Today marks the two year anniversary of Michael Jackson’s passing and, instead of feeling sad, I decided I’d celebrate MJ by watching some of my favorite videos and performances. Here are a few clips from my all-time faves, in no particular order:
The 1995 MTV VMA performance–arguably one of the best performances since Motown 25–was always one of my favorites because it took us through such a span of Michael’s career, from “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” through “You Are Not Alone”. I also liked it because, as a kid, I had grown up with Michael’s Bad-era long curly hair. Seeing it cut short totally blew my 11-year-old mind.
This performance of “Billie Jean” from one of Michael’s 2001 shows at Madison Square Garden makes the list because it happened after Michael had been away for a period of time. A lot of people like me, kids of the ’80s who practically had Michael in our DNA, realized just how much we missed the King of Pop. Aside from it’s greater meaning, I love it because I like to listen to the way the crowd goes absolutely apeshit when he pulls the glove out of the suitcase.
The Ghosts short film is outrageously hard to find in the US. It’s only available officially in short-form (about 8 out of 30+ minutes) and the only way to buy the full video in America is on VCD, which doesn’t always work in a regular DVD player. I’ve actually contemplated getting a PAL DVD player just so I could watch it. This legitimate short film features several songs from Blood on the Dance Floor, some cool special effects courtesy of director Stan Winston, and choreography that will blow your mind. This totally makes the list because of MJ pulling an Eddie Murphy and playing the Mayor as well as the motion-capture skeleton.
And be sure to watch The Making of Ghosts because there’s some super cute MJ moments in here too:
The “Come Together” video sticks out in my mind because it’s a perfect representation of a time when Michael Jackson was the sexiest thing in the world, at least to me. I was probably under 10 when this came out and I remember watching it and thinking “I want to go to there!”–and that was before Tina Fey even created that phrase. I dare you to watch it and not have a crush on him!
Going back in time, we have this clip from the Cher Show where Cher performs a medley with the Jacksons. Great video because everyone looked like a Q-tip: crazy skinny with giant afros. Sorry Cher, you cannot out Afro the Jackson 5.
These are just a few of my favorite things. Of course, I also love the classics, like the Motown 25 performance where the world first witnessed the Moonwalk, but these more obscure moments are the ones that really stick out for me. What are your faves?