DUBLIN, Ireland — It’s half past four in the morning and I’m making my way to Dublin with Ray.
I have spent a fair amount of time in the back of Ray’s car in the last 34 hours. He is the driver, henchman for the fellow who owns the recording studio in the middle of no man’s land, Ireland. Not only is it a quaint studio built inside the grounds of an old stone classic Irish estate... it’s the new creative home pagina of Michael Jackson.
And yes, I just conducted the first visit with Michael Jackson since he left the United States in June 2005. First off, let me tell u what this visit is not:
It is not a bare all, rehashing of that period of his life. I was prepared to ask him all the vragen in the world regarding mistakes made and lessons learned, but trust me, he was not.
He asked if 5 minuten of rolling tape was OK in the studio while he “collaborated” with Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas. Ultimately, We rolled for about 40 minuten and I did ask him vragen about muziek and his thoughts for making a comeback.
Michael Jackson was nervous and antsy. He was truly torn. He wanted to stay and keep jamming and have some fun, but he also wanted to leave before, from his perspective, he got crucified door another TV interview.
Michael’s publicist and advisor, Raymone Bain, informed us (me and my Executive Producer, Rob Silverstein - pictured above with Michael and Will.I.Am) that Michael would like to meet us alone, no cameras, at a nearby cottage first. We agreed of course and before long we were seated at a breakfast tafel, tabel in a very cozy, humble stone cottage. Down the spiral staircase he came.
First his boots, then his pants... black with a goud stripe down the side, then a velvet jas with a white t-shirt underneath, then he turned to face us. I admit, my pulse was running high. He is a mythical character as atypical and untouchable as can be.
First impression I had was that he looked healthy. Fit. As his new landlord told us earlier, artists come to his estate for the whole experience of getting away... for peace and tranquility. It has suited Michael well, although he does not live there.
We stood up, shook hands and began small talk about life... soon, Michael began to make clear what he did not want: an interview. He was just willing to let our cameras roll while he and Will listened to beats and opened the lid to a comeback. I zei that we should just go in there and go until he didn’t want to anymore. Pensively, he agreed and we started for the door and the 50 yard walk to the studio.
This visit is a baby step for Michael.
About ten minuten into the session, after I had rolled out several questions, Michael paused and tried to get out. He did not like receiving pointed vragen and he encouraged Will to play meer beats so we could just roll casually.
At the end of the day, we did a little meer of both. At one point, I suggested Michael remake “Thriller” for a new generation... with CD/DVD and Web components, essentially go with what’s proven but update with the help of technically savvy producer, Will.I.Am.
Michael lit up. Amazingly that was something he hadn’t considered.
When the muziek was rolling and he didn’t have me asking him questions, one could see sparks of life and energy. He hummed a little and at one point got up and walked to the back of the room where he could verplaats a little to the music... he was almost dancing.
Michael was there with his children. I never saw them but the studio’s owner, zei they were having a ball, playing with his children and enjoying the exquisite countryside. According to the owner, Michael gets up in the morning and makes breakfast for them... usually pap and fruit. I find myself hoping that Michael’s life is as normal as possible. Of course, it isn’t. Nobody knows anything about him... does he drive? Apparently, he does occasionally and he even had a cell phone before losing it a dag later.
There....something normal to which people can RELATE.
Again, this was a first step for Michael. He was excited and terrified. It’s all about feeling whether he can trust somebody of not. His track record is horrible on that front. Maybe it will improve in regards to us. I am quite sure there is meer to come.
I have spent a fair amount of time in the back of Ray’s car in the last 34 hours. He is the driver, henchman for the fellow who owns the recording studio in the middle of no man’s land, Ireland. Not only is it a quaint studio built inside the grounds of an old stone classic Irish estate... it’s the new creative home pagina of Michael Jackson.
And yes, I just conducted the first visit with Michael Jackson since he left the United States in June 2005. First off, let me tell u what this visit is not:
It is not a bare all, rehashing of that period of his life. I was prepared to ask him all the vragen in the world regarding mistakes made and lessons learned, but trust me, he was not.
He asked if 5 minuten of rolling tape was OK in the studio while he “collaborated” with Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas. Ultimately, We rolled for about 40 minuten and I did ask him vragen about muziek and his thoughts for making a comeback.
Michael Jackson was nervous and antsy. He was truly torn. He wanted to stay and keep jamming and have some fun, but he also wanted to leave before, from his perspective, he got crucified door another TV interview.
Michael’s publicist and advisor, Raymone Bain, informed us (me and my Executive Producer, Rob Silverstein - pictured above with Michael and Will.I.Am) that Michael would like to meet us alone, no cameras, at a nearby cottage first. We agreed of course and before long we were seated at a breakfast tafel, tabel in a very cozy, humble stone cottage. Down the spiral staircase he came.
First his boots, then his pants... black with a goud stripe down the side, then a velvet jas with a white t-shirt underneath, then he turned to face us. I admit, my pulse was running high. He is a mythical character as atypical and untouchable as can be.
First impression I had was that he looked healthy. Fit. As his new landlord told us earlier, artists come to his estate for the whole experience of getting away... for peace and tranquility. It has suited Michael well, although he does not live there.
