John Landis, director of "An American Werewolf" in London and Michael Jackson's "Thriller", stated on BBC Breakfast this morning that there will be a surprise for Michael Jackson fans at this weekend's Frightfest.
Frightfest is the UK's premiere fantasy and horror film festival and has been running for 10 years. It is taking place this weekend (27th - 31st August) at London's Empire Cinema with five days of premieres, previews, personal appearances, signings and surprises.
Showing posts with label Thriller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thriller. Show all posts
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Et Tu Bain?
One recurrent feature of Michael Jackson's regular interaction with the legal system is the fact that cases are often brought against him by one time "friends" and associates, who feel that the "relationship" that they once "believed" was so "special" has ended.
True to form Jackson's one time publicist, Raymone Bain, has brought a claim against Jackson for $44M for alleged breach of contract.
Bain claims that she brings the suit with "deep regret", and that she "greatly admired and respected" Jackson.
However, $44M is $44M, she is quoted as saying:
"Unfortunately, Mr Jackson has elected not to honour the financial obligations of our contractual relationship, despite my numerous attempts to amicably resolve this matter. I am sincerely disappointed in Mr Jackson's failure to honour his obligations."
Earlier this week Ola Ray, who played Jackson's date in the 1984 video Thriller, announced she was suing Jackson for unpaid royalties.
I suspect Jackson will find that others will come out of the woodwork for a bite of the cherry, as they sniff that there is money to be made from his O2 appearances later this year.
True to form Jackson's one time publicist, Raymone Bain, has brought a claim against Jackson for $44M for alleged breach of contract.
Bain claims that she brings the suit with "deep regret", and that she "greatly admired and respected" Jackson.
However, $44M is $44M, she is quoted as saying:
"Unfortunately, Mr Jackson has elected not to honour the financial obligations of our contractual relationship, despite my numerous attempts to amicably resolve this matter. I am sincerely disappointed in Mr Jackson's failure to honour his obligations."
Earlier this week Ola Ray, who played Jackson's date in the 1984 video Thriller, announced she was suing Jackson for unpaid royalties.
I suspect Jackson will find that others will come out of the woodwork for a bite of the cherry, as they sniff that there is money to be made from his O2 appearances later this year.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Jackson Sued Again - Thriller
The wheel of life turns full circle, and Michael Jackson finds himself being sued again. This time by John Landis, the director of the Grammy award winning Thriller video, for failing to hand over his share of the profits.
The suit alleges:
"After a spectacular theatrical premiere the Thriller video became a worldwide megahit and an iconic pop culture phenomenon that has continued to generate profits for defendants Optimum Prods and Michael Jackson, who have wrongfully refused to pay or account for such profits to the plaintiff."
The suit alleges that Jackson failed to pay Landis 50% of the proceeds, which possibly amount to $1M.
The suit alleges:
"After a spectacular theatrical premiere the Thriller video became a worldwide megahit and an iconic pop culture phenomenon that has continued to generate profits for defendants Optimum Prods and Michael Jackson, who have wrongfully refused to pay or account for such profits to the plaintiff."
The suit alleges that Jackson failed to pay Landis 50% of the proceeds, which possibly amount to $1M.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
The Grammys
It seems that the latest media gossip suggests that Michael Jackson will appear at the Grammy Awards on Sunday.
However, he won't be singing at the ceremony.
A leaked memo from Jackson's record label, SonyBMG, last week had hinted that Jackson would perform live at the ceremony, which takes place on the eve of the release of the 25th anniversary edition of "Thriller".
I wonder who leaked that?
Needless to say, the "will he, won't he?" speculation in the media provides excellent free publicity for both the Grammys and Jackson.
However, he won't be singing at the ceremony.
A leaked memo from Jackson's record label, SonyBMG, last week had hinted that Jackson would perform live at the ceremony, which takes place on the eve of the release of the 25th anniversary edition of "Thriller".
I wonder who leaked that?
Needless to say, the "will he, won't he?" speculation in the media provides excellent free publicity for both the Grammys and Jackson.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
The Super Bowl Ad
Here is the Super Bowl ad, using Thriller as the soundtrack and Naomi Campbell as the talent, that has got the media so worked up.
Personally speaking, I can't see why.
Personally speaking, I can't see why.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Thriller Remake
The Daily Mirror reports that Michael Jackson intends to remake Thriller.
Jackson appeared by video at the NRJ Music Awards in Cannes, where he was awarded some form of medal, and said:
"I'm coming back. And I've got a very special treat for all of my fans.
I have been recording Thriller: 25th Anniversary, with a lot of surprise guests."
The Jackson camp claim that he will hold a European comeback at the O2 Arena in London in summer.
Time will tell.
Jackson appeared by video at the NRJ Music Awards in Cannes, where he was awarded some form of medal, and said:
"I'm coming back. And I've got a very special treat for all of my fans.
