112: Oiling Lanes

The holidays are upon us, which means it’s the most wonderful time of the year, and an excellent time to hang out with MJ mates! In this regular episode, Q and Jamon have invited some of their friends on board for a good ol’ MJ fan hangout.

Marni Cochrane, Dane Thomson, Dr. Raj Zaman, and Bjørn Hannibal join the guys for a discussion about everyone’s fan stories, how they have coped through the events of this year, how Michael has impacted and changed their lives, and how they think Michael should be remembered.

What’s better than hanging out with MJ mates and sharing great MJ moments and memories? The MJCast hopes you enjoy this ultimate fan chat!

Participants
• Q
• Jamon
• Marni – Jamon’s long time MJ friend and Friend of the Show, who is a lifelong fan who became obsessed while watching the video for “The Way You Make Me Feel” in ’87. She got involved in the online MJ community in 2006, became a moderator on MJNO in 2007, and created Max Jax in 2008 with 5 fans from the UK. She even won an award for “the official #1 Fan Australia of Michael Jackson” in 2008! Marni is always attending MJ events and saw The Jacksons twice this past year, as well as seeing Janet Jackson once.
• Dane Thomson – Jamon’s recent MJ mate has been a Michael Jackson fan since the age of 4, and is now a musician and fellow whistleblower of the infamous “Cascio tracks”.
• Dr. Raj Zaman – Q’s local fan friend, who has been a lifelong MJ fan since watching a bootleg VHS copy of the “BAD Tour In Yokohama”. He is currently training to be a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon after being directly inspired by Michael’s humanitarian work to make a positive difference in the world.

Main Discussion Topic
• MJ mates, new and old hangout! Fan stories, coping with Leaving Neverland fallout, how MJ has inspired our lives, and reflections on how Michael should be remembered.

Finds of the Week
• Jamon – Michael Jackson MTV 1995 early rehearsals
• Q – Best Selling Music Artists 1969-2019
• Dane – @christophervg3 Instagram account
• Marni – CrowdDJ app,which lets you choose your favourite songs in your favourite places. Available in the Apple App Store, and Google Play Store.
• Raj – Godfrey videos on Michael Jackson. Here, here, here, here and here.
• Bjørn – Thriller x Kali Kali Aankhen, Swara Dance Bollywood Remix

Additional Links
• Marni’s Instagram
• Dane Thomson’s Instagram and Twitter
• Dr. Raj Zaman’s Instagram and Twitter
• Bjørn Hannibal’s Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and his I Magiens Fodspor podcast on Apple Podcasts.

Ad & Music Breaks
Dane Thomson – Smooth Criminal (Instrumental Acoustic Cover)
Michael Jackson – Take Me Back (Regrooved by Parker)
Dane Thomson – I’ll Be There (Instrumental Acoustic Cover)

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!

111: It’s Not a Hangover

In this regular episode, Jamon and Q are joined by Friend of the Show Jason Garcia, co-host of MJRadio, the Spanish-language Michael Jackson podcast. It’s been a busy fall, and the trio has lots of news to discuss related to Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. The guys chat about an upcoming documentary focused on MJ’s artistic legacy, next summer’s launch of the official Michael Jackson musical, the Estate’s (misguided) release of a 10th Anniversary This Is It package, the HBO documentary about the Apollo Theatre, and more. For their main topic, Jamon and Q tell discuss seeing Janet Jackson live in Australia, and then have some big news to announce about changes at the The MJCast next season.

This episode also includes updates from The MJCast correspondents Charles Thomson (Legal Correspondent) and Janneke van der Linden (Jackson Family Correspondent).

Follow Up
• MJRadio
• Square One happened

News
• Another MJ documentary is on the way, this one focused on his artistic legacy.
• Elton John calls Michael Jackson ‘mentally ill’ and a ‘disturbing person’ in his new book.
• Lil Kim sort-of samples MJ in her new single.
• The official Michael Jackson musical has a new name (“MJ The Musical”) and will open July 6th at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York.
• The Michael Jackson Estate and Sony Music release their first product since Leaving Neverland, a 10th anniversary edition of This Is It.
• Michael Jackson was, yet again, the top earning dead celebrity of 2019.
• HBO’s “The Apollo” documentary excludes the Jackson 5 as a significant part of the venue’s history.

