120: I’ve Found Peace Within Myself

Damien Shields returns to The MJCast as a guest host, joining Elise for a jam-packed news and discussion episode! Damien is a long-time Friend of the Show, author, and Cascio tracks expert. The duo catches up on loads of updates in the world of Michael Jackson, including several new MJ-related books, a new podcast, updates on MJ One and the Robson/Safechuck hearings, Paris Jackson’s debut EP, lots of recently leaked MJ songs, amazing new content for fans from John Cameron, Marcos Cabota, Brad Sundberg, ?uestlove, Single White Glove—and much, much more. Plus, Damien and Elise discuss the Estate’s approach to HIStory25.

Discussion Topics
• New footage from the Bad World Tour live in Los Angeles 1988 has leaked.
• Single White Glove’s Heal the World video has premiered.
• MJFanGirl and The Detail have teamed up to release a new podcast called Michael Jackson Unspun. The latest episode is with Michael Bush’s assistant.
• Pez Jax’s book ‘The Story of HIStory’ is now available for pre-order, and will be officially released on July 20.
• Brice Najar has announced his new book, ‘Blood on the Dance Floor: Let’s Make HIStory in the Mix’.
• Dwayne Swingler, Neverland Valley Ranch supervisor has released a book.
• MJ Memorial Day Live happened on Facebook on June 25th, hosted by the King of Pop Events group. It featured interviews with Travis Payne, Jimmy Locust, Steven Paul Whitsitt and others. You can see the whole series of interviews here
• New Facebook group for online events and fan chat: Michael Jackson Book Club.
• MJ One is currently set to re-open in Las Vegas in early August. Meanwhile, Cirque du Soleil is over $1 billion in debt, and is seeking bankruptcy protection. They have laid off 3,500 employees, including Blue Man Group. However, all their non-touring shows plan to re-open as soon as they are allowed to do so.
• Marcos Cabota’s Sonic Fantasy documentary gets a trailer.
• Archival interviews of Michael Jackson’s children have been released on YouTube channel ‘Jacksonology‘, apparently created for a cancelled documentary about MJ.
• Soundflowers’ docuseries, ‘Unfiltered: Paris Jackson and Gabriel Glenn’, streaming on Facebook through the summer. Plus, their debut EP has been released.
• Sia and Paris drama.
• Danny Wu’s Square One has been released on Amazon Prime.
• Charles Thomson has released his first podcast, called Shoebury’s Lost Boys, which details his decade long investigation into one of Britain’s most serious child sex abuse allegations cover-ups.
• Robson and Safechuck trial update. As predicted, Dan Reed was there filming.
• The Jacksons’ video for Can You Feel It gets released on YouTube, as well as Michael Jackson’s HIStory teaser.
• Original versions of some 2007 Ebony photoshoot pics have leaked.
• ?uestlove has streamed three massive Jackson family DJ experiences here, here and here. Full “Quarantine Live DJ Sets” playlist available here.
• John Cameron is about to release his latest episode of #JCsMusicology, which will focus on the Off The Wall era.
• Brad Sundberg has shared his ‘7 Songs, 7 Stories’ series on YouTube as a way to honour ‘MJ Week’ during COVID-19 restrictions.
• So…it’s been a bit leaky lately. See this channel.
• HIStory25 got the Dangerous25 treatment.

Additional Links
• Damien’s website.
• Damien’s excellent book, Michael Jackson: Songs & Stories From The Vault.

Sponsors
• Audible – Great audiobooks. Great a free one-month trial (including one free audiobook) and help support the podcast by using our custom MJCast promo link.
• 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!

116: We’re All Experts in the Rearview Mirror

Damien Shields returns to The MJCast as a guest host, joining Jamon for our first regular news and discussion episode of Season 6! Damien is a long-time Friend of the Show, author, and Cascio tracks expert. The fellas catch up on loads of updates in the world of Michael Jackson, including the Estate’s #HealTheWorld2020 video, newly leaked MJ vocal snippets, an awkward snafu by Teddy Riley, developments around Dan Reed, good news for Tom Mesereau, a beautiful film-tribute to Michael Jackson’s artistic legacy, and more. Plus, Jamon and Damien ask the question: Could HIStory 25 happen?

