Say the name Stuart Backerman in certain circles and most people will probably tell you that he is the guy that acted as Michael Jackson’s mouthpiece during one of the most turbulent times in his life. While it is true that Mr. Backerman did serve as Michael’s spokesperson and media relations representative, that fact barely scratches the surface of this truly fascinating, “Renaissance Man.”

Stuart Backerman is an honours graduate of the State University of New York. He also attended the University of British Columbia’s Graduate School of Urban Planning and received his Masters Degree. He is a professional city planner; an award-winning theatrical producer; a media relations expert; and a national television correspondent who, for two seasons, served as Special Correspondent and frequent guest for ‘Entertainment Tonight’, one of the most popular television network magazines.

During his time working as Michael Jackson’s spokesperson, Mr. Backerman developed a very friendly working relationship with Mr. Jackson’s many fan clubs. Finally, here was a person we all felt that we could talk to and our feelings and concerns would be properly handled and not ignored.

Mr. Backerman has been looking for a venue to get his feelings about the King of Pop out into the public. But, as we all know, no one wants to run a “positive” piece about Michael Jackson because that won’t sell any magazines! So, it is MJFC’s great fortune, and our pleasure, to present Mr. Stuart Backerman in his own words…

Tell us something about your career background?

I have had a very eclectic career. I obtained a Master of Arts degree (M. A.) in Urban Planning from the University of British Columbia. My first professional position was with a large international engineering firm where I managed the building of a number of “new towns” in the interior of BC. I was recruited by the City of Vancouver to be the city’s first cultural affairs spokesperson and cultural advisor to the mayor and council. After nearly eight years with the City I decided to leave to create international major arts and cultural projects through my own company.

My first production was the revival of “Peter Pan, The Musical,” which premièred in Vancouver and toured North America including a limited engagement on Broadway. Subsequently, I went on to produce many other award winning theatrical, festivals and musical concert events. In the 90’s I was recruited again to assist government and was appointed special advisor to the Premier of the British Columbia, where I focused on expanding the Province’s role in the arts and promoted cultural exchange.

How did you become Michael Jackson’s publicist?

In 2002 Michael became aware of my role as the producer of “Peter Pan The Musical” on Broadway. At that time he was interested in possibly playing the role of Peter Pan, and asked me to set in motion the show’s opening. Unfortunately, the “baby dangling” incident in Berlin then occurred and because of the adverse publicity we decided that the timing was wrong, but Michael and I got along so well he asked me to become his spokesperson.

Describe Michael Jackson with three adjectives.

A. Caring

B. Mysterious

C. Creative

What do you think about the way Michael Jackson is portrayed in the press?

Generally, I think it is despicable the way the mass media portrays Michael as a “nut case,” for nothing could be further from the truth. Michael Jackson is very capable and focused. However, on the other hand, the media needs Michael in the sense that he is the most interesting, curious and news worthy celebrity in the business.

What did you like about being spokesman for Michael Jackson and what was tough?

I loved every minute of my experience because it felt like I was perpetually in a magical dream world . . . Michael’s environment is creative, and that made working for him so positive. It allowed me to also be creative. I remember sitting in his house in Neverland, and all of a sudden Michael walks down the staircase and blurts out,

“Let’s have a fund-raiser in Neverland . . . Lets open up Neverland so more people can experience the place. . .”

That outburst led to a very successful charity event later that year.

The only tough part of working for Michael was the aggressive media. It’s not easy to be respectful and informative when most media aren’t willing to give Michael Jackson the benefit of the doubt and are often merely looking for the “dirt.” But my job was to bring a little levity and fun to the position and I worked well with the media because I always put Michael’s interests first and acted professionally.

Do you personally like Michael Jackson’s music? What is your favourite song/album?

I love Michael’s music. My favourite song is ‘Billie Jean’ from Thriller.

What do you think of Michael Jackson’s fans?

I think that Michael’s fans are the greatest in the world . . . so loyal, so dedicated, so loving. I knew from the very beginning that the key to advancing Michael Jackson’s career was to solidify his fan base and to make him more accessible to his fans. No other celebrity has the heartfelt fan support than Michael Jackson and I know he’s grateful for that.

One might argue that Michael Jackson’s children don’t have a normal childhood. How would you refute this?

I can’t refute that because, let’s be honest, Michael Jackson’s children do not have a “normal” childhood. Yes, they have tutors and all the trappings of normalcy, but his children’s world is ruled by the abnormal life of a child of a celebrity.

