147: The Big British Q&A

It’s been quite a while since the team’s last Q&A episode, and this round features three of our favorite Brits in the fan community: Charles Thomson, Samar Habib, and Charlie Carter. With nearly 100 questions received, the guys tackle a wide range of topics, from the allegations, to Taj Jackson’s documentary project, to favorite Michael Jackson books, insights on MJ’s lyrics and politics, and much more. A huge thank-you to all those listeners who submitted questions! We wish we could have gotten to them all. Grab yourself some tea and biscuits and enjoy this deep-dive fan chat.

Questions
Emma (Twitter) – South Wales, UK
1) Aside from the Brett Barnes episode (which I think everyone needs to listen to at least once), what would be your Top 3 episodes that a new listener (but lifelong MJ supporter) should listen when delving into previous MJCast podcasts? Emma.

GNTalk (Twitter)
2) Sorry – allegation question. Do the guys think there will ever be a day when one of the accusers, JC in particular, may come public and give their true account?

Dane Thomson (Twitter) – Brisbane, Australia
3) Are British tabloids worse than American tabloids? If so, why do you think this is?

Sydni Taylor (email)
4) Taj said on his Livestream earlier this year that he still believes Jordan Chandler will come forward, do you think Taj is saying this because he contacted Jordan or is it just wishful thinking. Do you believe Jordan will ever come forward. I personally don’t think he’ll ever tell his story.

Rob Seymour (Facebook) – Watford (Near London), UK
5) I’d be interested to know how things worked with regards to the 93 Chandler extortion attempt, if it was actually reported to the Police and whether they actually investigated it? Also Was it part of the settlement that the extortion charge was dropped? And how would that work as you cannot pay someone off to stop them testifying so how would it be legal to drop the extortion charges?

Dr. Andrew Greene (Twitter) – United States
6) My question is for Samar. Samar, I follow you on social media and admire the fact that you aren’t afraid to get a little political. Michael Jackson transcended a lot of barriers, one of those barriers was politics as is evident by his fans from around the world and people around him. From rubbing shoulders with the likes of Ronald Reagan and George H. Bush, to performing for Bill Clinton at his inauguration and later the Democratic Party, to being beloved by those in countries like communist Russia. What is it about Michael Jackson that you believe attracts people from all political spectrums to Michael Jackson? Also, do you believe that Jackson’s music reveals an evolution of his own [political] beliefs as he got older?

Kris (Twitter) – Kansas, USA
7) Yes, if a gun was at your head, what do you guys think are the top 3 MJ songs that never had videos that absolutely HAVE to be turned into videos? Kris from the US.

Andrew Gray (email) – Chicago, USA
8) What are your favorite MJ books?

MJUnreleasedMix (Twitter)
9) How different do you think the last decade of Michael’s life would have been if the bridge collapse in Munich ’99 at MJ & Friends never happened? If he isn’t on painkillers, does the Bashir documentary still happen? The trial? This Is It? Might he still be here today?

Eva (email) – Amsterdam
10) Hey MJ friends! This is Eva from Amsterdam. I have a very specific question but it’s been on my mind for a while and I’m curious to hear your thoughts about it. Do you believe that the song Morphine was a cry for help? And are you aware if anyone responded to that at the time? I remember when the Blood on the Dance Floor album came out I thought “oh, that’s a cool and interesting song,” but I thought nothing else of it (granted, I was only 12 years old at the time). Also throughout my later years as a fan I never looked for a deeper meaning behind it. After Michael’s death, the song suddenly seemed like an ominous foreboding. The extent of MJs addiction to pain killers was widely exposed after he died and some of the lyrics in the song sounded like he predicted his own death and also talked about his own struggle with addiction during his lifetime. “A heart attack, baby”, “Demerol, oh god he’s taking Demerol”; “He’s tried / Hard to convince her / To be over what he had / Today he wants it twice as bad / Don’t cry / I won’t resent you / Yesterday you had his trust / Today he’s taking twice as much / Demerol”, “Relax / This won’t hurt you / Before I put it in / Close your eyes and count to ten /Don’t cry / I won’t convert you / There’s no need to dismay / Close your eyes and drift away”. Those last lines could even be the soundtrack to the scene between ‘doctor’ Murray and MJ in the moments before he died. Looking back, it feels like Michael may have written this song with great self-awareness and consciousness of his addiction. Could this have been a way for him to ask for help? As far as I am aware he never spoke publicly about the extent of his addiction and from what I’ve learned he also kept people who were close to him away from it. And then suddenly he releases this song, which in retrospect seems to be fully autobiographical. Do you know if after he wrote and released this song, there was anyone reaching out to him about it or asking about it? Or was everyone just like me, “hey that’s a cool song bro” and that’s it. When I imagine the loneliness he must have felt if that was indeed the case, it breaks my heart. Imagine sharing your darkest problems in a song (and how desperate you must be to do so, especially as such a public figure) and no one responds to it. Curious to hear your thoughts! I’m also sending this question to Brad Sundberg btw because he may have a perspective on whether anyone in the studio heard any alarm bells when they recorded this song. Warm regards and thank you so much for all the great episodes, Eva.

