This is it ... An Obituary

As some people who know me might know, I'm rarely at a loss for words. Starting to write this, I didn't know where to start. So, after some thought, here goes...

Fast Forward to July 13th 2009. The stage is set for the biggest come back story of all time. The world, and I mean the entire world, is watching closely as the undisputed King of Pop, Michael Jackson, is expected at the O2 arena in London, England. Fans have donned their sparkling gloves, their hats, their leather jackets, their long hair, their black shoes with white socks. Thousands are screaming and yelling holding signs welcoming their childhood and adolescence icon back into the entertainment world, a world he has not only helped build, but a world he personified for decades.

The drums roll. The countdown begins. The lights dim. The screams grow. A figure appears in the sky to be approaching the stage. Scenes of his exit at the end of his Bucharest concert, one of the most memorable moments in live music history. Michael Jackson is approaching in much expected flair and style. The propellers land him on the stage as the fans go crazy. Everything suddenly goes dark. I'm standing front and center. Looking on as beam of light comes down on Michael as he swiftly does his trademark moves pre-music and moonwalks his way to the left of the stage. The beat begins. "THRILLER" opens the show. The crowd goes insane. People have been breathlessly waiting for this for a long time. Some are reminiscing over memories of the first time they heard the song. A couple in the back are snuggling up as they remember when they saw the video for the first time. Younger children are realizing how lucky they are to get the opportunity to see this in person. To my left, a 50 year old man, let's call him Jack, is in tears as he looks on. He did not stop crying until the end of the concert. He has waited for this for a long time. Michael Jackson is 50. The same age as this man. This concert is the soundtrack of his life. Day-by-day Michael's music has defined his life. From Rockin Robin, to Ben. From Don't Stop Til you get Enough to Thriller.

He heard Rockin Robin and ABC when he was in school. He remembered that first ride to school 44 years ago. He remembered arriving to school and learning the alphabet. He remembered his first crush in first grade. His eyes then welled up a little more as a Medley of pop hits - Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Rock With You, and Blame it on the Boogie resonated from the powerful speakers at the O2 arena. The man remembered his teen years, his first date, his first dance, and his college graduation. He is now 21 years old. A couple of years roll through and Michael sings You Wanna Be Starting Something and Beat It. In a surprise to everyone, Paul McCartney takes the stage to sing "The Girl is Mine" with Michael. Their famous duet from Thriller. Jack burst into tears. His now 23 and remembers lip synching to this tune as he slid across the bar to meet Jane, the woman who would later become his wife.

A series of surprising duets and performances then hit the stage as guests like Slash, Janet Jackson, Will I Am, Justin Timberlake and Madonna join Michael in song. The show is everything it promises to be. For the grand finale, the stage lights up with everyone who is anyone in the music industry lined up to perform "We Are The World". The music then stops and crowd screams unaninmously for an encore. Not one to disappoint them, Michael then emerges for the encore. Once more he moonwalks and spins as he finishes off with a powerful medley of Dirty Diana, Bad, and Black or White.

A euphoric crowd is left breathless as the two hour performance has topped all expectations. Michael Jackson leaves the stage dripping in sweat after this breathtaking show. He truly personified the words of Thomas Alva Edison "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration". True genius in his show, his music and his glamor until the last minute.

Step Back!

That is the picture I've painted in my head. That is the picture I want in my head. That is what I want to remember. This is Michael Jackson for me. A musician. An artist. A humanitarian. An entertainer. A genius. Let's not forget the joy he gave us. Let's celebrate his legacy. Let's enjoy his music. Let's sing and dance and moonwalk as he would have if he were with us today.

Le Roi est mort.... Vive le roi.

This is the Michael Jackson I will remember. How will you remember him?