Discussion Topics
• Cirque du Soleil temporarily suspends MJOne due to COVID-19.
• French documentary Lettre d’amour à Michael Jackson premieres on YouTube.
• Teddy Riley claims that a previously released vocal cover of the song Joy, sung by MJ vocal impersonator Marcus Williams, is actually a demo he recorded with Michael.
• Michael Jackson’s Privacy acapella has leaked.
• Rodney Jerkins allegedly plays an unreleased Michael Jackson snippet called Rampage during a live stream event.
• Previously unreleased footage of Michael Jackson surfaces at gottahaverockandroll.com
• Dan Reed successfully gains access to film future court proceedings involving Wade Robson and James Safechuck.
• Tom Mesereau is now working as Special Counsel for John Branca, co-executor of the Michael Jackson estate.
• So #HealTheWorld2020 happened.
• Is HIStory 25 going to be a thing?

Additional Links
• Damien’s Twitter page, website, and book, Michael Jackson: Songs & Stories From The Vault.
• Dan Villalobos’ website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Orbits EP on Apple Music and Spotify.

Ad Breaks
• Crack Corn – Ridiculously delicious puff corn
• The MJCast Shop

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!

102: Eggs for Breakfast

This episode is dedicated to TJ, known as @TabloidJunk online, who passed away suddenly in late May. TJ started The MJCast with Jamon and Q, was an inspiring activist and an opinionated, wise, hilarious, fabulous, and devoted friend. He was truly the guys’ MJ brother, part of the “awesome foursome”, and he shall be deeply missed. If you would like to hear TJ on the show, you can listen to #TheMJCastEp82, when the guys discussed the origins of the podcast, as well as wonderful memories about their friendship and fun times together in the MJ fan world. The MJCast sends love to TJ’s family and friends. Love lives forever.

Jamon and Q have lots of news to cover in this regular episode, including updates on Marcos Cabota’s Bruce Swedien documentary, a film to be released by LaVelle Smith, Jr., a great chat with Taj Jackon on “The Movie Crypt” podcast (who give The MJCast a truly kind shout-out!), an MJ-themed café in Kabul, and MJ popping up in music and dance around the world, such as a new Chris Brown video, as well as an entire dance performance based on Michael Jackson’s life, performed by the Salzburg Ballet in Austria. They also discuss the amazing range of MJ tributes happening this month, including a “Moonwalker” screening in Shanghai, a dance performance in Paris, and a fan events taking place in Australia, France, the U.S., and all around the world. In addition, the guys touch on more news related to “Leaving Neverland”, including MJ activist Rasheed’s “In Justice Project”, a repository of resources available on the MJJForum, and the MJ Estate’s #HonorMJ campaign.

