Tag Archives: Captain EO

Episode 089 – John Barnes Special

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The MJCast’s Elise Capron and Jamon Bull are honoured to interview renowned musician, arranger, songwriter and mixer John Barnes, who has worked with an incredibly wide range of the world’s top musicians and entertainers, including, of course, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

John has been recording music since the early ’70s, and has collaborated with artists such as Marvin Gaye, The Miracles, Lionel Richie, Celine Dion, Diana Ross, and many more. He first teamed up with the Jackson family in the early ’80s, playing synthesizer and handling arrangements on The Jacksons’ Victory album. He also worked independently with Janet and Jermaine during this time.

Captain EO and the Bad album marked the beginning of John’s deep involvement in Michael Jackson’s solo career. While Quincy Jones and Bruce Swedien were working at Westlake, John, Matt Forger, and Bill Bottrell spent their days at Michael’s private home studio at Hayvenhurst, bringing to fruition Michael’s own musical creations. John took on many different roles in the creative process. He was a musician, programmer, and developed ideas from the group up alongside Michael, including co-writing ‘We Are Here to Change the World’.

John worked with Michael in his later years as well, and spent time with him in Bahrain following the 2005 criminal trial in which he was found not guilty. Not only was John a crucial member of MJ’s creative team, but he has also had a major impact on the popular music landscape as we know it, both as a traditional musician and with his revolutionary work with synth sound programming. Today, John continues his work in the music industry as the CEO of Innersound Studios.

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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.com. Michael on!

Episode 071 – MJ101 Special: Bad 30

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Creator of the free MJ101 eBook series Andy Healy has released his new book, Bad 30, and what a great opportunity for us to explore both the book and the album for our second last episode of Season Three of The MJCast.

Joining returning guest Andy is a new voice for listeners, Chris Lacy. Chris is a lifelong Michael Jackson supporter in more ways than one. His fiery passion for music and dance came from studying Jackson’s artistry while he was growing up on Navy bases. Chris eventually became a dance instructor while learning from Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Allison Holker of So You Think You Can Dance? fame. His appreciation for Michael Jackson expanded beyond the music when he started battling vitiligo at the age of twelve, a skin condition Jackson also endured. Fortunately, his strong Christian faith has not only helped him with his own struggles but has also inspired him to mentor youth who wrestle with various self-esteem issues. Chris is also a Contributing Writer for Albumism with heartfelt tributes for Bad (1987) and Dangerous (1991) under his belt, among others.

Andy, Chris, Jamon and Q explore and discuss the tracks on Michael’s critically and commercially acclaimed late 80’s masterpiece Bad. As Andy was lucky enough to see Michael live through witnessing The Bad World Tour in person, we also get to hear his account of this incredible concert, making us all slightly envious!

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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. Michael on!

Episode 027 – Sony/ATV Purchase Roundtable

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Episode 027 - Sony:ATV Purchase Roundtable Show Art

On this episode of The MJCast, Q and Jamon are joined by friend of the show Damien Shields (author of Xscape Origins) for a roundtable discussion on Sony Music’s seven hundred and fifty million dollar acquisition of the Michael Jackson Estate’s 50% share in the Sony/ATV catalogue. The MJCast’s Legal Correspondent Charles Thomson and Web Assistant Jacob Rathjen also phone in to discuss their thoughts around the situation. Included in this segment is a special appearance by none other than Lynton Guest (author of The Trials of Michael Jackson) in which he offers an expert and educational analysis around the catalogue’s significance, Sony’s continual efforts to acquire it and their recent success in doing so.

In addition to this shocking news, the guys talk about the upcoming 2016 Thriller Studio Tour, Brad Sundberg’s MJU multi-day seminar, Janet Jackson‘s cancellation of more Unbreakable World Tour shows and even more MJ leaks! Lastly, Jermaine Jackson‘s record breaking bejewelled bass guitar and La Toya Jackson‘s new duet, Tehran, are also discussed. Thank-you for listening to another episode of the internets premier podcast on all things Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. We hope you enjoy this episode of The MJCast.

