1997 to 1999
[The clip «Blood On The Dance floor»]
On 2 April 1997, a new Michael clip titled «Blood On The Dance floor» (Blood On The Dance floor) from his new album «Blood On The Dance floor/«HISTORY» In The Mix», which included the mixed tracks from the album ««HISTORY»», was broadcast for the first time on the Vi. H. One network.
That same day in Germany, a new shipment of the latest singles was sent by sea to radio stations in different parts of Germany. This package was opened at a specific time, and the songs were made available for broadcast to the radio stations.
This day was not only about ships. Several airplanes with flags bearing the words ”Michael Jackson ـ Blood On The Dance floor» flew across the entire German land to encourage people to buy this album and the single «Blood On The Dance floor».
On 11 April, Michael allowed the English magazine OK! to publish photos from his first son, Prince Michael Jackson Jr.
An interview with Michael and Debbie, along with the photos, was published.
[OK! magazine]
More information about this interview (click here)
On 27 April, Michael Jackson’s name appeared at the top of the UK singles chart with the single «Blood On The Dance floor». Michael’s latest single achieved the number one spot in many countries.
In the first half of May 1997, the Jackson Five were called on stage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Renaissance Hotel in the south of Cleveland - Ohio, to receive an award. [This award is of great importance]. Michael joined his brothers on stage.
[At the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]
Diana Ross presented the award to the Jackson Five and said: ”Ever since they started their work, I always felt that they were like my own children.“
The Jackson Five did not perform a program, but Barry Gordy, the founder of Motown and their reliable advisor, was called on stage so that he could share in these very important moments.
Michael told Barry Gordy: ”Barry, you promised us four songs that would become number one one after another. You delivered them to us. I will never forget this. I just want you to know that I don’t think we would be here now without you and our mother and father... and of course God“
Michael also thanked his parents, who were seated among the audience. ”Mother and father, you have always been there for us, to protect us with love and self-sacrifice. Because you were there, now we are here.“
Michael continued: ”Now we are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame... so... whatever name you call us by... I promise that I will love all of you. We’ll be there.“
Barry Gordy: ”The Jackson Five showed children who lived in crowded, poor neighborhoods of the city, away from other people in society, how to think about their dreams—and many of those children achieved their dreams. The Jackson Five had something to give everyone.“
Pete r Park, from Rolling Stone magazine, described the event like this: ”Barry and Michael are in the act of talking about and praising each other. It’s almost more than the time when, at the Motown 25th anniversary celebration, they were busy settling old disagreements. It’s really amazing and special moments.“
On 8 May 1997, Michael’s new short film, «Ghosts», was shown at the 50th Cannes Film Festival. Michael attended the screening ceremony, which took place at midnight in the main hall reserved for the audience. Whenever Michael’s face appeared on the screen, fans cheered intensely. At the end of the film, where Michael asks, ”Do they want him to leave the house?”, all his fans answered in unison: ”No“...
For his performance in this film, Michael was praised and admired for the innovative special effects and the story of the film.
The short film «Ghosts», with the praise it received from critics, was considered a huge success for Michael.
[At the Cannes Film Festival]