Main Discussion Topic
• Q and Jamon’s Janet experiences!
• Next steps for The MJCast.

Additional Links
• MJRadio on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

Ad & Music Breaks
• The Jacksons – Your Ways (Groovefunkel Remix)
• Janet Jackson – Escapade (Nick* Maui Sunset Mix)
• Michael Jackson – Beat It (Mute Mutant Remix)

Correspondent Appearances
• 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!

108: Back to Square One

In this regular episode, Jamon and Q catch up on lots of big news in the world of Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. They discuss museum exhibitions at the Smithsonian and in Finland, an updated edition of Joe Vogel’s Man in the Music, Raymone Bain’s much-hyped press conference, new videos from Michael Trapson, and great new music from TJ Jackson. For their main topic, they discuss three (yes, three!) new Michael Jackson documentaries: Chase the Truth, The Lies of Leaving Neverland, and Square One. Plus, special guest Danny Wu, YouTuber and creator of Square One, joins the guys for a chat about his film.

Follow Up
• Michael Jackson birthday events roundup.
• The MJCast Legal Correspondent Charlie Thomson is now working for Taj Jackson as the writer of his allegations documentary.
• 50 Cent and Sheryl Crowe.
• Thanks for giving me a heart attack, Janet!
• Rotterdam Walk of Fame.

News
• An iconic Michael Jackson photograph is featured in the Smithsonian traveling exhibition, Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth.
• The Michael Jackson – On the Wall official Estate and National Portrait Gallery exhibition is now showing at the EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art in Helsinki, Finland.
• Raymone Bain’s press conference.
• Michael Trapson drops full 36-minute Trapson EO tribute film, as well as the Michael Trapson New Vibration 2019 Pepsi remake.
• Joe Vogel’s updated, revised and expanded edition of Man In the Music has now been released and is available for purchase. Published by Vintage Anchor Books, links for purchase are available here, or with free shipping via Book Depository.
• TJ Jackson releases his first solo single, Insomnia, available now across streaming services: Spotify, Apple Music.

Main Discussion Topic
• Chase the Truth
• Lies of Leaving Neverland
• Square One, premiering in Los Angeles on September 28, and releasing worldwide on YouTube on October 5.

Finds of the Week
• Jamon – Disney Channel’s The Making of Captain EO
• Q – Legends Never Die video tribute to MJ and his fans, made by the world’s best MJ YouTube video mixer, Malc Jennings/Smooth EmJay.
• Danny – Amateur footage of MJ Live in Brunei 1996 and Billie Jean Live In Munich, Germany 1997.

Additional Links
• Danny Wu’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages.

Ad & Music Breaks
• Michael Jackson – Remember the Time (Nick* Deep Mix)
• The Jacksons – Lovely One (Groovefunkel Remix)
• Michael Jackson – Smile (Piano Version) [Alternate Vocal]

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!

107: Allan ‘Big Al’ Scanlan Special

Q and Jamon celebrate Michael Jackson’s 61st birthday with a very special guest, Allan ‘Big Al’ Scanlan, who worked as Neverland Valley Ranch’s Director of Maintenance from 1990-2005. During that time, Big Al oversaw the grounds and attractions, including the theatre, rides and trains. He also became a close personal friend of Michael’s.

In this in-depth conversation, Big Al shares amazing, heartfelt stories about his life at Neverland, from what it took to keep the Ranch running, to his personal interactions with the King of Pop. He also discusses how the property became a place of refuge, entertainment, and hope for underprivileged children, and how Michael Jackson’s entire staff worked to make that humanitarian dream a reality.

The MJCast can’t imagine a better way to recognize Michael Jackson’s birthday than with this trip down memory lane, to the golden age of Neverland Valley Ranch.