We stood up, shook hands and began small talk about life... soon, Michael began to make clear what he did not want: an interview. He was just willing to let our cameras roll while he and Will listened to beats and opened the lid to a comeback. I zei that we should just go in there and go until he didn’t want to anymore. Pensively, he agreed and we started for the door and the 50 yard walk to the studio.
This visit is a baby step for Michael.
About ten minuten into the session, after I had rolled out several questions, Michael paused and tried to get out. He did not like receiving pointed vragen and he encouraged Will to play meer beats so we could just roll casually.
At the end of the day, we did a little meer of both. At one point, I suggested Michael remake “Thriller” for a new generation... with CD/DVD and Web components, essentially go with what’s proven but update with the help of technically savvy producer, Will.I.Am.
Michael lit up. Amazingly that was something he hadn’t considered.
When the muziek was rolling and he didn’t have me asking him questions, one could see sparks of life and energy. He hummed a little and at one point got up and walked to the back of the room where he could verplaats a little to the music... he was almost dancing.
Michael was there with his children. I never saw them but the studio’s owner, zei they were having a ball, playing with his children and enjoying the exquisite countryside. According to the owner, Michael gets up in the morning and makes breakfast for them... usually pap and fruit. I find myself hoping that Michael’s life is as normal as possible. Of course, it isn’t. Nobody knows anything about him... does he drive? Apparently, he does occasionally and he even had a cell phone before losing it a dag later.
There....something normal to which people can RELATE.
Again, this was a first step for Michael. He was excited and terrified. It’s all about feeling whether he can trust somebody of not. His track record is horrible on that front. Maybe it will improve in regards to us. I am quite sure there is meer to come.
Caroline couldn't believe what happened at that moment.. When they stopped they looked at eachother for a moment.. they tried to understand what happened.... but they coudn't..
Caroline:"MIchael.. I.. I don't know what to say.. "
Michael went very red.. he was licking his lips.. and biting his lower lip..
Michael:"I'm sorry.. but I had to do it.. I couldn't resist..I'm too much in love with u Caroline.. Since I was at high school.. i was in love with u.."
Caroline was shocked.. but happy.. she felt a sense of satisfaction....
Caroline..:"Michael.. even I.. when u hugged.. I felt something that i never felt before.. it was something special.. from that moment i didn't stop thinking about u.."
They looked at eachother than they kissed.. they were together.. forever..
Caroline:"MIchael.. I.. I don't know what to say.. "
Michael went very red.. he was licking his lips.. and biting his lower lip..
Michael:"I'm sorry.. but I had to do it.. I couldn't resist..I'm too much in love with u Caroline.. Since I was at high school.. i was in love with u.."
Caroline was shocked.. but happy.. she felt a sense of satisfaction....
Caroline..:"Michael.. even I.. when u hugged.. I felt something that i never felt before.. it was something special.. from that moment i didn't stop thinking about u.."
They looked at eachother than they kissed.. they were together.. forever..
The volgende day.. she was at work.. she works as a doctor.. The door knocked..
Caroline:"Come in"
It was Bernard...
Caroline:"We need to talk.."
Bernard said:"Tell me hun.."
She gave hin an angry face..
Caroline:"I went at a bar yesterday.. and u know who i saw? I saw u holding a girls' hand.. and u were laughing together!"
Bernard froze..
Caroline:"Don't u ever talk to me again.. it's over.. i don't want to see your face again.. go home pagina and take your things back were they belong.. get out! Now.."
Bernard:"No.. wait I can explain"
Caroline:"Out! Get out u fool!"
He went out.. Caroline took a deep breath and continued working.. Then the first word that came in her mind was "Michael".. She thought of him that moment.. she smiled.. then she continued working..
Caroline:"Come in"
It was Bernard...
Caroline:"We need to talk.."
Bernard said:"Tell me hun.."
She gave hin an angry face..
Caroline:"I went at a bar yesterday.. and u know who i saw? I saw u holding a girls' hand.. and u were laughing together!"
Bernard froze..
Caroline:"Don't u ever talk to me again.. it's over.. i don't want to see your face again.. go home pagina and take your things back were they belong.. get out! Now.."
Bernard:"No.. wait I can explain"
Caroline:"Out! Get out u fool!"
He went out.. Caroline took a deep breath and continued working.. Then the first word that came in her mind was "Michael".. She thought of him that moment.. she smiled.. then she continued working..
Good news for the fans of the king of pop – link, u can now sleep on Jackson’s bed in the Irish country mansion which was once the home pagina of the late ster and his kids, but, is now open to public. The estate owner Paddy Dunning is offering the holiday makers and the fans of Jackson to live life like the king of pop. Jackson’s fans can now stay at the Coolatore House for a weekend of so and sleep in Jackson’s bed for upwards of $1,500.
TMZ has learned the Holmby Hills mansion where Michael Jackson died is getting a serious boost in security -- so nobody messes with the super-expensive property while it's on the market.
Sources connected to the home pagina tell us ... now that people know the home pagina is "vacated and for sale, the property owners have increased security to keep it safe."
