Turntable Posted October 25, 2006 Report Share Posted October 25, 2006 t's half past four in the morning and I'm making my way to Dublin with Ray. I have spent a fair amount of time in the back of Ray's car in the last 34 hours. He is the driver, henchman for Paddy who owns the recording studio in the middle of no man's land, Ireland. Not only is it a quaint studio built inside the grounds of an old stone classic Irish estate...it's the new creative home of Michael Jackson. And yes, I just conducted the first interview with Michael Jackson since he left the United States in June 2005. First off, let me tell you what this interview is not: It is not a bare all, rehashing of that period of his life. I was prepared to ask him all the questions in the world regarding mistakes made and lessons learned, but trust me, he was not. He asked if 5 minutes of rolling tape was ok in the studio while he "collaborated" with Will I AM from the Black Eyed Peas. Ultimately, We rolled for about 40 minutes and I did ask him questions about music and his thoughts for making a comeback. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v402/THRILLER_/12386.jpg Michael Jackson was nervous and antsy. He was truly torn. He wanted to stay and keep jamming and have some fun, but he also wanted to leave before, from his perspective, he got crucified by another TV interview. Michael's publicist and advisor, Raymone Bain, informed us (me and my Executive Producer, Rob Silverstein) that Michael would like to meet us alone, no cameras, in his cottage first. We agreed of course and before long we were seated at a breakfast table in a very cozy, humble stone cottage. Down the spiral staircase he came. First his boots, then his pants...black with a gold stripe down the side, then a velvet jacket with a white t-shirt underneath, then he turned to face us. I admit, my pulse was running high. He is a mythical character as atypical and untouchable as can be. First impression I had was that he looked healthy. Fit. As Paddy told us earlier, artists come to his estate for the whole experience - nature walks and horseback rides, organic, homegrown food, the indoor mineral spring pool....peace and tranquility. It has suited Michael well, although he does not live there. We stood up, shook hands and began small talk about life...soon, Michael began to make clear what he did not want: an interview. He was just willing to let our cameras roll while he and Will listened to beats and opened the lid to a comeback. I said that we should just go in there and go until he didn't want to anymore. Pensively, he agreed and we started for the door and the 50 yard walk to the studio. This interview is a baby step for Michael. About ten minutes into the session, after I had rolled out several questions, Michael paused and tried to get out. He did not like receiving pointed questions and he encouraged Will to play more beats so we could just roll casually. At the end of the day, we did a little more of both. At one point, I suggested Michael remake "Thriller" for a new generation...with CD/DVD and web components, essentially go with what's proven but update with the help of technically savvy producer, Will I Am. Michael lit up. Amazingly that was something he hadn't considered. When the music was rolling and he didn't have me asking him questions, one could see sparks of life and energy. He hummed a little and at one point got up and walked to the back of the room where he could move a little to the music....he was almost dancing. Michael was there with his children. I never saw them but Paddy, the studio's owner, said they were having a ball, playing with his children and enjoying the exquisite countryside. According to Paddy, Michael gets up in the morning and makes breakfast for them...usually Porridge and fruit. I find myself hoping that Michael's life is as normal as possible. Of course, it isn't. Nobody knows anything about him...does he drive? Apparently, he does occasionally and he even had a cell phone before losing it a day later. There....something normal to which people can RELATE. Again, this was a first step for Michael. He was excited and terrified. It's all about feeling whether he can trust somebody or not. His track record is horrible on that front. Maybe it will improve in regards to us. I am quite sure there is more to come Source: http://accesshollywood.com/news/ah2057.shtml Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzy Julie Posted October 25, 2006 Report Share Posted October 25, 2006 Good to hear hes looking healthy and his album is coming along, thanx. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigted Posted October 25, 2006 Report Share Posted October 25, 2006 That's awesome to hear, definately looking forward to the king of pop's return Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Brakes Posted October 25, 2006 Report Share Posted October 25, 2006 Lets hope this is a good album from Michael! I'm just glad he's back to doing what he loves! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigWillieFan01 Posted October 26, 2006 Report Share Posted October 26, 2006 Will.I.Am and Michael Jackson together? Hmm, why not? I'm looking forward to this new MJ album. I hope it will be good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
viber_91 Posted October 26, 2006 Report Share Posted October 26, 2006 This sounds good. Hope we can hear a single sometime in next spring ore something like that! Cant wait for the album! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpinJack AJ Posted October 27, 2006 Report Share Posted October 27, 2006 Interesting read. Good 2 see that he's on his way back 2 where he needs 2 be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Posted November 1, 2006 Report Share Posted November 1, 2006 will.i.am totally is becoming the new timbaland... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzy Julie Posted November 14, 2006 Report Share Posted November 14, 2006 MJ is in London now, hes here to perform the new remix of thriller, hes been caught on camera and i never thought i would say this but he looks...........worse! http://www.orange.co.uk/entertainment/cele...lebritypictures Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turntable Posted November 14, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2006 Thats just a bad pciture, with his hair all messed up. He looked healthy the last month's or 2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpinJack AJ Posted November 14, 2006 Report Share Posted November 14, 2006 Ha...at least he's smiling and happy. He doesn't smile that big very often. It looks like his time away is doing him good...other than the messed up hair...which may be while he's laughing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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