Discussion Topic

  • Bloomberg – Sony Music Acquires the Michael Jackson Estate’s Share of the Sony/ATV Music Publishing Catalogue for $750 000 000
  • Music Business Worldwide – Sony’s Historic Buyout of Sony/ATV: 5 Things You Need to Know
  • Forbes – Sony to Buy Michael Jackson’s Half of Sony/ATV For $750 Million
  • Wall Street Journal – Sony to Buy Out Michael Jackson Estate for Music Publishing Unit

News

  • The 2016 Thriller Studio Tour has been announced.
  • More details around Brad Sundberg’s MJU multi-day seminar have emerged. Watch a promotional YouTube video for the event here.
  • Janet Jackson cancels more Unbreakable World Tour shows and a new video for the song Dammn Baby has possibly been shot.
  • New Michael Jackson footage leaks! A rough cut of the 2 Bad sequence in Ghosts!
  • Filmmaker Dan Harmon is set to produce a surreal stop-motion movie around Michael Jackson’s pet chimp, Bubbles.
  • Jermaine Jackson sets a new world record for the most jewels on a functioning guitar by playing Let’s Get Serious for three minutes.
  • La Toya Jackson features in a new duet, Tehran, with Iranian singer Andy Madadian.

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Episode 025 – Right Place, Right Time… Black Magic

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Episode 025 - Right Place, Right Time... Black Magic YouTube Art

On this episode of The MJCast, there’s plenty of news and discussion on Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. Jamon and Q are joined by Paul Black, a long time Michael Jackson fan and Q’s first ever ‘MJ mate’. Paul’s been fortunate to have had some great Michael Jackson experiences, both here in Australia and in Los Angeles, including meeting Michael, doubling for Michael, and singing a Michael Jackson song on stage with none other than the legendary Prince. In this episode, the guys talk about Miguel’s performance of She’s Out of My Life at the Grammy’s, some rough cut Captain EO leaks, more ‘making of’ footage leaks from the set of Black or White and Ghosts, a new snippet of Michael Jackson’s Ghosts (including never before heard ad lib vocals), the passing of Jackson family friend Majestik Magnificent, Donald Trump’s ‘interesting’ thoughts on his friendship with Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson’s future performance at the Dubai World Cup, why the Michael Jackson Estate is suing the owner of KingOfPop.com and Quincy Jones‘ lawsuit against the Estate and Sony going to trial in June.

This episode’s main discussion topic is all around friend of the show Paul Black and his experiences with Michael Jackson, seeing Michael live and even meeting him.Thanks so much for listening to the internet’s premiere podcast on all things Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. We hope you enjoy this episode of The MJCast!

News

Discussion Topic

  • Paul Black’s Michael Jackson experiences

Finds of the Week

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Episode 021 – Man Crush Monday

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Episode 021 - Mancrush Monday YouTube ArtQ and Jamon are joined by guest host Jacob Rathjen to discuss all things Michael Jackson! On Episode 021 of The MJCast, the boys discuss CNN’s publication of rare, behind-the-scenes Thriller photos, a never before seen MJ Pepsi commercial and Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Lip Sync Battle performance of Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation. Following this, legal correspondent Charles Thomson Skypes in to discuss exclusive breaking news regarding the class action lawsuit Vera Serova is bringing against Sony Music, Eddie Cascio and others for the 2010 posthumous album, Michael. Q shares some insights around Disney’s decision to close Captain EO at EPCOT followed by an update on Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney’s Say Say Say [2015 Remix] song and competition. Q, Jamon and Jacob also talk about the recent leak of the 2010 Much Too Soon stems, Stephanie Mills and Emmanual Lewis’ recent media insights into their time with Michael Jackson, Tito’s upcoming charity gig, the latest on the Billboard Music Awards Hologram court case and a fascinating ‘top ten MJ music video’s’ countdown from WatchMojo.com. As our major discussion topic, we discuss the recently leaked and never before seen Michael Jackson concert during the Dangerous World Tour in Bremen, with help from friend of the show, Anthony King. We hope you enjoy Episode 021 of the internet’s premiere Michael Jackson podcast, The MJCast.

News
Rare ‘behind the scenes’ photographs of the making of the Thriller short film have been published by CNN. They can be found in the Michael Jackson: The Making of Thriller book by legendary photography Douglas Kirkland.
A ‘new’ Michael Jackson and Pepsi commercial has leaked…featuring never before heard music! Find more out about Pepsi ad series The Chase at Anthony King’s website.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt performs Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation on Lip Sync Battle.
UK Journalist and The MJCast Legal Correspondent Charles Thomson unpacks the latest court documents regarding the Serova Vs. Sony/Branca/Cascio/Porte/MJJ Productions/Angelikson case. The relevant court documents can be accessed as a PDF here. The ‘Cascio Case’ continues amidst a newly released Times Union interview with Eddie Cascio on his relationship and work with Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson and Disney’s sci-fi short film Captain EO is to play at EPCOT for the very last time on December 6th, 2015. Listen to Captain EO: The Complete Experience from EPCOT Legacy here and watch the making of Captain EO here.
The 12″ vinyl and cd single versions of Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney’s Say Say Say [2015 Remix] are out! Fans can also enter into a remix competition using the instrumental version of the track.
Stems for the 2010 version of the Michael Jackson song Much Too Soon have leaked. Listen to Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel discussing the recording of his guitar parts here.
Gospel/R&B singer and Broadway actress Stephanie Mills reveals she dated the King of Pop!
Emmanuel Lewis discusses his friendship with Michael Jackson in this radio interview.
Tito Jackson is set to perform at a Canadian charity event for the Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric Centre.
The Michael Jackson Estate has been dismissed as a defendant from the Billboard Awards/Hologram lawsuit.
WatchMojo.com’s Top 10 MJ Videos countdown

