Interview With Michael Jackson Fans

Reporter from the British newspaper Times joined Michael fans to prepare the report you can read below.

Mark, a photographer in his twenties from Wales, is one of the 200 people standing outside the Lansbury Hotel, where Michael is staying in London. I see him staring at the closed windows of Michael’s room. Together, we wait for Jackson. Mark has a white glove on. His T-shirt is 20 years old and has a photo of Michael Jackson from that era on it. In his hand, he holds a 60-centimeter Pinocchio doll made of wood and cloth. It’s a gift for Michael Jackson. Mark says it took 10 years to make—maybe less, maybe more.

No other artist in the world is supported by fans like Michael Jackson. For one night, I’m preparing myself for my cold, rainy fan experience. Here (outside the hotel), there is celebration and excitement.

27-year-old Leo King confirms that some die-hard fans are a bit obsessive and a bit scary.

"At school, because of my interest in Michael, I have to put up with a lot of things. Today at work, when I said I’m going to his concert, this happened too. But for every one person who asks me why I want to go to his concert, five people secretly ask how they can get tickets.

In the 1980s, it didn’t feel like there was a shortage. But I didn’t become so interested in his music until the 1990s. I heard Will You Be There from the Dangerous album and I was stunned. I fell in love and became obsessed. See, Michael isn’t a normal person. If he were completely normal and like everyone else, he couldn’t have made such music. We also have normal artists like Bruce Springsteen. Of course, I don’t mean to insult Bruce Springsteen."

In response to my question about Michael’s financial problems, rumors and accusations, and the incident that happened in 2002 in Berlin (during which Michael brought his 6-month-old son out of the hotel window for a few seconds to show him to fans), he says:

"Bringing a child out was the wrong thing to do. I know it sounds dangerous. Some people might say, ‘So what about these negative points?’ But music is the main issue. Overall, I also like rap artists’ music, but I don’t ignore the bad things they do. The Jackson case is something else, and it matters to me. Accusations of child abuse? Well, he was acquitted. Those sensational newspapers are all trying to spread disgusting rumors. I’m not saying he’s a saint, but it’s not the bad thing they claim. "

Oliver Daniels has seen Jackson on three continents and was also present at Michael’s court case in Santa Barbara, and he has even performed in situations as a tribute to Michael. Oliver describes himself as a super fan, but says he doesn’t do weird things. He was one of the lucky—or maybe stubborn—fans who finally managed to watch Michael through the window of his Lansbury Hotel room, waving at them while they stood in the rain.

"The aura that surrounds him is very moving and intense when you’re in his presence. If he just turns his head while standing, it gives you an unbelievable feeling. Imagine him dancing or singing something. He is the purest human being you can see. He is the most beautiful person in the world."

I hear similar statements from other fans too.

Daniels says, "People like to label us as mentally unstable. Our lives and our busyness have nothing to do with these people. We work, we have our own lives."

When I ask him about what his acquaintances think of him, he answers:

"My parents really support me. They say that anyone who has something to fight for is lucky. As long as it’s something positive and good, they support it."

Of course, his parents have also been fans of Michael since the Jackson 5 days. On his personal website, Daniels describes the impact Jackson has had on his life:

"I remember when I was 7 years old, I told my mother very seriously, ‘Mom, can we go to Africa and help all the poor people and hungry children?’ I was completely serious. That’s just a small example of the impact this man has had on me since I was 7."

Two years later, when the first allegations of child sexual abuse were raised, Daniels’ loyalty was put to the test.

"I remember supporting Michael a lot in the playground. Many people bothered me. I believed in him so much and he had become such a part of me that in my heart I felt he was innocent. One of the kids went too far and I knocked his teeth out. I’m not violent, but sometimes people get angry."

Outside the O2 Arena, many hidden fans have lined up for tickets. Julie Sullivan is one of them. She could have slept at home comfortably instead of spending the night in an open area. Sullivan is the same age as Michael Jackson and has been a fan since she was 9.

"Our friends say we’re completely crazy. But there are so many people here and it seems like we’re going to have a good night. He’s really an incredible showman. I’ve seen him grow up. I’ve seen his growth and progress from the beginning. I’m not the kind of fan who goes after him around the world, but now that he’s here—and this is his last tour—I definitely want to see him. I saw him during Thriller in the 1980s. Maybe he won’t perform as well as he did back then, but who cares."

At first, when I ask whether being a fan in the 1990s was harder than in the 1980s, she misunderstands what I mean:

"In the 1980s it was easier. There weren’t lines like there are now."

Sullivan then realizes that I meant the Jackson trial.

"He wasn’t found guilty. I think he’s a child in a man’s body. I like his music. If I thought he was guilty, I wouldn’t be here now."

Source: eMJey / Times Online