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Michael Jackson and NYC
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The television, radio, and Internet has been buzzing with the shocking news of Michael Jackson's passing. Jackson was only 50 years old when he suffered a heart attack. He was taken to the hospital and was pronounced dead yesterday. The terms surrounding Jackson's death are still to be determined. Their was a conference today but not much was said.
However, instead of discussing Jackson's death, I wanted to remind everyone of Michael and his connection to New York City. Jackson didn't spend a lot of time in New York City. However, there was one special moment. Picture it, August 4th and 5th, 1984 (almost 25 years ago) Pepsi-sponsored the Victory Tour.
The tickets only cost $30 and was completely sold out. Police were assigned to cover the concert. They took serious precautions having almost 2,000 officers in attendance.
The New York Times did not write about the concert at the Garden. However, they did write about a previous stop on the tour at Giant's stadium.
The Times wrote:
Can Michael Jackson compete with his own idealized video image? That was the question that brought more than 44,000 people, paying $30 each, to Giants Stadium tonight for the first of three sold-out shows by the Jacksons. …
This show, known as the Jacksons’ “Victory Tour,” was designed for the biggest performing spaces in America and is playing two- and three-night stands at stadiums through November.
But the most spectacular special effect was the most basic one — Michael Jackson’s fancy footwork and high, heartfelt singing. Mr. Jackson sang hits from “Thriller,” the Jacksons’ album “Triumph” and his earlier album “Off the Wall,” demonstrating that all the stamina and energy of his five-minute video clips can be sustained onstage. It is no illusion.
The audience wore “thousands of red leather jackets, sequined gloves and white socks.”
Once Jackson had reached this beautiful city there was complete and utter chaos. According to the Times:
"Those who could not get inside spent their time running up to any limousine that stopped, hoping for a glimpse of a star, even if it was not Michael Jackson. They wandered past the police barricades, blocking the entrances, and checked out each other’s Michael Jackson look-alike costumes."
That concert is considered one of the most life changing concerts in the city. Now, almost 25 years later I am saddened to discuss the death of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
This is going to be one of those days when you remember where you were when you heard the news. I was working.
Where were you? How do you feel about the passing of Michael?
More coverage on the death of Michael Jackson
http://www.examiner.com/category-michael_jackson.html
More coverage on the death of Farrah Fawcett
http://www.examiner.com/category-farrah_fawcett.html
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