May he rest in peace..

It is a spring afternoon in 1984. Electrified, I sit in a darkened room, following my Sunday joy, watching hours of MTV. This day is special, however, because MTV are premiering a video called Thriller. It looked amazing then. It seems incredible now. For artistry, choreography and subject matter, this ‘mini-movie’ has never been equalled, let alone bettered. Thriller the video points to the film-maker that Michael Jackson might have become if he had been willing to forego the song and dance circuit.

He was not willing. Michael was defined by youth. His lithe body refused to bow to the law of gravity. His piping voice belonged to that of a man decades younger. Judging by the scenes of mass grief on television, most of his fans weren’t even born when he was at the height of his fame. And we all know of his sad predilection for the company of children.

It is said that Michael wanted to stay young forever. In a dreadful way, he has gotten his wish. May he rest in peace.

Mary Phelan, mary@artyfacts.info