Rachel Doosti (email) – Dubai
11) Hi Jamon, You and Elise are doing a phenomenal job, love love love the direction of the podcast. Thank you so much to both of you for taking the time and providing great episodes with small children, full-time jobs, and family life. Bless you, both. I recall in one of the episodes Charles went to US and was helping Taj for his doc and reviewing materials and he shared da story of a video of Michael dancing with Jermaine while having a bandage on his nose but he did not share anything else with us. If it is not an intrusion, I love to have more insights on what he saw and reviewed in that trip and share more insights with us. Best Rachel Doosti

David Edwards (email)
12) Here’s my question for Charles Thomson: Are you still involved with Taj Jackson’s documentary “Re-Righting HIStory”, and if so, can you give any updates on its status? Thanks, David Edwards.

Anonymous (email) – Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
13) Why do you think it is that fans invest so heavily in the reporting of Roger Friedman around certain subjects (like the allegations) given that Michael publicly denounced his journalistic integrity while accusing Friedman of writing what Michael described as “vicious and untrue stories in an attempt to destroy my image” throughout the last decade of Michael’s life? Moreover, since Michael’s death Friedman has spent 12 years relentlessly perpetuating the lies of Eddie Cascio, James Porte, Sony and the estate regarding their fake songs, during which he has used his platform to call fans “deranged, bitter, stupid, nuisances” and Michael’s family “greedy and jealous.” Why do fans hold this man up so highly regarding some topics given his egregious conduct on others?

Emmet (email) – Ireland
14) Hi lads, I’ve always been fascinated with the cancelled HBO December 1995 show that MJ had planned but obviously didn’t happen. We always had the visual of MJ performing in stadiums to a sea of people, but I’m sure there is a large proportion of MJ’s fanbase that would’ve loved to have seen a more intimate, less pomp and circumstance concert that focused on his singing ability rather than the usual MJ style that we got from the Bad to History world tours. From what I understand, this concert was going to be just that, and it’s always been a sore spot for me that we never got to see it. Does any of the panel know if any footage exists of MJ rehearsing for that show? We all know he recorded nearly everything relating to his performances, so perhaps there is something in a vault somewhere? Why was the show never rescheduled? Was he unhappy with the production of it? I always wished he’d done a stripped down show, but unfortunately it was never to be. Long-time listener and love the show, keep up the great work! Emmet, Ireland

Jamon Bull – Brisbane, Australia
15) Charlie and Samar. You’ve both spoken about Invincible before, with Charlie being critical of the album and Samar being supportive of it. Is there some common ground that could be reached?

Jamon Bull – Brisbane, Australia
16) Charlie and Samar. Similarly to my Invincible question, you’ve both got very different opinions on Janet Jackson as an artist. Again, could some common ground be reached?

Seány (Twitter) – Russia
17) I felt the discussion reg #MJtheMusical on a past ep was rather unfair & I disagreed with almost 100% of the guests review (I had seen the show 3 times by the time that particular ep had aired) Since its continued successes & accolades, are you more inclined to now want to see it?

Jamon Bull – Brisbane, Australia
18) Charlie, you told me once that you wish you’d had a chance to speak on the episode Elise, Q and Björn did together about whether Michael was a gay icon. Tell me your thoughts.

Jamon Bull – Brisbane, Australia
19) Carter. What was it like looking down on Neverland while flying over it? How much would you like to walk the grounds of Neverland one day?

