Pepsi Max The shocking MJ footage finally released
In 1984, whilst shooting a commercial for Pepsi to coincide with The Jacksons' VictoryTour, Michael Jackson was involved in a pyrotechnics accident that saw his hair catch on fire. The story made worldwide news and while one blurry photo turned up (above) until now the footage has never been seen.
Us Weekly is to thank/blame for the footage - something I have been obsessed with almost my whole life and never thought I'd see - which features two takes of the shot. In the first the pyro goes off according to plan, but in the second it goes off too early and MJ's head catches fire. The poor guy doesn't even realise what is happening as stunned crew rush to his aide.
The accident has often been blamed for everything from his plastic surgery to his use of wigs and now his drug abuse.
Shocking stuff.
Scott Keenan Will be service as usual soon o'clock
Jermaine Jackson Is it time to get serious again? Could Jermaine Jackson’s amazing performance at his brother Michael Jackson’s memorial service have set him up for a comeback? His rendition of “Smile”, written by Charlie Chaplin and covered by MJ on his HIStory album, was the highlight of the service. It was raw and emotional, free from poser-y showmanship (take note Usher) and despite Jermaine being on the verge of tears, sounded great.
I’m sure someone must be mulling over whether it would be appropriate for it to be released on iTunes, as it could probably be a No.1 hit if it was. I have read plenty of opinions that have been sarcastic about the service being a boost to Jermaine's flagging career. I’m sorry, but I don’t think there is anything even remotely odd about singing at your brother’s memorial service and I think it would have been a bit strange (although understandable) had a member of the family not sung.
Check out the hair! Jermaine and Michael back in the day
In the ’70s and early ‘80s Jermaine, while never quite reaching the levels of his younger brother (but nobody ever has), was considered a noted solo artist in his own right. Like Michael, he released solo records with Motown while still in The Jackson 5, scoring a big hit with “Daddy’s Home”. When his brothers left Motown for Epic in mid-’70s, Jermaine left the group and stayed – something to do with being married to Berry Gordy’s daughter. Awkward. Throughout the rest of the the decade his brothers churned out hits like “Blame It On The Boogie” and starred in their own variety TV series, while Jermaine served up a series of dependable if underwhelming fare. Then, in 1980, he offered up one of my favourite songs of all time in “Let’s Get Serious”.
Written for him by Stevie Wonder, if only Jermaine had another 10 songs as good he may never have drifted into semi-obscurity. The song hit No.1 on the US R&B chart and the album of the same name scored Jermaine a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. He followed it up with the slightly dubious “Dynamite” and in 1984 a duet with Michael titled “Tell Me I'm Not Dreamin' (Too Good to Be True)”. When Epic wouldn’t let it be released as a single, Jermaine (now signed to Arista) chucked it on the b-side of “Do What You Do” (a No.1 AC hit itself) and radio and clubs played it anyway, eventually allowing the song to reach No.1 on the dance chart.
His last solo hit was 1989's “Don't Take It Personal” which was another R&B No.1. Of course his greatest moment was when he came to Australia to shoot the Nine Network’s 1990 “Shout” promo. Damn I used to love a good network promo. They just don’t make ‘em like this any more.
I have also watched the Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Special several times this week – it seems to be rerun every day – and the highlight was without doubt The Jacksons’ reunion. Brilliant. (Why did they never perform “Boogie” live?)
I would be more than happy for the brothers to do a new album. They could still do it. Plus Katherine would probably be okay with giving them some of those mystery MJ tracks to use (I seem to be giving them to everyone of late, but it’s just because it’s one of my more brilliant ideas). Either way, I would like to see a whole lot more of those Jacksons.
Scott Keenan S-E-R-I-O-U-S baby let’s get serious o’clock
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