Discussion Topic
Michael Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour concert in Bremen has leaked in full thanks to MJBeats. Watch Part I and Part II. Special thanks to Anthony King for his audio contribution analysing the show and thanks to Jackson Trader for information on Michael’s Dangerous World Tour.

Finds of the Week
Q – Annie’s personal story of Michael the humanitarian
Jamon – Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal [Annie Mix] from The Bad Mixes official promo album
Jacob – Haywire’s cover of Smooth Criminal

Additional Links
Jacob Rathjen’s Twitter and YouTube pages
Charles Thomson’s official website, Twitter and Facebook pages
Anthony King’s official website, Twitter and Facebook pages
The Jackson 5’s Alpha Bits cereal commercial
Michael’s Dream Foundation charity
Rea Day’s Facebook page. Check it out for some amazing Michael Jackson inspired art!
The Dangerous Video Megamix found on the VHS version of Dangerous: The Short Films.

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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. Michael On!

Episode 012 – HairCast

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Jamon and Q discuss recently released footage of Michael rehearsing to Billie Jean in 2001, newly published photos of Michael and his family from the 1970’s onwards, the Munich Memorial Petition and the Michael Jackson Estate’s fourth Accounting Report. Following this, a reflection on the recent and unfortunate death of Captain EO composer James Horner, Janet Jackson’s new single and BET appearance and finally, the prospective sale of Neverland Valley Ranch.

News
UK tribute artist, choreographer, author and media personality Anthony King has released new footage of Michael Jackson rehearsing Billie Jean for his 30th Anniversary Celebration concerts in 2001.
Alex DeJean and Time publish never before seen photographs of Michael and The Jacksons from the 1970’s and Hamid Moslehi has also released photos of Michael from a range of eras, including his rehearsals with Britney Spears for his 30th Anniversary concerts in 2001.
German MJ fans have invited fans from around the world to sign this  Munich Memorial Petition.
The Michael Jackson Estate’s fourth Accounting Report document summary as published by Ivy of DailyMichael.com.
James Horner, famed composer of Captain EO has tragically and suddenly passed away.
Janet Jackson has released the first single from her first album, entitled No Sleeep and recently appeared on the 2015 BET Awards.

Discussion Topic
Jamon and Q’s thoughts on the sale of Neverland Valley Ranch as discussed by Forbes and DailyMichael.com. Also take a look at Enola Lee’s website Neverland – For Michael, For Love, Forever to see some amazing photographs of Neverland, and more!
An announcement of the winners of our competition for three copies of D Francis’ book Michael Jackson: Innocent – 28 February 2005 Book 1.

Finds of the Week
Jamon – The Kelly Alexander Show and their 20th Anniversary of Scream episode which features an exclusive interview with choreographer Tina Landon.
Q – E82 The Epcot Legacy’s Captain EO: The Complete Experience album

Additional Links
Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Special
The 3T song Why from their debut album, Brotherhood
Piers Morgan’s 2012 interview with Katherine Jackson
60 Minutes’ The Resurrection of Michael Jackson segment with a special interview with Karen Langford, the Archivist of the Michael Jackson Estate
Nick*’s remix of 2Bad. Check out his Soundcloud page as well!
Author D Francis’ book Michael Jackson: Innocent – 28 February 2005 Book 1 on Amazon

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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. Michael on!

Episode 011 – June 25th Special with Darren Hayes

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Episode 011 - June 25th Special With Darren Hayes YouTube ArtOn June 25th, 2009 the King of Pop, Michael Jackson tragically and unexpectedly passed away amidst preparations and rehearsals for his final live concert tour, This Is It. Although his passing and our present day lives are separated at this point by six years, for fans around the world the pain associated with this devastating event still lingers on. What a loss it was for the world. It’s clear that the Michael Jackson fan community is still coming to terms with and processing what happened six years ago and how we can move forward in a positive way. During his life, Michael spoke about the concept of love perhaps more than any other topic….love for Planet Earth, love for its children, love for ourselves…and love for each other. So with love in mind, this podcast episode was put together. It’s intention is certainly not to celebrate the occasion, but to reflect on the tragedy that happened and to assist in unifying the community in processing what occurred…but above all else, to remember, honour and reflect on the magical life that was Michael Jackson’s and the love that he gave to the world.