Mookie864 (Instagram)
20) My question is for CET. Charles, after finishing your Podcast, ‘Unfinished’, last year, I was left feeling like there may be more coming in the future. Can you reveal if you are still investigating the Shoebury topic and if there will be a season 2?

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter.

Additional Links
• TheMJCast 063: Q Q&A
• TheMJCast 069: C Q&A
• TheMJCast 074: J Q&A
• TheMJCast 099: Leaving Neverland Q&A
• TheMJCast130: An Evening With Charlie and Jamon

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comKeep Michaeling!

129: Talitha Linehan Special

The MJCast is delighted to announce that its first show after International Women’s Day 2021 is also its first ever all-female episode! Vibrant duo Talitha Linehan and Talin MacArthur join host Elise Capron for a special episode about Talitha’s recently published memoir, A Real-Life Fairy Tale: Michael Jackson and Me, as well as both of their amazing fan experiences, and the final years of Michael Jackson’s life. Talitha is a writer originally from County Cork, Ireland, and has lived in the United States since 2005, currently residing in Los Angeles. Her memoir details the 13-year period during which she traveled all over the world to see Michael, including seeing 17 HIStory Tour concerts, meeting him all over the world, attending the 2005 trial, visiting Neverland Valley Ranch, and becoming a daily presence around him during his final years. Talin, who lives in Pasadena, California, is a close friend of Talitha’s, and was part of the small group of fans who saw Michael Jackson frequently from 2008-2009. Talin had her own amazing experiences as a young fan, as well, having attended the 1993 Super Bowl, and the filming of “Will You Be There”. This in-depth discussion gives amazing insights into what it was like to be a true mega-fan and “follower”, into Michael Jackson’s relationship with his fans, and provides invaluable perspective on The King of Pop’s state of being during his last, tragic days—a time which, for many fans, is still shrouded in mystery and conjecture.

Additional Links
• Purchase Michael Jackson and Me here.
• Talitha’s Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
• Talin MacArthur’s Instagram page.
• This Is Not It testimonies.

Sponsors
• Custom Paint by Joel845. Joel, our favorite Desert Viking, creates incredible custom motorcycle fuel tanks, and more! Plus, check out his brand new merch shop.
• The MJCast’s official shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our merchandise.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Stay BAD!

123: The Story of HIStory Special with Pez Jax

Pez Jax joins host Elise Capron for a discussion about his new book, The Story of HIStory, as part of The MJCast’s continued celebration around #HIStory25. Pez is a long-time Michael Jackson fan, a Marketing Director, writer, and book author based in London. He runs the media group, Sixteen11, with Sebastian Mille, and, through that company, has produced and published a range of Michael Jackson products for fans, including Iconic Magazine and his first book, Off The Wall: From The Beginning – Brick by Brick. In 2019, Pez wrote the article “Why you should play Michael Jackson’s music more now than ever before”, which received international print and television press coverage. Pez is also co-founder of the well-known Michael Jackson Fan Club, MJVibe.com, and has been hosting the London-based Michael Jackson fan convention, Kingvention, for several years. The Story of HIStory is Pez’s newest book, which published in both English and French editions this summer.

In this discussion, Pez and Elise chat about the creation of his book, the joys and challenges along the way, some of the best and most surprising tidbits he discovered, and the lasting legacy of Michael Jackson’s “HIStory” album. They also discuss Pez’s history as a fan, what it’s like to be a content creator in the fan community, the truth around a certain controversy, and they speculate on the future of MJ fandom.

Additional Links
• Pez Jax’s Twitter and Instagram pages.
• MJVibe’s website and Instagram page.
• Sixteen11’s websiteFacebookTwitter, and Instagram pages.
• Kingvention’s websiteFacebookTwitter, and Instagram pages.
• Purchase Pez Jax’s The Story of HIStory here, available in both English and French editions.

Sponsors
• Instacart – Convenient, inexpensive, and reliable same-day personal shopping for U.S. and Canada-based #MJFam.
• The MJCast’s official shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our merchandise.

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
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If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Stay BAD!

097: Bill Whitfield Special

Welcome to Season Five of the The MJCast! In this special episode, Jamon Bull and guest co-host Damien Shields are excited to welcome to the show Bill Whitfield, Michael Jackson’s former bodyguard and co-author of the bestselling memoir, Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days. As head of Jackson’s security during the last years of his life, Bill has incredible memories from this period of time which continues to fascinate fans around the world.