News
• Janet Jackson is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and launches her Vegas residency, “Metamorphosis”.
• Marcos Cabota releases a teaser for his Bruce Swedien documentary.
• LaVelle Smith, Jr., due to release an interview documentary, “The Man Behind the Dance”, honoring Michael Jackson, the tours, the person, the allegations and his death.
• Chris Brown features heavy MJ tributes in his new music video for his song “Back To Love”.
• A new digital book on the Michael Jackson sex abuse allegations called “Not Guilty: Debunking the Michael Jackson Allegations from Jordie Chandler to Leaving Neverland” has been released by Jimmy Colwill.
• Prince Jackson launches a movie review YouTube channel with younger brother Bigi and cousin Taj.
• The Michael Jackson Estate have settled a lawsuit with Tohme Tohme.
• Taika Waititi and Netflix pull out of a stop-motion film project “Bubbles”.
• “Moonwalker” will be screening at the Shanghai International Film festival on June 15, 17, and 24.
• Taj Jackson sits down with Adam, Joe and Arwen of the long-running and acclaimed movie podcast, The Movie Crypt, on Episode 313.
• Aaron Carter clarifies his claim that Michael Jackson was inappropriate.
• MJ activist Rasheed has created a blog over at MJJForum, the In Justice project, which is a large repository of “Leaving Neverland” information.
• Highlight video of “Moonwalk”, the incredible-looking action ballet performed by the Salzburg Ballet in Austria, with dances set to MJ’s music.
• MJ Danse et Solidarité will be performing in front of the Eiffel Tower on June 9th, and features dance teacher Speedy, who was part of the Michael Jackson Immortal Tour of Cirque du Soleil. (Previous performances can be seen here: Jam, Dangerous, Smooth Criminal/Al Capone.)
• Events are beginning to be organised around the world to remember and celebrate Michael Jackson:
• Melbourne, Australia, on Saturday, 29 June: Special screening of “Dangerous: Live in Bucharest” on the big screen at Sun Threatre Yarraville, followed by an MJ Party at the Blue Moon Bar. Tickets are $20.
• Perth, Western Australia, on Friday, 21 June: Michael Jackson Tribute Night at Mint Nightclub (details).
• Los Angeles, California, on June 21-23: Brad Sundberg’s In The Studio With MJ seminar.
• Sadly, the European Jackson Event on 24 August at the Event center ‘de Kei’ Kerkplein 69, Reusel – The Netherlands, has been cancelled, and tickets will be refunded.
• For French and other MJFam in Europe, tickets have gone on sale for MJ Music Day, to be held in Lyon, France, 19 October, 2019.
• Brisbane, Australia, on 29 June: “10 Year Anniversary Michael Jackson Tribute Show” featuring Soulcutz, at the Springwood Hotel.
• A Michael Jackson Café has opened in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Main Discussion Topic
• The Michael Jackson Estate have launched the #HonorMJ campaign

Finds of the Week
• Jamon – Tom Mesereau weighs in with ‘Too Fab’ on the Leaving Neverland controversy
• Q –  Luca Hänni – She Got Me (Official Music Video)

Additional Links
• TJ video: “The 2004 Janet Jackson Super Bowl Halftime ‘Nipplegate’ Scandal and Aftermath”
• TJ video: “The Michael Jackson Trial: One of the Most Shameful Episodes In Journalistic History”
• TJ video: “This Is Not It”
• TJ video: “Make That Change”
• The MJCast – Episode 082: June 25th Special with Damien Shields and TJ
• Janet Today, Janet Tomorrow, Janet Forever – The #METAMORPHOSIS Episode
• The Waika Taititi movie “Boy”

Ad & Music Breaks
• Michael Jackson – Man In the Mirror (30th Anniversary (SWG Extended Mix Overture)
• La Toya Jackson – Starting Over (Matt Moss remix)
• Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (SWG Extended Mix)

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!

061: Jonathan ‘Sugarfoot’ Moffett Special

Drummer Jonathan ‘Sugarfoot’ Moffett first worked with Michael Jackson when he joined the Jacksons on their Destiny Tour in 1979. He remained with the brothers for the Triumph Tour – where his work was immortalised on the Jacksons’ only live album – and then joined them on their legendary Victory Tour. He later played on the Jacksons’ album 2300 Jackson Street and on Michael’s 1988 Grammy Awards performance.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s he worked with other music legends including Madonna, Elton John and George Michael. In 1996 he re-teamed with Michael Jackson for the HIStory World Tour, which lasted into 1997, and then joined him again in 2001 for his two 30th Anniversary Celebration concerts at Madison Square Gardens in New York.

In 2009 he was selected for the This Is It band and worked with Michael in his final weeks, days and hours of rehearsals. He performed at Michael’s Staples Centre memorial and has since worked for his Estate on its Cirque Du Soleil Immortal World Tour.

In this special episode, Jonathan joins Jamon and Q to discuss his long career and relationship with Michael Jackson.

Links
• 
Jonathan Moffett’s website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
• 
The Jacksons – 2300 Jackson Street
• The Jacksons – Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) live on the Victory Tour in Toronto
• The Jacksons – Destiny Tour
• The Jackson – Triumph Tour
• The Jacksons – Victory Tour (Live in Toronto)
• Michael Jackson’s 1988 Grammy Awards performance
• Michael Jackson’s HIStory World Tour (Live in Brunei)
• Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Celebration
• Michael Jackson’s This Is It

Music Breaks & Ads
• 
The Jacksons – Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) live on the Victory Tour in Toronto
• Michael Jackson – Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ live on the HIStory World Tour in Copenhagen
• Michael Jackson – I Just Can’t Stop Loving You live in This Is It rehearsals, with Judith Hill

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.comMichael On!

