Michael Jackson died a few weeks ago and he’s still above ground. Lawyers, doctors, accountants, law enforcement – and of course the family — have been keeping him alive through the same determinedly bizarre behaviors as during his mortal life.
Until today at his memorial service in LA. What could easily have been a circus of stars and clingers actually turned out to be a solid and sophisticated tribute. Aside from some bloviating by a few presenters (Brooke Shields comes to mind), the “show” was well-constructed and resonant. There was no story to follow, no big production numbers, little cohesion. Thankfully, Anderson Cooper did not attempt to call the play-by-play. It was just a humane celebration of a very rich life.
Really, for the past few weeks I had a hard time accepting that Michael Jackson was really gone. This morning it occurred to me that this might be the most elaborate publicity stunt ever executed, that Michael would rise from the coffin to the opening strains of “Thriller.” An audience of over a billion would witness the resurrection of one of the most famous, infamous, loved and hated persons ever to walk the planet.
I wish that would have happened. But of course, it didn’t. He’s gone and soon, I hope, the only sounds and images of Michael Jackson we’ll ever see again will be those of his music and performance.
I doubt they’ll get it right for long.