Bill shares his stories of working for the King of Pop, protecting him and his family in risky situations, Michael’s relationship with Sony, as well as watching him interact with his children. Bill saw the real Michael, and was there as Jackson was mentally attempting to recover from the ordeal that he and his family were put through during the false 2005 allegations and trial, and his insights around those difficult moments are invaluable during this particularly tumultuous time for the Michael Jackson fan community.

Additional Links
• Bill Whitfield’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram pages and website.
• Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard’s book, Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days.
• Damien Shields’ Twitter and Website.
• Damien Shields’ book, Michael Jackson: Songs and Stories from the Vault.

Ad & Music Breaks
• Michael Jackson – Leave Me Alone (SWG Dance Mix)
• Michael Jackson – Privacy (Reconstructed NOT GUILTY Remix)

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• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comKeep Michaeling!

092: Humanitarian: The Real Michael Jackson Special

A crucial aspect of Michael Jackson’s life, which is rarely highlighted (and often blatantly ignored), is that of his amazing humanitarian work. While this comes up on The MJCast frequently as a point of discussion, the team is finally taking the opportunity to dedicate a full episode to this important topic. At last, the time is right for a deep-dive chat. Q welcomes to the show megafan and author Paul Dwyer, whose book, Humanitarian – The Real Michael Jackson, has just been published, as well as Friend of the Show and MJ Charity Correspondent Steven Hodges, of Michael Jackson Fans for Charity.

We encourage all of our #MJFam out there to #MakeThatChange!

Additional Links
• Official website to purchase Paul Dwyer’s Humanitarian – The Real Michael Jackson
• The book’s Facebook and YouTube pages
• Michael Jackson Fans for Charity website
• Michael Jackson’s Oxford Union Address
Carnegie Hall/Heal the Kids speech
• A video story behind how Michael Jackson gave Bulief the track “Heal the World”
• ‘Bulief – Heal the World Charity Single’ on Apple Music and Google Play
• Michael Jackson – A True Humanitarian YouTube video
• Steven’s Spotify playlist
• James Bulger’s mum, Denise Fergus, speaks about the “Heal the World” Bulief single and how it’s helping bullied children
• Michael Jackson – We’ve Had EnoughMichael Jackson Fans Australia Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube

Ads & Music Breaks
• 
Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Smokey Robinson – Earth Song (Live at 2010’s Grammy Awards) [Michael Jackson – Earth Song on Apple Music and Google Play]
• Youth Artists in USA for Nepal Earthquake 2015 – We Are The World (Michael Jackson – We Are The World on Apple Music and Google Play)
• Bulief – Heal The World

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comMichael on!

085: For all the YANA Lovers Out There?

After hosting four (epic!) back-to-back special episodes, Jamon takes a well-deserved break, handing the reins over to Q, Elise, and Damien Shields, who catch up on more than a month’s worth of MJ and Jackson Family news. They revisit The MJCast’s recent interview with Judith Hill, and look ahead to events planned for MJ’s birthday on August 29th, including a screening of Moonwalker at the British Film Institute, as well as developments around the Estate’s ‘Diamond Celebration’, which include partnering with The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and the release of a vinyl anthology box set.

In other news, Michael has been making appearances on tracks by major recording artists, including Christina Aguilera’s ‘Maria’, and Drake’s ‘Don’t Matter To Me’, which has earned Michael Jackson his 30th Hot 100 Top 10 Billboard hit. Plus, developments are in the works for a Broadway show based around Michael’s music, and Omer Bhatti reveals the long-rumoured original golden Invincible album cover artwork. In Jackson family news, Janet continues her big year by receiving the first ever Impact Award at Radio Disney Music Awards, and reports are circulating that she is collaborating with Bruno Mars, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on her new album. Lastly, be sure to check out the Michael Jackson Academic Studies courses, which have recently been made available for free online.

Q and Elise also get a chance to ask Damien about the revised and expanded edition of his book, Michael Jackson: Songs & Stories From The Vault (previously titled Xscape Origins), and about the progress on his “A Truth Untold” project.