Thanks to listener Cody Covington, we now have a full transcript available for this episode. Our deepest thanks and gratitude, Cody.

Episode 032 – Dammn Baby, Dammn Indeed

Episode 032 - Dammn Baby, Dammn Indeed Show Art

Welcome to Episode 032 of The MJCast. On this episode, Jamon and Q talk all about LaVelle Smith Jr. and Bryan Loren‘s upcoming Michael Jackson seminars, Apollo Theatre‘s education program on Michael’s solo career, Kingvention 2016 and a new book by the prolific Michael Jackson author Chris Cadman called Off The Wall For the Record. Following this, the boys delve into 3T‘s upcoming September gig in Amsterdam, Tito Jackson‘s new single Get It Baby (feat. Big Daddy Kane), Janet Jackson‘s new music video for Dammn Baby before covering some heavier news topics such as Pulse Evolution‘s new virtual Michael Jackson model, an update from Charles Thomson on the Cascio Case and the Michael Jackson Estate’s 4th annual birthday bash in Las Vegas. The major discussion topic for this episode is the Chinese release of the official Michael Jackson book Dancing the Dream.

News

  • LaVelle Smith Jr. shows new footage from the 1995 MTV rehearsals and unveils his upcoming Michael Jackson seminars.
  • Songwriter and record producer Bryan Loren will be hosting a seminar September 26th. View the official trailer here.
  • Apollo Theatre‘s education program on Michael Jackson’s epic years.
  • Kingvention 2016‘s official website and their ticket page.
  • Chris Cadman has released Off the Wall For the Record. Check it out at Amazon and Book Depository.
  • 3T are set to perform a one time only concert in The Netherlands.
  • Tito Jackson has release his new single Get It Baby (feat. Big Daddy Kane) on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and Amazon.
  • Janet Jackson has dropped a video for the next Unbreakable single Dammn Baby. Check it this behind the scenes video courtesy of Rolling Stone.
  • Pulse Evolution Corporation reveals that they are working on a new virtual Michael Jackson digital model. MJVibe continues to update us on developments.
  • New footage has been released of Michael Jackson in Japan during 2007.
  • Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris reveals a new Dangerous tattoo on her Instagram page.
  • The 4th annual official Michael Jackson ‘birthday bash’ has been announced.

Main Discussion Topic 

  • Michael Jackson’s Dancing the Dream has been released in Chinese for the first time.

Finds of the Week

  • Jamon – Penn State staff gets the proposal of her life!
  • Q –  Make-A-Wish Foundation’s How Meeting Michael Jackson Changed Her Life video

Additional Links

Music Breaks & Ads

Connect with Us
TheMJCast.com
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tumblr.
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!

Episode 014 – Travelling With a King Special

Epiosde 014 - Travelling With a King Special YouTube ArtOn this special episode of The MJCast, Jamon and Q interview author of the ‘Michael Jackson travel guide’ book Travelling With a King, Christophe. Topics include the book itself, his working relationship with co-author Antoine Cardinot, his fandom of Michael Jackson and the writing process behind the book. We also talk about Christophe’s French Michael Jackson magazine, MJBackstage, some of the intriguing locations mentioned within Travelling With a King and finally we delve into a discussion around Christophe’s views of places like Neverland and Hayvenhurst being considered tourist attractions.

As mentioned on the book’s official website, “Travelling With a King is the first ever travel guide totally dedicated to Michael Jackson. This fully colored and glossy paper book contains hundreds of places linked to the King of Pop, from studios to houses, venues and statues. You’ll find everything you need to know including historical and geographic details about each location. Travelling With A King – Book 1, is the first part of this totally unique travel guide. Book one contains North, Central & South America and, as bonuses, a few selected places [in] Europe and Asia. Its A5 format and light weight will make it easy to bring it with you every time you travel.”

For purchasing Travelling With a King at a discounted price, make sure to visit this special website which Christophe has created specifically for listeners of The MJCast!

