A private meeting with Michael: Access Hollywood interview (Part One)

October 15, 2006 — Ireland It’s 4:03 a.m., and me and Ray are on our way to Dublin. In the past 34 hours, I’ve spent a lot of time in the back seat of Ray’s car. He’s the driver and he works for an Irish man who owns a recording studio out in the middle of nowhere in Ireland. The studio is a strange one—built on the grounds of an old stone manor house, and it’s now Michael Jackson’s creative home. Yes, I arranged the first interview with Michael Jackson after he left the United States in June 2005. First of all, let me say what this interview is not about: This interview isn’t a rehash of old talk. I had prepared myself to ask all my questions—about the mistakes that happened and the lessons that were learned. But believe me, he wasn’t prepared. While working with Will.i.Am, one of the members of the Black Eyed Peas, he asked people who were busy in the studio whether it was a problem if our interview team wandered around the studio for five minutes and filmed. In the end, we spent about 40 minutes in the studio, and I brought up questions about music and his idea for his return. Michael Jackson was nervous and upset. He was devastated. He wanted to stay and have a little fun. But he also wanted to leave before—according to his own perspective—he was pulled into another television interview. Michael’s spokesperson and adviser, Raymone Bain, told us (me and my executive producer, Rob Silverstein, who is in the photo with Michael and Will) that Michael wanted to meet with us first at his cottage—alone. Without cameras. Of course, we agreed. Soon, we found ourselves seated behind a breakfast table in a very friendly, intimate, and simple stone cottage. He came down the spiral staircase. First his boots, then his pants—black with golden lines on both sides—then a velvet jacket and a white T-shirt underneath, and then he turned to face us. I admit it—my heart was racing. He is a legendary figure and, as much as possible, unusual and untouchable. The first thing that came to my mind was that he looked healthy and full of energy. As the Irish man had told us, artists come to this place for walking in nature, horseback riding, using healthy and natural homemade foods, an underground indoor swimming pool, and the silence and calm of this region. These conditions suit Michael—though he doesn’t live here. We stood up, shook hands, and started talking about life. It wasn’t long before Michael made it clear what he didn’t want: an interview. He only wanted our camera to be on while he and Will were working on the songs. I said we only wanted to be in the studio and we would film only as long as he was willing. He agreed thoughtfully, and we began walking the 50-yard distance to the studio. This interview was a preliminary step for Michael. After ten minutes—after I had asked many questions—Michael paused and tried to dodge answering. He didn’t like the insinuating questions, and he encouraged Will to play more rhythms so that we could film occasionally. I suggested that Thriller be remade for the new generation in a fresh style and released on CD and DVD. And to move forward with mainstream things, using professional producers like Will. Michael’s eyes lit up. He must have been astonished—because it was probably something he hadn’t thought about. When the music was playing and I wasn’t asking him questions, I could see sparks of life, hope, and energy in him. He hummed along a little with the rhythm of the songs, then suddenly got up and went to the end of the hall—where he could move his body to the music. He was almost dancing. Michael was there with his children. I didn’t see them, but the Irish man who owned the studio said they were having a great time. Michael plays with them and enjoys the pleasant nature outside the city. According to what the Irish man said, Michael gets up early and makes breakfast for his children—usually porridge and fruit. I wished Michael’s life could be as ordinary as possible. Of course it isn’t. Nobody knows anything about him… Does he drive? Apparently sometimes. And even had a mobile phone. Of course, before he lost it somewhere. Once again, I’ll say it: this interview was Michael’s first step. He was excited and terrified. And it was all because he didn’t know whether he could trust anyone or not. He has had a terrible experience in this regard. Maybe things will be better for us. I’m completely sure that more things are coming. (In November, watch for the video of this interview.) Source: eMJey / Billy’s blog @ AccessHollywood