Additional Links
• Big Al on Facebook and Twitter.

Ad & Music Breaks
• Jackson 5 – I’ll Be There (DJ Hasebe Remix)
• Michael Jackson & J-Friends – People Of The World (TheMJQuotes Edit)
• MTN South Africa – We Are 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!

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!

101: Taryll Jackson Special

Q and Jamon are thrilled to welcome special guest Taryll Jackson to the show! Taryll is the second son of Tito Jackson and Delores ‘Dee Dee’ Martes, member of 3T, and an amazing solo artist. His new album, “Crazy Love”, has recently dropped, and the guys couldn’t be more excited to chat with Taryll about his new music, upcoming shows, and his incredible music-royalty family.

In this discussion, Taryll shares amazing stories with the guys about growing up playing music with his bothers, Taj and TJ, what it was like to experience the mega-success of 3T, how he moved into the recording and production side with 3T’s most recent album as well as remixing other artists’ music, and how he’s continued to evolve with his solo work. He also goes into personal accounts of what it was to deal with the sudden, tragic loss of his mother, the positive and negative of being part of such an iconic family, and touches on the never-released 3T album. Taryll, Jamon and Q also delve into a discussion on the posthumous reality of Michael Jackson and the fraudulent Cascio tracks which he blew the whistle on in 2010. And, of course, Taryll shares memories of growing up with his father, Tito, and his uncle, the King of Pop.

The MJCast is honored to consider Taryll a Friend of the Show, and hopes that listeners get a chance to hear his new album and see him in concert!

Additional Links
• Tickets for Taryll’s first-ever solo concert, on June 8 in the Netherlands.
• Taryll Jackson’s website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Taryll’s new album, “Crazy Love”, on iTunes, Google Music, and Spotify.
• 3T albums on iTunes, Google Music, and Spotify.
• The Dee Dee Jackson Foundation, which “thrives to provide an outlet for those who have suffered a loss in life. The mission of DDJF is to connect those who have a commonality in grief and provide a safe space to share stories, advice, and build a community in which no one feels alone.”
• “The Power of Love” radio show/podcast.
• Taryll’s management company, Tobing Agency.

Music Breaks
• 3T – Why (feat. Michael Jackson) [DW Bonus Mix]
• Taryll Jackson – Make You Mine on Apple Music
• Taryll Jackson – Best of All Time on Apple Music

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!

095: Leaving Neverland Roundtable

The recent Sundance screening of Dan Reed’s inflammatory film, Leaving Neverland, has, without a doubt, rocked the Michael Jackson community. Despite being based on the easily discredited stories of Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck, and lacking any sort of real investigation, balanced interviews, or responsible journalism, this film has reignited the media’s firestorm against Jackson’s legacy, even as Michael is not here to defend himself.

In this special roundtable episode, The MJCast brings together a panel of experts and those who have seen the film and are taking action against it. Q and Jamon lead the discussion, and are joined by Taj Jackson (member of 3T and son of Tito Jackson, who is currently raising funds to produce his own docu-series), Charles Thomson (The MJCast’s Legal Correspondent and award-winning investigative journalist who has exposed a range of actual child abusers and cover-ups for The Yellow Advertiser in the UK), Marcos Cabotá (a film director who has seen the film and was one of its earlier critics) and Samar Habib (of the Michael Jackson Academia Project, who has been a leading figure in the online movement against the film).

The panellists discuss Reed’s film, the Sundance Q&A session, and the media reaction, as well as developments coming together to counter the film, such as Taj’s docu-series, which can be supported on GoFundMe. Taj also speaks to his own experiences of actually spending time with Michael at Neverland. The group offers talking points for anyone struggling with how to respond to people who say that Michael Jackson was an abuser, as well as coping strategies and words of encouragement.

Now, more than ever, it is the time to come together as fans, to support each other, and to remind the media and general public of the truth. The MJCast hopes that this episode provides resources, strength, and a sense of community during this challenging moment.