News
A new German-language book about Michael has been released, Make That Change: Michael Jackson: Botschaft und Schicksal eines spirituellen Revolutionärs (Message and Fate of a Spiritual Revolutionary) by Sophia Pade and Armin Risi.
• Reports are circulating that Janet Jackson is to collaborate with Bruno Mars, as well as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for new album.
• New Christina Aguilera song, “Maria, featuring an MJ sample.
• The Michael Jackson Estate is set to partner with The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation for Michael’s “Diamond” birthday celebration.
• Janet Jackson receives the first ever Impact Award at Radio Disney Music Awards and gives another inspirational acceptance speech.
• A Michael Jackson Broadway show may be coming in 2020, organised by the Estate and Columbia Live Stage.
• New Drake song with previously-unreleased MJ vocals, “Don’t Matter to Me“, which has earned Michael his 30th “Hot 100 Top 10” Billboard hit.
• London’s prestigious British Film Institute has announced a screening of Moonwalker on August 29th for Michael Jackson’s birthday.
• The National Portrait Gallery has opened its Michael Jackson – On the Wall exhibition, which will be travelling to France later this year.
• Fashion house Balmain launches its Spring 2019 Menswear collection featuring Michael Jackson-inspired designs from designer Olivier Rousteing.
• SWG (Single White Glove) has released a new (10 minute long!) You Are Not Alone Extended Mix. Enjoy, YANA-heads!
• Omar Bhatti reveals the long rumoured original golden Invincible album cover artwork.
• MJAS have just made all their courses available for free.
• MJ60 Birthday events: What’s happening? Let us know details! Organise something yourself!
• Most of MJ’s albums are to be officially re-released as picture discs in a US$175 vinyl anthology box set. (No BOTDF!)
• Elise shares a few Los Angeles MJ Week stories.

Main Discussion Topic
Damien Shields discusses his new edition of Michael Jackson: Songs & Stories From The Vault (previously titled Xscape Origins).
• Check out Damien’s original appearance on The MJCast about the first edition of his book; The MJCast – Episode 008: Xscape Origins Special
• Damien also brings us up to speed on A Truth Untold

Finds of the Week
Q – Soundtrack (iTunes) for the film “Love, Simon”, which features the Jackson 5 Christmas classic, “Someday at Christmas”. (Check out the film, it’s great!)
• Elise – MJ FAQ by Kit O’Toole.
• Damien – ?

Ad & Music Breaks
Mike Tompkins feat. Michael Jackson – Don’t Matter To Me (Remix)
Michael Jackson – Maria (You Were the Only One) [Emile Haynie Remix from the Michael Jackson Remix Suite album]
Moonwalker cinema promo
The Jacksons – Wondering Who (Nick* Deluxe Mix)
Janet Jackson – Nasty (Nick* Cool Summer Redux)

Correspondent Appearances
Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source (Jackson family Correspondent)
Steven Hodges of MJFFC (Charity Correspondent)

Connect with Us
TheMJCast.com
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comKeep Michaeling!

081: Vindication Day Special with Aphrodite Jones

The MJCast present their fourth annual special episode recognising Michael Jackson’s acquittal from false child molestation allegations on June 13th, 2005. On each of these annual episodes, The MJCast’s Legal Correspondent Charles Thomson along with hosts Jamon Bull and Q, bring a very special guest onto the show to discuss their experience with the trial that so deeply affected Jackson’s life.

In this year’s show, the guys welcome author of the newly released special edition of Michael Jackson Conspiracy, Aphrodite Jones. Aphrodite is a journalist and the author of several bestselling true crime books, one of which was turned into the Oscar-winning movie, Boys Don’t Cry. During Michael Jackson’s 2005 trial, Aphrodite initially found herself on the side of the prosecution. However, after the trial was over, she reassessed her stance, and admitted that she got it wrong. She went on to write one of the most comprehensive books about the trial, Michael Jackson Conspiracy, which includes a Foreword by Tom Mesereau. Self-published in 2007, the book went on to become a cult hit, and is being re-released in a new edition this week. Michael Jackson Conspiracy is the last book Aphrodite published, though she has gone on to be a successful true crime documentary host as well as host of her own podcast, called Sex, Love & Murder.

The new edition of the book features colour photos, exclusive links to footage of accuser Gavin Arvizo being led in a police interview, Michael Jackson discussing a children’s holiday with Martin Bashir and Neverland Valley Ranch during the trial era.