I have been recording Thriller: 25th Anniversary, with a lot of surprise guests."
The Jackson camp claim that he will hold a European comeback at the O2 Arena in London in summer.
Time will tell.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Girl Is Mine
To mark the 25th anniversary of his record-breaking album Thriller, Michael Jackson is releasing a new version of the hit The Girl Is Mine. Jackson has re-recorded the song with The Black Eyed Pea’s Will.i.am.
A link to a clip from the song is here The Girl is Mine
A link to a clip from the song is here The Girl is Mine
Thursday, November 08, 2007
No Change
In an interview published in Ebony, Michael Jackson claims that he has barely changed since releasing Thriller.
Quote:
"That Michael is probably the same Michael here."
I guess he is ignoring the change in skin colour and facial features then?
Quote:
"That Michael is probably the same Michael here."
I guess he is ignoring the change in skin colour and facial features then?
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Jones Rejects Jackson
Quincy Jones has turned down the opportunity to work with Michael Jackson again.
Jones produced Jackson's 1982 album Thriller, the best-selling LP of all time, said that he has too much on his plate.
Quote:
"Man please, I've got enough to do. We already did that. I have talked to him about working with him again but I've got too much to do. I've got 900 products, I'm 74 years old. Give me a break."
Jones produced Jackson's 1982 album Thriller, the best-selling LP of all time, said that he has too much on his plate.
Quote:
"Man please, I've got enough to do. We already did that. I have talked to him about working with him again but I've got too much to do. I've got 900 products, I'm 74 years old. Give me a break."
Thursday, April 05, 2007
The Jackson Auction
Guernsey's will be auctioning off thousands of items from Michael, Janet, La Toya, Jermaine and the rest of the Jackson Family at Las Vegas' Hard Rock Hotel on the 30th and 31st of May 2007.
Items include:
-"I WANT YOU BACK," ORIGINAL TEST PRESSING, 1969
-HANDWRITTEN "ABC" LYRICS BY TITO JACKSON
-MICHAEL JACKSON "THRILLER" GOLD AWARD, 1982
-MARLON BRANDO TELEGRAM TO MICHAEL, 1984
Items include:
-"I WANT YOU BACK," ORIGINAL TEST PRESSING, 1969
-HANDWRITTEN "ABC" LYRICS BY TITO JACKSON
-MICHAEL JACKSON "THRILLER" GOLD AWARD, 1982
-MARLON BRANDO TELEGRAM TO MICHAEL, 1984
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Jackson Booed Off Stage
As widely predicted, Michael Jackson's appearance at the World Music Awards in London last night was an embarrassing failure.
He started off badly by not greeting the fans, who had been expecting him to sing "Thriller".
Needless to say Jackson did not sing Thriller. Instead, in what clearly was a pr blunder of the highest magnitude, he was placed on stage with a choir of children.
I wonder what the pr people behind this stunt were thinking?
Jackson, having told the crowd how much he loved them (an overused showbusiness term lacking any sincerity whatsoever), then launched into a rendition of "We Are The World".
His voice then cracked four lines into the song.
At this stage the crowd began to boo, and started stamping their feet before Jackson left the stage.
One onlooker was quoted in a tabloid as saying:
"When he stopped singing no one could understand why. But when he started rambling a lot of people lost their patience.
That's when the booing started and got louder and louder until he left the stage."
Jackson claims that the story that he would perform "Thriller" was a "misunderstanding". That being the case, why did his pr machine not correct that misunderstanding before the event?
The auguries, warning that this event would be a flop were there for all to see.
Jackson had been making backstage demands totalling £250,000. Within these demands he included personal hair and make-up artists, a private jet and 20 first-class plane tickets for his entourage.
Not content with pissing off the awards organisers, he decided to also annoy the Hempel Hotel, in London's Bayswater area, where he was staying at £6,300 per night.
The hotel had to erect an 18ft wall on its first floor to provide more privacy for him and his three children, Prince Michael, Paris, and Prince Michael II.
Seemingly many other hotels had already turned down his request for accommodation.
It seems that he is now trying to live off past glories, the question is when will the money and patience of the fans run out?
He started off badly by not greeting the fans, who had been expecting him to sing "Thriller".
Needless to say Jackson did not sing Thriller. Instead, in what clearly was a pr blunder of the highest magnitude, he was placed on stage with a choir of children.
I wonder what the pr people behind this stunt were thinking?
Jackson, having told the crowd how much he loved them (an overused showbusiness term lacking any sincerity whatsoever), then launched into a rendition of "We Are The World".
His voice then cracked four lines into the song.
At this stage the crowd began to boo, and started stamping their feet before Jackson left the stage.
One onlooker was quoted in a tabloid as saying:
"When he stopped singing no one could understand why. But when he started rambling a lot of people lost their patience.