Participants
• Q (Host of The MJCast)
• Jamon Bull (Host of The MJCast)
• Charles Thomson (Award-winning investigative journalist and Legal Correspondent for The MJCast)
• Taj Jackson (Member of 3T, son of Tito Jackson and nephew to Michael Jackson)
• Marcos Cabotá (Film director best known for his Star Wars documentary, I Am Your Father)
• Samar Habib (Michael Jackson Academia Project)

Topics
• Leaving Neverland
• The reality of Robson’s relationship with the Jackson family, and why he turned on them.
• The effects on the Jackson family.
• Taj’s memories of spending time at Neverland with Michael, and what it was like being there during the 2005 trial.
• Taj’s GoFundMe campaign and his vision for the docu-series.
• How fans can combat this onslaught, and how this compares to 1993 and 2003-2005.
• Fan Comebacks 101 – Robson.
• Fan Comebacks 101 – General Allegations.
• Tips on coping, finding community, and supporting balanced opinions.

Additional Links
• Taj Jackson’s GoFundMe campaign
• Marcos Cabotá’s documentary I Am Your Father on iTunes and Netflix
• The MJCast: Episode 094 – Harrison Funk Special
• Jermaine Jackson’s appearance on Good Morning Britain
• Michael Jackson and Wade Robson: The Real Story
• Joseph Vogel’s Forbes article What You Should Know About the New Michael Jackson Documentary
• RazörFist’s The Michael Jackson Rebuttal (Part 1) and Defaming the Dead: The Michael Jackson Rebuttal (Part 2)
• Macaulay Culkin’s appearance on the Inside of You podcast
• Taj Jackson’s interview around Leaving Neverland on Sunrise
• Mary Fischer’s GQ article Was Michael Jackson Framed?
• FBI files pertaining to their ten-year investigation into Michael Jackson
• The MJCast – Episode 058: Vindication Day Special (Pirates in Neverland: The Michael Jackson Allegations)

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.com. Michael on!

091: The Rarest of Beards

Jamon and Q are back with their first regular news and discussion episode in quite some time. The fellas kick things off with a bit of follow up around the recent Thriller 3D Roundtable episode and a fun story from Jamon’s recent Awards Night experience for work.

Following this, Jamon and Q delve straight into the news, covering The Jacksons’ upcoming Australian tour, more MJ auctions, a new Netflix show featuring Jackson 5 music and the recent Heal The World demo leak. This is followed by discussion around Taryll Jackson’s new music, Michael’s place atop Forbes’ highest earning deceased celebrities list and Amazon’s new holiday ad campaign. To round out the news, the boys chat about Anthony King’s new book on the Dangerous World Tour and Vincent Paterson’s upcoming charity fundraiser around Debbie Reynold’s Legacy Studio’s floorboards.

The MJCast’s main discussion topic’s this week include 2018’s #RemoveCascioTracksNOW campaign and a new article quoting Sony’s CEO, Rob Stringer, revealing his plans for future Michael Jackson music releases.

Follow Up
• Episode 090 – Thriller 3D Roundtable
• Jamon’s Wellington Point State High School 30th Awards Night experience

News
• 
The Jacksons are set to tour Australia and New Zealand as part of the Summer Series music festival in January 2019
• 
One of Michael Jackson’s wigs is up for auction, as well as a black Bad Tour costume, and collection of drawings and hand written poem of Planet Earth
• 
Jackson 5 classics to be featured in new children’s Netflix show, Motown Magic
• Heal the World demo studio recording leaks
• Taryll Jackson releases a new song titled Next Time
• Michael again tops the list of highest earning deceased celebrities
• 
Amazon’s 2018 holiday campaign is based around the Jackson’s classic track, ‘Can You Feel It’
• 
The MJCast’s Live Performance Correspondent Anthony King has announced his new book ‘Anthony King’s Guide to Michael Jackson’s Dangerous Tour‘ through a YouTube video at Germany’s Olympic stadium in Munich
• 
Vincent Paterson is selling floorboards that Michael Jackson danced on from Debbie Reynolds’ Legacy Studio

Main Discussion Topic
• 
Report surfaces that states no new Michael Jackson albums planned as Sony plans to embrace one off singles model
• 
#RemoveCascioTracksNOW 2018

Finds of the Week
• 
Jamon – Viral Dancer Salif Gueye wows Ellen with his Michael Jackson moves. The video that first caught my attention was this one!
• 
Q – John Cameron’s Musicology Podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts!

