As part of a celebration of the 80s, Rolling Stone Spain is featuring Michael Jackson on cover of their current issue (January 2008, No. 99). This is a deluxe rare collector’s item.

Pre-order is available at MJJSHOP.

MJJMAGAZINE members will have the opportunity to participate in contests, receive a special 10% discount at MJJSHOP.COM , special reduced entrance to MJ fan events and much more..!

Source: MJJShop

Michael Jackson is the subject of a one-of-a-kind presentation this week at New York City’s Lincoln Center. As part of the Dance On Camera Program, distinguished NY Press film critic Armond White is dedicating an entire evening to the work of Michael Jackson in the music video genre. His “Pop Video Artists and Hollywood Influence” will be held on January 18, 2008 (Friday) at 6:15 pm at Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater.

In this 90 minute presentation, esteemed critic and author Armond White will take an in-depth look at Michael Jackson’s early music videos and examine the influence of Hollywood choreographers and Hollywood dance icons in them.

In an interview with The Wow Jones Report, Armond White explained what he’s up to:

WJ – Why is Michael Jackson’s music video work the focus of your presentation?

AW – Because he’s the single most important show-biz performer of the past quarter century.

WJ – Do you think that people still care about Michael Jackson and his work? If so, who?

AW – Sure. Absolutely, from those who are obsessed with Michael Jackson’s notoriety to those who still feel the joy and beauty of his art.

WJ – What makes you think that Michael Jackson still matters?

AW — The evidence is everywhere from the constant reference to his music by other musicians and filmmakers and in all media. Michael Jackson may have dubbed himself the King Of Pop; but the fact is Howard Stern stole his real title, because Michael Jackson is the King Of All Media.

WJ – Where’d the idea for a music video presentation on Michael Jackson come from?

AW — Joanna Ney, who runs the Dance On Camera Program at Lincoln Center; requested the show in response to the number of Michael Jackson videos I have shown in past music video presentations at Lincoln Center.

WJ – Why the attempt to link to past Hollywood Influences? Isn’t it obvious?

AW – No it’s not obvious to most people. It’s fascinating to see the source of so many of Michael Jackson’s movements and visions.

WJ – Is it fair to compare and contrast Michael Jackson’s dancing in his music videos to those of old Hollywood Dance Icons like say…Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and/or Bob Fosse?

AW – Of course it’s fair, we do it all the time. We always respond to new artists in terms of artists we’re already familiar with. And it’s clear that Michael Jackson was inspired by artists who came before him.

WJ – In light of the current option and ability to say…watch clips on DVD or on an IPOD, why is this Michael Jackson music video presentation necessary?

AW – They won’t get these insights or this program of videos any other way. Besides, I’ve always relished (and been thankful for) the opportunity to show this kind of work in this manner: LIVE and on the BIG movie screen—it’s unique and rare.

Armond White currently writes for the weekly newspaper, The New York Press and the periodical First Of The Month. In 1992, his essay on Michael Jackson’s ‘Black Or White’ music video, entitled ‘Black Or White, The Gloved One Is Not A Chump’ won the ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award for Music Criticism. In 1994, he was the chairman of the New York Film Critics Circle. He’s served on the jury for the Sundance Film Festival and his music video presentations have been shown in film and video festivals all over the world since 1993.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Source: The Wow Jones Report

In the USA, the first single to be released from Michael Jackson’s forthcoming ‘Thriller 25 Anniversary Edition’ will be the newly recorded rendition of ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ ‘. It is a new track produced by Akon and Michael, featuring Akon’s vocal and a brand new 2008 Michael Jackson vocal track. Not a remix but a new version of this classic!

For a full stream of the track check out ClearChannelMusic.com!

Source: michaeljackson.com

On Sunday, Bucharest (Romania) will enter the exclusive circuit of the towns that host the famous pub network Hard Rock Café, that achieved a great fame due to the collection of objects that once belonged to rock stars.

The walls of Hard Rock Café Bucharest will for example be decorated with a pair of trousers from Shakira, one of Richie Sambora’s guitars, a costume worn by John Lennon, and one of the peculiar stage outfits of Sir Elton John. Yet, the main attractions are a top once worn by Madonna and the red jacket Michael Jackson used to wear in his Thriller period.

The Café will be located on 32, Kiseleff Boulevard.

Source: Nine O’Clock, MJFC-USA

To coincide with the launch of ‘Thriller - 25th Anniversary Edition’ Flying Music and Adrian Grant are pleased to announce a NEW spring tour for ‘Thriller Live’. Over 50 shows have been announced which will take place mainly in the UK from March 27 - May 25, 2008 plus several in Holland.