Former member of pop duo Savage Garden and now world renowned multi-million album selling artist in his own right, Darren Hayes, agreed to join us for this significant occasion in honouring and remembering Michael on the sixth anniversary of his passing. Q and I interviewed Darren about his Michael Jackson fandom, his views and thoughts on a range of Michael related issues and about his life as an artist.

Following this, Q and I explore and discuss our own experiences on June 25th, 2009 and how we feel Michael should be remembered, before handing over to some of our listeners to discuss the same topics. Thank-you to all of our listeners who submitted audio for us to consider in playing on this show. It was a pleasure listening to all of the submissions and they certainly had both Q and I reflecting on Michael and his legacy. For those of you who are still emotionally processing Michael’s passing, we hope this episode acts as a way for you to connect with other fans around the world who are as well. In this episode there are moments of joy and moments of sadness, but through it all, remember that we are all fans of Michael. We must carry on his message of love and positivity as a way of honouring his memory and everything that he gave to the world. From the bottom of our hearts, Keep Michaeling!

Links
Darren Hayes’ official website and Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr accounts.
The He Said, He Said Show’s iTunes page.
Michael Jackson’s Bad World Tour live in Brisbane. Look out for a young Darren Hayes in the first ten seconds!
Michael Jackson’s Captain EO on YouTube.
Michael Jackson’s Memorial Service from 2009, at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.
Amateur footage of Billie Jean live at Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Celebration concerts in 2001.
Michael Jackson’s 1987 Molly Meldrum interview.
Xscape Origins – The Songs and Stories Michael Jackson Left Behind, a book by Damien Shields.
Bad 25 – A documentary on Michael’s ‘Bad’ album, by Spike Lee.
Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean performance on Motown 25. Look out for his first ever moonwalk at the end of Billie Jean!
Darren Hayes’ Secret Codes and Battleships limited deluxe two CD edition on Amazon and iTunes.
The new Savage Garden album The Singles, and the re-releases for Savage Garden and Affirmation on iTunes Australia.

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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. We hope you enjoy this special episode of our Michael Jackson podcast, The MJCast. Keep Michaeling!

Episode 007 – We Come in Peace

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Episode 007 - We Come In Peace YouTube ArtQ returns from his US/Canada/Hong Kong trip and is back on board to discuss the future (or lack thereof) of Captain EO in Disney parks, Michael Jackson being nominated by the Billboard Music Awards for Top R&B Album of 2015 with Xscape and the upcoming Broadway version of The Wiz. We also discuss Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson, MJ tribute artist Dimitri Reeves performing Michael’s music amidst the Baltimore Riots, the Estate of Michael Jackson partnering with Authentic Brands Group for an international merchandising business relationship, Kingvention 2015 and the Thriller Studio Tour at Westlake Recording Studios, Hollywood! Lastly, we launch into an in depth discussion around Q’s experiences at the Cirque Du Soleil MJOne show at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.

News
Disney’s Captain EO to be closed?! What’s really going on here?
Michael Jackson’s Xscape album is nominated for Top R&B Album of 2015 by the Billboard Music Awards.
The Wiz is set to be NBC’s next live musical in late 2015, also coming to broadway in 2016 with Cirque Du Soleil‘s inolvement!
Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson is out. Read all about this great album on this NBC article.
Michael Jackson tribute artist Dimitri Reeves performs MJ songs amidst the Baltimore Riots and gives an interview about it here!
The Estate of Michael Jackson and Authentic Brands Group partner to expand the Michael Jackson brand worldwide.
A Michael Jackson convention called Kingvention 2015 is happening in London on Saturday the 12th of September, 2015.
Thriller Studio Tour at Westlake Recording Studios in Hollywood is Back for 2015!

Discussion Topic
Q’s thoughts on Michael Jackson One, the Cirque Du Soleil/Michael Jackson show at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Finds of the Week
Jamon – Tristan Jackson’s #MakeThatChange video project
Q – 2CELLOS They Don’t Care About Us music video

Additional Links
Messenger King: Michael Jackson and the politics of #BlackLivesMatter by D.B. Anderson
Kerry Anderson’s Facebook page and Agape Love, the Facebook page for his upcoming book.
Red Bubble’s Keep Michaeling t-shirt
Xscapeorigins.com, the website for the new book on Michael Jackson’s creative process, by Damien Shields.

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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!