’s + early childhood abuse + effects of unpecedented level of fame on an essentially hermetic personality ) and look different. It is when one tries to understand a person, whether they be Michael Jackson or John Doe that cruel, brief assessments are avoided and pain to other people is not caused. The unprecedented level of public scrutiny and attack that Michael endured for over twenty years, set in motion the train of events that killed him long before Murray ever signed off on his first dubious prescription. He was just the last opportunist on the scene.
(Michael, you’ll always be the Greatest of the Greats”) I know that your happy now in a “Place with no name”. i know your so happy to finally be away from the stupid ” POP” who did nothing more than spread lies about you. but your true fans never faltered and we never believed a word of it. be free and be happy.Alissa Renee… ;)

Killashandra | 9/30/2009, 5:40 am EST

Ceased to be relevant? Wrong again. Michael will always be the King Of Pop. Always.
We love you Michael.

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