To book tickets for ‘Thriller Live’ or for further information about the shows please visit their web site at http://www.thrillerlive.com.

Source: Thriller Live, MJWN, MJFC-USA

Check out the new Michael Jackson MySpace page here.

Source: MySpace

Matt Fiddes (28) has worked for Michael Jackson as a bodyguard on several occasions - and is proud to count him as a personal friend. When his mum was battling breast cancer, the entertainer even called her regularly to cheer her up. And dad-of-five Matt also had no qualms about his children meeting Michael.

Matt says:

“Michael must be the most misunderstood man in the world.

He is such a nice guy behind closed doors. Once you get to know him, you see that - but for most people his huge international profile tends to get in the way.

Michael definitely wants to keep the mystery going. It’s like a game to him. He knows he can go out and be photographed and the photos will be used worldwide.

During a visit to London in 2002, Michael took my stepsons, Archie and Charlie, on a shopping trip to Hamleys toy store. He’s a great guy and I didn’t have any problem with it. It sounds like a dream come true to most kids, but the boys were too shy to choose anything expensive. They came home with just a few bits and pieces.”

Matt Fiddes was introduced to Michael Jackson by Uril Geller after taking part in a fitness video alongside Geller.

“One night Uri called me at 2am and said ‘You have to come to my house now, or you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.’

I made the three hour trip from Devon to Sonning-on-Thames, Berkshire. My jaw dropped when I watched Martin Bashir’s documentary at Uri’s house. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I walked into Uri’s living room and Michael Jackson was sitting there on the sofa.

Michael mentioned he was looking for a bodyguard in the UK and asked me to keep in touch. From then on I was his bodyguard on trips to the UK.”

Amazingly, Matt was present at the Renaissance Hotel in London in 2002 when Martin Bashir pitched Michael Jackson the idea for his famous and so very controversial documentary.

“Martin told Michael it would be the best thing he could do for his career.

It was supposed to be about the music and Mike’s children were to be kept out of the final cut. Of course it was nothing of the sort and my jaw dropped when I watched the show at Uri’s house.”

During filming for Martin Bashir’s documentary, Matt also worked for Michael Jackson, who tried to escape the press:

“Michael would come up with elaborate plans to escape the crowds. He asked me to dress up like him to distract the fans and he would sneak out the back door. He produced white socks, a military-style jacket and sunglasses for me to put on. The US security team of four bodyguards came with me through the front of the hotel. People were grabbing my hands and talking to me as if I was their hero. Meanwhile Michael snuck out the back with one bodyguard and had about 20 minutes of hassle-free browsing before he was recognised.

Another time, Michael and I ordered a takeaway curry and escaped to Uri’s house in Berkshire. I had to pinch myself when I was sitting on the floor with the King of Pop eating a curry and watching Bruce Lee movies.”

Despite the excitement, Matt’s memory of the time is tinged with sadness. During the same period his mum, Majella Norris, was diagnosed with breast cancer and given just six months to live. But when Matt confided in Michael, the star didn’t waste any time giving his stricken mum a call.

“That really touched me.

Michael’s a very sensitive human being and he’d ring my mum every day to see how she was coping.

He makes a big impression on everyone, and she really appreciated his best wishes. Thankfully Mum pulled through and is loving her retirement.”

Source: The Sun

Alexandra Maria Lara is one of the most successful actresses in Germany. Currently, she can be seen in a movie about the life of singer Ian Curtis entitled ‘Control’ and has also worked with director Francis Ford Coppola on ‘Youth Without Youth’. In an interview to Welt Online she “outed” herself as a Michael Jackson fan:

WELT ONLINE: Is there a soundtrack which is connected to a certain period of your life? Which music gives you comfort?

Lara: Music plays an important role in my life. I can only recommend: When you are feeling down, all you have to do is to grab the right CD.

I am not fixed to a certain music style. Actually I shouldn`t be telling you but I am still a big fan of Michael Jackson. When I tell people they always give me a strange look. But nevertheless I think he is a unique artist.

Source: Welt Online

On Saturday, Michael and his 3 children attended the ‘Tournament Of Kings’ at the Excalibur hotel and casino in Las Vegas (USA).

‘Tournament Of Kings’ is a famous dinner show. It features invading armies, dancing maidens, fireworks, and eating with your fingers.

Source: ReviewJournal.Com

In a recent interview to RWD, producer Will.I.Am spoke about working with Michael Jackson. He had nothing but admiration for the man:

“Well, it was more like, how would I like Michael to sound now, what would I want him to do?

When I finally sat down with him, I was nervous. I couldn’t be the way I would be like when I’m with Justin or Nas. I’ve idolised Michael my whole life.”

Souce: RWD