Oink.
I would imagine my reaction to Michael Jackson's death is similar to lots of folk in my age bracket; shocked disbelief and a sense of loss that can't be ascribed to anything concrete. He didn't form a part of my formative years, other than being unable to sleep after watching the Thriller music video, but my brother had most of the 80's albums and I used to furtively listen when nobody was watching.
I guess part of the surreal aspect is that he was neither at the peak of his powers, nor yet a parody. Sure, the trials and rumours permanently tainted him, but he was still a formidable performer with undeniable presence. If this had happened 15 years ago, he would be idolised as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. If he'd died 15 years from now, he would probably have been a Howard Hughes-like wraith who would have been known as 'the creepy old guy'. To die neither at the peak nor nadir of his career means that people will have mixed emotions about him. Regardless, the work bar on Friday was pumping all his greatest hits, and people were singing along.
And in other news: my darling Megan may have given me Swine Flu; that was only to be expected, as they discharged her the day after diagnosing her with it. The good news is that it doesn't seem to be a virulent strain, I have plenty of Tamiflu and am under strict instructions to stay at home should I run the risk of infecting others.
The past month has been a real strain on me, with the cumulative effects of being in 3 bands and working fulltime leading to a near-breakdown. Fortunately, my body seems to have decided to force me to take a little holiday! Thanks, body.
Hope everyone's well and not fluey.
I guess part of the surreal aspect is that he was neither at the peak of his powers, nor yet a parody. Sure, the trials and rumours permanently tainted him, but he was still a formidable performer with undeniable presence. If this had happened 15 years ago, he would be idolised as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. If he'd died 15 years from now, he would probably have been a Howard Hughes-like wraith who would have been known as 'the creepy old guy'. To die neither at the peak nor nadir of his career means that people will have mixed emotions about him. Regardless, the work bar on Friday was pumping all his greatest hits, and people were singing along.
And in other news: my darling Megan may have given me Swine Flu; that was only to be expected, as they discharged her the day after diagnosing her with it. The good news is that it doesn't seem to be a virulent strain, I have plenty of Tamiflu and am under strict instructions to stay at home should I run the risk of infecting others.
The past month has been a real strain on me, with the cumulative effects of being in 3 bands and working fulltime leading to a near-breakdown. Fortunately, my body seems to have decided to force me to take a little holiday! Thanks, body.
Hope everyone's well and not fluey.