Lastly, stay tuned at the end of this show to hear about various celebrations around the world for Michael’s 2015 birthday on August 29th!

Links
Travelling With a King’s official website, Facebook and Twitter pages
MJBackstage’s official website, Facebook and Twitter pages
Visit this page of Travelling With a King’s website to purchase the book at a discounted price!
Michael Jackson performing Who Is It acapella for Oprah Winfrey
Michael Jackson’s HIStory statue in Best, Netherlands
The house featured in the Michael Jackson short film Thriller.
Michael Jackson shopping at The Regis Galerie in The Venetian, Las Vegas.
LMJ Magazine’s interview with the Christophe and Antoine, authors of Travelling With a King.
The 1980’s unauthorised interview with Michael and La Toya Jackson at Hayvenhurst.
Enola Lee’s website devoted to Neverland, titled Neverland – For Michael, For Love, Forever.
Remember the Time – Protecting Michael Jackson in his Final Days, a book by bodyguards Bill Whitfield, Javon Beard and Tanner Colby
You Are Not Alone – Michael: Through a Brother’s Eyes, a book by Jermaine Jackson.
Information on Michael Jackson’s birthday weekend in Sydney, courtesy of MJ Book Club and the MJ Fans of Melbourne Facebook pages.
The Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Sydney is set to celebrate Michael’s birthday with a special screening of Moonwalker!
Walk the World for Michael, an annual charity event on Michael’s birthday which contributes funds by initiatives by the charity organisation, Michael Jackson’s Legacy.
Cirque Du Soleil and Michael Jackson One are set to celebrate Michael’s 2015 birthday in style!
Michael’s birthday celebration in Perth, Western Australia.
Katherine Jackson’s August 21 – 22 I Just Can’t Stop Loving You charity weekend in Gary, Indiana
Footage of Michael Jackson visiting China during the late 1980’s.

Connect With Us
TheMJCast.com
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tumblr.
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.comMichael on!

Episode 007 – We Come in Peace

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.

Connect With Us
TheMJCast.com
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tumblr.
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.com. Keep Michaeling!

Episode 004 – That’s Enough Plugging!

Episode 004 - That's Enough Plugging! YouTube ArtAuthor Damien Shields of damienshields.com joins us to discuss the Detroit Mosaic Youth Centre Michael Jackson tribute concerts, his new book called Xscape Origins which can be found at xscapeorigins.com, 3T returning to the stage on June 26th and 27th in the Netherlands and a Swedish film director creating a documentary feature film on MJ choreographer ‘Vincent Paterson’. We also discuss new MJ vocals from the Human Nature sessions, a new video of Michael performing Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough ‘live’ and Cirque Du Soleil’s documentary on the Immortal World Tour.

News
The Detroit Mosaic Youth Theatre MJ tribute show called ‘Make That Change’ has been a massive success!
Author Damien Shields has released his new book ‘Xscape Origins’ at xscapeorigins.com. Use offer code FriendOfMine before the 7th of April for a 15% discount!
3T will be performing on June 26th and 27th in the Netherlands.
A Swedish film director is doing a crowd funding campaign to make a documentary about one of Michael Jackson’s choreographers, Vincent Paterson. Pledge $1000 or more to see a private screening of never before seen MJ rehearsal footage!
Kon on SoundCloud has released a Human Nature remix with never before heard studio vocals from the Thriller sessions.
YouTube user 1710barton has uploaded footage of MJ performing Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough in full at a bay area nightclub in 1979.

Discussion Topic
Cirque Du Soleil and the Michael Jackson Estate have released a documentary feature film on the Immortal World Tour.

Finds of the Week
Jamon – Detroit Mosaic Youth Theatre’s ‘Human Nature’ rehearsal footage
Damien – MJ101

Additional Links
Damien Shields’ ‘Hold My Hand’ article
Charles Thomson’s Huffington Post review of Xscape Origins
Chris Cadman’s ‘The Maestro‘ book
Warren Eagles ‘Grading Michael Jackson’ article on the International Colorist Academy website
The Piano Guys’ ‘I Want You Bach

Connect With Us
TheMJCast.com
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tumblr.
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.com. Keep Michaeling!