That's when the booing started and got louder and louder until he left the stage."
Jackson claims that the story that he would perform "Thriller" was a "misunderstanding". That being the case, why did his pr machine not correct that misunderstanding before the event?
The auguries, warning that this event would be a flop were there for all to see.
Jackson had been making backstage demands totalling £250,000. Within these demands he included personal hair and make-up artists, a private jet and 20 first-class plane tickets for his entourage.
Not content with pissing off the awards organisers, he decided to also annoy the Hempel Hotel, in London's Bayswater area, where he was staying at £6,300 per night.
The hotel had to erect an 18ft wall on its first floor to provide more privacy for him and his three children, Prince Michael, Paris, and Prince Michael II.
Seemingly many other hotels had already turned down his request for accommodation.
It seems that he is now trying to live off past glories, the question is when will the money and patience of the fans run out?
Friday, November 10, 2006
The Freak Show
Speculation is mounting that the appearance of Michael Jackson at the World Music Awards in London on 15 November, will in fact never happen.
Jackson has said that he wants to do a live recreation of the graveyard scene from "Thriller" to finish the show. Some are now unkindly referring to the awards as "The Freak Show".
One tabloid has said of Jackson:
"He looks dreadful and hasn't performed for years, I fear it's going to be a humiliating freak show which he will regret."
The smart money is on Jackson pulling out before the show, citing "dehydration".
Jackson has said that he wants to do a live recreation of the graveyard scene from "Thriller" to finish the show. Some are now unkindly referring to the awards as "The Freak Show".
One tabloid has said of Jackson:
"He looks dreadful and hasn't performed for years, I fear it's going to be a humiliating freak show which he will regret."
The smart money is on Jackson pulling out before the show, citing "dehydration".
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Jackson To Perform Thriller
Michael Jackson will perform "Thriller" from his 1982 album, when he appears at the World Music Awards in London on November 15th.
He will receive a Diamond Award, given to artists who sell more than 100 million albums.
He will receive a Diamond Award, given to artists who sell more than 100 million albums.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Rehashing The Past
A Michael Jackson CD/DVD box set will be released by Epic Records November 14.
Visionary - The Video Singles will feature 20 Jackson hits, plus accompanying videos to the songs. The tracks include "Thriller", "Bad", "Rock With You", "Billie Jean" and "Heal the World".
Rehashing the past is all well and good. However, the question is, will Jackson ever write and release a new song?
Visionary - The Video Singles will feature 20 Jackson hits, plus accompanying videos to the songs. The tracks include "Thriller", "Bad", "Rock With You", "Billie Jean" and "Heal the World".
Rehashing the past is all well and good. However, the question is, will Jackson ever write and release a new song?
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Tiger Tiger
Michael Jackson's tigers have reportedly been found a new home.
The two pet tigers, Thriller and Sabu, have been adopted by actress Tippi Hedren, who runs an animal sanctuary in California.
Hedren is engaged to Dr. Martin Dinnes, Jackson's ex veterinarian. Dinnes has been visiting Neverland once a week, to make sure that the remaining animals are well cared for.
It was irresponsible to set up the menagerie in the first place.
The two pet tigers, Thriller and Sabu, have been adopted by actress Tippi Hedren, who runs an animal sanctuary in California.
Hedren is engaged to Dr. Martin Dinnes, Jackson's ex veterinarian. Dinnes has been visiting Neverland once a week, to make sure that the remaining animals are well cared for.
It was irresponsible to set up the menagerie in the first place.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Jackson Revival
Michael Jackson's back catalogue is to be re-released by Sony over the next 5 months.
The releases will be on a new new dual format of CD/DVD, one side music the other video.
The first single to be re-released is Thriller, with another 19 singles to released over the subsequent 5 months.
Some music experts have expressed doubts over the dual format, noting that this may in fact confuse people; seemingly it is not clear as to which side is the video, and which the music.
The last album reissue of Jackson's back catalogue, The Essential Michael Jackson, was a damp squib in the US. It sold only 8,000 copies, in its first week, and only reaching number 128 in the chart.
However, it is expected that die hard fans of Jackson may just soak up enough of these re-releases to make it worthwhile.
The real issue that Jackson needs to face is that he has to start producing more new music, that appeals to the public as whole, if he is to relaunch himself. There is still no sign of his charity single, meant to help the victims of hurricane Katrina.
The releases will be on a new new dual format of CD/DVD, one side music the other video.
The first single to be re-released is Thriller, with another 19 singles to released over the subsequent 5 months.
Some music experts have expressed doubts over the dual format, noting that this may in fact confuse people; seemingly it is not clear as to which side is the video, and which the music.
The last album reissue of Jackson's back catalogue, The Essential Michael Jackson, was a damp squib in the US. It sold only 8,000 copies, in its first week, and only reaching number 128 in the chart.