As we previously reported, the owners are requiring potential buyers to go through an "extensive pre-qualifying check" before they can even walk in the door ... just to keep out the riffraff.
The home pagina is currently on the market for a cool $28 mil.
Sources connected to the home pagina tell us ... now that people know the home pagina is "vacated and for sale, the property owners have increased security to keep it safe."
As we previously reported, the owners are requiring potential buyers to go through an "extensive pre-qualifying check" before they can even walk in the door ... just to keep out the riffraff.
The home pagina is currently on the market for a cool $28 mil.
An MJ fan club is on a desperate mission to clean up the recent graffiti onslaught outside the King of Pop's tomb -- claiming a few bad apples could spoil everything for MJ's non-vandal followers.
The Official Michael Jackson fans of Southern California have extended an olijf-, olijf branch to Forest Lawn Cemetery -- where MJ is buried -- offering to clean up the recent wave of hidden vandalism outside the singer's tomb ... before the cemetery decides to ban MJ fans altogether.
A rep for the group -- which organizes a monthly pilgrimage to MJ's burial place -- tells TMZ, they want to "fix this mess" so FLC doesn't associate MJ's upstanding fans with a bunch of sharpie-wielding hoodlums.
As TMZ first reported, Forest Lawn is currently on red alert over the illegal doodles -- hunting down the artists responsible ... and threatening to ban any potential copycats for life.
No word if Forest Lawn will take the fan group up on their offer.
The Official Michael Jackson fans of Southern California have extended an olijf-, olijf branch to Forest Lawn Cemetery -- where MJ is buried -- offering to clean up the recent wave of hidden vandalism outside the singer's tomb ... before the cemetery decides to ban MJ fans altogether.
A rep for the group -- which organizes a monthly pilgrimage to MJ's burial place -- tells TMZ, they want to "fix this mess" so FLC doesn't associate MJ's upstanding fans with a bunch of sharpie-wielding hoodlums.
As TMZ first reported, Forest Lawn is currently on red alert over the illegal doodles -- hunting down the artists responsible ... and threatening to ban any potential copycats for life.
No word if Forest Lawn will take the fan group up on their offer.
The film deals with the life of Jackson from his childhood until the death of large stars. The Katherine, in fact, intends to offer hundreds of hours of family videos to Howard Mann, who wrote the album with her. These include hardware since the family moved from Gary Indiana to Los Angeles as soon as the Jackson 5 signed with the label Motown.
zei even, that the Howard has paid richly-digit amount to the former partner of Michael, Marc Schaffel, for 26 additional hours of video material with the king of pop. The Katherine Howard and planning a series of films for Michael. The documentary "This is it in the preparation of the king of pop for the comeback, earned profits of 400 million U.S. dollars to the family.
Michael Jackson's estate is lashing out at the people behind a new MJ documentary set to debut in Japan tomorrow -- claiming fans are being duped into believing the flick was authorized door Team MJ.
The estate has released a scathing statement claiming that flamingo Features is promoting the movie in a way that is misleading MJ's fans into believing the film -- shot door former MJ confidante Marc Schaffel -- was properly authorized.
The estate also makes it clear it doesn't endorse the flick and none of the profits will benefit MJ's children. They also note that the movie is not allowed to contain any of Michael's music.
Schaffel doesn't appear to be bothered -- the above foto was taken moments geleden at the movie premiere in Tokyo ... where Schaffel took the stage and told fans Katherine Jackson sent along her best wishes.
Tuesday, we shot video of Schaffel and Debbie Rowe boarding a plane to Tokyo.
The estate has released a scathing statement claiming that flamingo Features is promoting the movie in a way that is misleading MJ's fans into believing the film -- shot door former MJ confidante Marc Schaffel -- was properly authorized.
The estate also makes it clear it doesn't endorse the flick and none of the profits will benefit MJ's children. They also note that the movie is not allowed to contain any of Michael's music.
Schaffel doesn't appear to be bothered -- the above foto was taken moments geleden at the movie premiere in Tokyo ... where Schaffel took the stage and told fans Katherine Jackson sent along her best wishes.
Tuesday, we shot video of Schaffel and Debbie Rowe boarding a plane to Tokyo.
Michael Jackson had some unexpected company drop door this weekend -- a surprise visit from his close friend Stevie Wonder.
TMZ has confirmed that the singer and three of his children stopped door Michael's tomb at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, CA this weekend to pay their respects.
According to Stevie's rep, Wonder and his kids had gone to the cemetery to visit Stevie's dearly departed mother -- but Stevie's children insisted they visit MJ too.
Wonder and MJ were famously close -- and at MJ's memorial last year, Stevie told the crowd he often let Michael know how much he loved him ... and was "at peace with that."
See also
TMZ has confirmed that the singer and three of his children stopped door Michael's tomb at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, CA this weekend to pay their respects.
According to Stevie's rep, Wonder and his kids had gone to the cemetery to visit Stevie's dearly departed mother -- but Stevie's children insisted they visit MJ too.
Wonder and MJ were famously close -- and at MJ's memorial last year, Stevie told the crowd he often let Michael know how much he loved him ... and was "at peace with that."
See also