Additional Links
• 
The Jacksons LIVE album via Apple Music
• Michael Jackson – Stranger In Moscow via Apple Music
• Janet Jackson – Pleasure Principle via Apple Music

Ad & Music Breaks
• 
The Jacksons – Jackson 5 Medley (Live in Toronto 1984 Victory Tour)
• Michael Jackson – Stranger In Moscow (reeax Progressive Trance Mix)
• Janet Jackson – Pleasure Principle (John Cameron Mix)

Correspondent Appearances
• 
Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source (Jackson family Correspondent)
• Steven Hodges of MJFFC (Charity Correspondent)
• 
Courtney and Cam of Janet Today, Janet Tomorrow, Janet Forever podcast (Janet Jackson 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!

089: John Barnes Special

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.

Additional Links
• 
John’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
• Janet Jackson – Don’t Stand Another Chance
• U.S.A for Africa – We Are the World
• Michael Jackson’s Captain EO film
• The infamous 1983 James Brown concert where both Michael Jackson and Prince were called up on stage.
• 
Michael Jackson – I Have This Dream (Instrumental)

Ad & Music Breaks
• Michael Jackson – Al Capone
• Michael Jackson – We Are Here to Change the World
• Michael Jackson – We are the World (Demo)

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!

087: Happy 60th Birthday MJ!

On this episode celebrating Michael Jackson’s 60th birthday, Q, Elise and Jamon go on a trip down memory lane with special guest Sean Fitzgerald, who was part of the team who ran The Magic World of Michael Jackson Fan Club in the U.S. from 1989-1995. Sean recreates the incredible moments he experienced during this golden era for MJ fans, such as attending Michael’s fabled Bad World Tour shows at Madison Square Garden and having front-row access to the filming of MTV’s 10th Anniversary Special, where Michael performed Black or White and Will You Be There for the first time. He also talks about the infamous 1995 HBO Beacon Theatre show that was cancelled when Michael fell ill and organising ‘MichaelFest’ fan gatherings.

Plus, Sean goes into detail about his fan club’s very positive relationship with MJJ Productions, who invited Sean and other fan club organizers to their LA office on multiple occasions. Sean also gives interesting insight into how the fan community was organised pre-internet, and how that time contrasts to the online community today.

Sean Fitzgerald is based in New York, and now works in marketing. He’s been married to his high-school sweetheart (who is also an MJ fan!) for 27 years, and they have five children together. Sean is also very active in Church ministries (prison ministry, youth ministry and bible study) and has multiple degrees in Theology. He still has many very personal items from his collection of MJ memorabilia, including a range of items signed personally from Michael Jackson.

The MJCast can’t imagine a better way to celebrate sixty years of Michael than with these fantastic memories.

Additional Links
• 
The Barking Lot (Elise’s other passion in life, besides MJ!)
• 
The Jacksons perform You Are not Alone as a tribute to Joe Jackson at a recent concert in Southern California.
• Michael Jackson – Black or White video
• Michael Jackson’s performance at MTV’s 10th Anniversary Special
• Behind the scenes at MTV’s 10th Anniversary Special
• Sean Fitzgerald’s email address. You can contact him here!

Ad & Music Breaks
• 
Broadway United – We Are The World
• Bad Tour New York ‘88 E.T. Report
• Michael Jackson – Black or White (DJ KaktuZ Atmospheric Remix)
• Michael Jackson – Will You Be There (SWG Studio 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.com. Stay BAD!