However, it is expected that die hard fans of Jackson may just soak up enough of these re-releases to make it worthwhile.
The real issue that Jackson needs to face is that he has to start producing more new music, that appeals to the public as whole, if he is to relaunch himself. There is still no sign of his charity single, meant to help the victims of hurricane Katrina.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Thriller
Michael Jackson's 1983 hit Thriller has been voted the best music video of all time, beating Eminem's Stan into second place in a poll conducted by The Box music channel.
At least it's not all bad news for Jackson.
At least it's not all bad news for Jackson.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Beat It
The Lake Elsinore Storm, a baseball team, took the mickey out of Michael Jackson last night, when they appeared at their home stand.
They named the occasion the "King of Pop-Beat it Night". Fans were given a medical mask and white glove; the team mascot, Thunder, than appeared in gold shin guards and a rhinestone glove.
Jackson's music was played over the PA system, and members of Storm front office performed Thriller between innings.
There was a Neverland Ranch petting zoo, which contained stuffed animals. There was a "live" interview with Jackson, which in fact was a cunning re edit of old video clips and interviews.
Fans threw baby dolls and attempted to catch them in strollers on the third base line. Finally, Thunder appeared in the sky box dangling a miniature version of himself.
A good time was had by all.
They named the occasion the "King of Pop-Beat it Night". Fans were given a medical mask and white glove; the team mascot, Thunder, than appeared in gold shin guards and a rhinestone glove.
Jackson's music was played over the PA system, and members of Storm front office performed Thriller between innings.
There was a Neverland Ranch petting zoo, which contained stuffed animals. There was a "live" interview with Jackson, which in fact was a cunning re edit of old video clips and interviews.
Fans threw baby dolls and attempted to catch them in strollers on the third base line. Finally, Thunder appeared in the sky box dangling a miniature version of himself.
A good time was had by all.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Jackson In Financial Doo-Doo
It is reported that Michael Jackson made a secret deal to mortgage his entire back catalogue of his own songs, including Billie Jean and Beat It, for $60M.
Seemingly Jackson is "on the precipice of bankruptcy", and borrowed the money two years ago in order to pay off his debts and continue living in "fantasy land".
However, as all good accountants will tell you, by using up all his past assets to fund future spending Jackson is now on the financial "edge"; he does not have a future income on which to live.
I would have thought that would worry his legal team; I doubt that they are prepared to work "pro bono" for very long.
Jackson has faced financial woes before. In 1999 he borrowed $130M, using his catalogue of Beatles hits that he bought in 1985. Jackson then went on to borrow $90M in 2001 and a further $60M in 2003.
The prosecution allege that Jackson has debts of about $320M. Not least, he reportedly owes the IRS $150M.
These revelations come in a forthcoming book "We Made It Up As We Went Along", by Paul Russell a music industry boos who has worked with Jackson.
Russell is quoted as saying:
"While Michael may still have considerable assets, he has a serious cashflow problem...He first borrowed against the value of the Beatles catalogue in 1999 and since then he has just kept on borrowing..His problem is he still is living the lifestyle of a superstar whose records sell 40m copies, like in the Thriller days. The pie got smaller, but he was still spending..."
Russell then adds:
"Jackson was never a good businessman. I remember in the early days, just after he bought the Beatles catalogue, he was so enthusiastic and earnest about owning what he saw as part of music history. He wanted to be a guardian of the Beatles' memory, not make a fortune out of them..."
Seemingly Jackson is "on the precipice of bankruptcy", and borrowed the money two years ago in order to pay off his debts and continue living in "fantasy land".
However, as all good accountants will tell you, by using up all his past assets to fund future spending Jackson is now on the financial "edge"; he does not have a future income on which to live.
I would have thought that would worry his legal team; I doubt that they are prepared to work "pro bono" for very long.
Jackson has faced financial woes before. In 1999 he borrowed $130M, using his catalogue of Beatles hits that he bought in 1985. Jackson then went on to borrow $90M in 2001 and a further $60M in 2003.
The prosecution allege that Jackson has debts of about $320M. Not least, he reportedly owes the IRS $150M.
These revelations come in a forthcoming book "We Made It Up As We Went Along", by Paul Russell a music industry boos who has worked with Jackson.
Russell is quoted as saying:
"While Michael may still have considerable assets, he has a serious cashflow problem...He first borrowed against the value of the Beatles catalogue in 1999 and since then he has just kept on borrowing..His problem is he still is living the lifestyle of a superstar whose records sell 40m copies, like in the Thriller days. The pie got smaller, but he was still spending..."
Russell then adds:
"Jackson was never a good businessman. I remember in the early days, just after he bought the Beatles catalogue, he was so enthusiastic and earnest about owning what he saw as part of music history. He wanted to be a guardian of the Beatles' memory, not make a fortune out of them..."
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