Jamon, Q, and Charles talk with Aphrodite about her early life, her experience being one of the few reporters given permanent seats in the courtroom throughout Jackson’s trial, how she fell under the pro-persecution spell and how she changed her mind. Topics also discussed include her interpretation of how the media handled the trial and how it impacted Michael in his final years.

Additional Links
• 
Aphrodite Jones’ Facebook, Twitter and website
• Charles Thomson’s Facebook, Twitter and website
• Aphrodite Jones’ Michael Jackson Conspiracy (Special Edition) on her website and Amazon
• The MJCast – Episode 010: Vindication Day 10th Anniversary Special with Tom Mesereau
• The MJCast’s – Episode 033: Vindication Day Special with Scott Ross
• The MJCast – Episode 058: Vindication Day Special (Pirates in Neverland: The Michael Jackson Allegations)
• Aphrodite Jones’ Cruel Sacrifice book
• Aphrodite Jones’ All He Wanted book
• Mary Fischer’s GQ article “Was Michael Jackson Framed?”, available on Amazon or on the MJJTruthNow blog

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comStay BAD!

078: That was a Q-incidence

Jamon and Q are excited to dig into a big news roundup this week, with lots of developments in the world of Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. They cover the outcome of the Moonwalkers documentary on Kickstarter, a new book publishing this Fall by Richard Lecocq and Francois Allard, and news from Will.i.am regarding music he worked on with MJ. They also discuss the new Bad World Tour concert footage released by the Indy Channel, and Bryan Loren’s public plea to fans for monetary compensation regarding his leaked tracks.

On the Jackson family events front, Janet Jackson has announced additional tour dates (and launched a national back-up dancer search!) and will be headlining a major music festival in Los Angeles this summer. The Jacksons will perform at the Detroit Music Weekend, a three day festival celebrating their impact and legacy. And, in Tulsa, OK, a Michael Jackson Tribute event will be held on June 24, hosted by Jankins of Moonwalk Talks.

Jamon and Q will also discuss the news from 3T, who have released their Chapter III song, “Fire”, as a single in France. And on TV, La Toya Jackson dons her beloved classic headband on the reality show, “Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition”. Plus, Paris Jackson has a star-studded 20th birthday bash, and gets some well-deserved attention for the important work she’s doing on the activist front by publishing an op-ed in Teen Vogue about HIV/AIDS awareness. Paris will receive the LIFE+ award on behalf of her godmother, Elizabeth Taylor’s AIDS foundation, at the 25th Life Ball this June.

This episode also features several of our correspondents, including Steven Hodges of MJFFC (Charity Correspondent), Charles Thomson (Legal Correspondent), and Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source (Jackson family Correspondent).

News
• 
Richard Lecocq and Francois Allard are set to release a new book on Michael Jackson titled Michael Jackson – All The Songs: The Story Behind Every Song, Every Video, Every Dance Move.
• Will.i.am again tells reporters he won’t be releasing the songs he worked on with Michael Jackson.
• The Indy Channel has released a retrospective article on Michael’s final performance in Indianapolis featuring never-before-seen footage from the Bad World Tour.
• Record producer Bryan Loren has released a plea to Michael Jackson fans asking for monetary compensation regarding his many leaked tracks
• Upcoming Michael Jackson Tribute event, Sunday, 24 June 2018, Tulsa Oklahoma, held by Jankins of the Moonwalk Talks podcast. Games, trivia, movies, dance, art, prizes and charity, tickets are $10, or $5 for 14 and under.
• Paris Jackson Said Goodbye to Her Teens with a Star-Studded 20th Birthday Bash
• Paris writes inspiring op-ed piece for Teen Vogue magazine on why HIV/AIDS awareness is close to her heart, and also will receive the LIFE+ award on behalf of her godmother, Elizabeth Taylor’s AIDS foundation at the 25th Life Ball, June 2 charity event in Vienna.
• The Jacksons are set to participate in Detroit Music Weekend, a three day festival celebrating their impact and legacy
• 3T to release their Chapter III song, “Fire”, as a single in France.
• La Toya Jackson participates in the new season of “Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition”
• Janet Jackson to perform at LA’s FYF Fest in July
• Janet Jackson launches #DanceWithJanet campaign, and announces further dates for her successful State of the World tour.
• Will Smith shares his story of the one time he met Michael Jackson.

Main Discussion Topic
• 
Random fan chat!

Finds of the Week
• 
Jamon – Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Celebration: The Solo Years (Long Version)
• Q – New Michael Jackson video mix by @roboemjay on Vimeo, from late 2017.

Additional Links
• 
Kylie Minogue’s new album ‘Golden
• Michael Jackson’s Legacy project
• Prince Jackson’s Heal LA project
• Michael’s Dream Foundation
• Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation
• 3T’s Dee Dee Jackson Foundation
• MJ Fans for Charity website and the Global Total page
• Michael Jackson Monthly Giving Project
• Photo of Michael Jackson and Will Smith ‘in the closet’

Ad & Music Breaks
• 
Janet Jackson and Kylie Minogue – Slow and Nasty (Initial Talk Mix)
• The Jacksons – Music’s Takin’ Over (Belabouche & Fendercillo Discotronix Mix)
• Michael Jackson – Remember the Time (Aevion Remix)

Correspondent Appearances
• Steven Hodges of MJFFC (Charity Correspondent)
• Charles Thomson (Legal Correspondent)
• Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source (Jackson family Correspondent)

Connect with Us
• TheMJCast.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comStay BAD!

077: Let’s Make HIStory Special with Brice Najar

Q flies solo today, welcoming returning guest Brice Najar back on the show, along with his wonderful wife, Laetitia Latouche. Brice is well-known in the Michael Jackson community for his books on The Jacksons and the King of Pop, but this discussion is focused on his most recent book, Let’s Make HIStory. Najar’s book goes into detail about the recording of Michael’s brilliant HIStory album. Based around interviews with key collaborators, the book is a comprehensive and fascinating look into the creation of a masterpiece.

Q, Brice, and Laetitia discuss what makes Let’s Make HIStory an important contribution to Michael Jackson literature, why the HIStory era is of particular significance, what it was like to interview collaborators, the process of getting this book published, and surprises that Brice discovered along the way. Brice and Laetitia also talk about MJ Music Day in France, and how that event came together.

Links
• Brice Najar’s website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.
• Brice Najar’s books: Let’s Make HIStoryMichael Jackson: itinéraire d’un passionné and The Jacksons: Musicographie 1976 – 1989.
• Michael Jackson’s 1995 Wetten Dass performance
• Michael Jackson’s 1996 Brit Awards performance
• Brice Najar’s interview with photographer Steven Paul Whitsitt
• Brice’s favorite MJ books: Moonwalk, Mike Smallcombe’s Making Michael, • Isabelle Petitjean’s Dangerous – from Mark Ryden to Michael Jackson and Xscape Origins by Damien Shields.
• MJ Music Day and Association On The Line’s website

Music Breaks & Ads
• Michael Jackson – Scream (feat. Janet Jackson) [Dave ‘Jam’ Hall Extended Urban Remix]
• Michael Jackson – Stranger in Moscow (Classic Mix)
• Michael Jackson – They Don’t Care About Us (Uncensored Olodum Cut)

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• TheMJCast.com
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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

Episode 043 – Thriller Night Special feat. CJ DeVillar

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Happy Thriller Night! To celebrate Halloween 2016, Q and Jamon are joined by host of fellow Michael Jackson podcast Moonwalk Talks, Jankins along with bassist, studio engineer and MJ collaborator CJ DeVillar. CJ collaborated with Michael on a range of songs including the unreleased and authentic version of Monster (which we discuss in detail on this episode), Blue Gangsta, A Place With No Name, Break of Dawn and multiple tracks on the HIStory album.

To kick things off, Jamon and Q spring an impromptu interview on Jankins, followed by a discussion around all the latest news in the MJ world. Topics include the recent and unfortunate passing of Thriller songwriter Rod Temperton, a new Michael Jackson project as revealed by John Landis and Nick Amideo’s Monster Movie Mash video. The team then discuss Travis DeRose’ marathon moonwalk across Europe, a competition around Smooth Criminals – The Songs of Michael Jackson and a new dance video set to Black or White. The news is capped off through an update on the Sony/ATV acquisition and a brand new book coming from The Jacksons called The Jacksons: Legacy. The main discussion topic for this episode is a chronological exploration into Michael’s horror themed work.

News

Main Discussion Topic

Finds of the Week

Additional Links

Music Breaks & Ads

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TheMJCast.com
Facebook
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Instagram
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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comMichael on!

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