What is the number one misconception most people have of Michael Jackson?

Most people believe that Michael is erratic. In fact, Michael is extremely focused and in-charge of his life.

Can you describe one of Michael Jackson’s philanthropic efforts that you have been involved with?

The charity event at Neverland in September 2003 to support a number of worthy organizations was unbelievable. The number of celebrities who showed up to the event was spectacular - like Mandy Moore, Brittany Spears, Elizabeth Taylor, N*Sync, Mike Tyson, etc., etc. I was in awe!

What was your favourite part of Neverland?

The serenity . . . Neverland is one of the most peaceful, meditative, spiritual places that I’ve ever been.

Can you share the most memorable experience involving Michael?

There were so many memorable experiences that I had with Michael, but one of the highlights is the day he received the key to the city of Las Vegas from Mayor Goodman. He was truly touched and whispered to me,

“I’m a lucky soul.”

I almost cried with joy when I heard him express his grateful feelings that way.

I also remember the first time I spoke to Michael on the telephone. It was a Friday night, and the telephone rang at about eight o’clock’:

“Hello?” It was Dieter Wiesner, MJ’s new manager, from Neverland. “Stuart,” he said. “I have someone on the line who wants to talk to you.”

I didn’t realize what it was all about, but then I suddenly heard a voice I recognized from music and television, including some memorable performances at the Grammy’s, a voice that I knew in an instant could only belong to one person.

“Stuart,” the voice began in a gentle half-whisper, an intimate feeling to it. “It’s Michael. I watched a video of you this evening and I just want to tell you that I’m delighted to have you on board as one of the team. Dieter has told me a lot about you and your experience producing Peter Pan, The Musical, and I can’t wait to meet you. I just want to say, ‘Welcome.”

“Thanks,” I stumbled back, still in shock.

“I’m looking forward to it, too. It should be a blast.”

Then Dieter was back on the line again from Michael’s library in Neverland.

“You’re hired, Stuart,” he said, confirming what I had just heard as I sat there stunned…

I began working for Michael Jackson in an official capacity in the fall of 2002. I didn’t realize it at the time, but a roller coaster ride was about to begin. I should have strapped on my seat belt….it was going to be a wild ride!

Another memorable experience: On August 29th, 2003, Michael Jackson turned forty-five. Being a Jehovah Witness, he rarely celebrated birthdays, but in a decision that showed how pleased he was with my advise and judgement, he agreed to participate in a blow-out birthday bash at the historic Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles. The event was produced by the Michael Jackson Fan Club (MJFC) and was an example of the kinds of events we hoped to sponsor through working closely with Michael’s fan base. Since I also wanted people from all over the world to have access to the event, I arranged for MSN to simulcast it. Their eagerness to do so showed just how far we had come since the difficult days of the Bashir documentary.

The night of the party, with two thousand fans from thirty countries milling around outside the theatre in fervent expectation of Michael’s arrival, I thought of the 1965 Beatles concert at Shea Stadium—the same kind of excitement filled the air. When Michael’s limousine pulled up, the fans mobbed it, crying out his name and thrusting birthday presents into the interior when he rolled down the window to wave. “Follow me,” I said, leading him through the stage door entrance and up to one of the theatre’s balconies, the vantage point from which he would watch the extravagant three hour tribute.

The party was every bit as good as people expected, and the fan clubs did a great job. Steve Harvey was an engaging host and the performers were fantastic, especially the Kennedy Tap Company, who danced to ‘Smooth Criminal.’ At the end of their routine, a boy about six years old did a solo that brought the house down. Michael clapped so enthusiastically, he practically fell out of the balcony. The look on his face was one of pure rapture as he watched that little boy dance–it was if he’d been magically transported back to his own childhood.

After the performances, Michael came down on stage to cut his cake, meet the entertainers and mingle with his loving fans. One of his admirers lost her sandal and there was a Cinderella moment when he graciously knelt to replace it on her foot. He told everyone how much he appreciated his new advisers, declaring, “I will make you all proud of being a Michael Jackson fan,” a pledge that succinctly expressed my hopes for the future.

As a publicist what do you think would be that best move for Michael Jackson to make?

The trial that ended in 2005 was traumatic for Michael. He’s needed these intervening years to galvanize his energy and focus again, but I think it’s time for him to do what he does best . . . perform live! I know he doesn’t really want to perform again, but I’ve advocated with all my heart that he should perform on his 50th birthday. This would be a real milestone for everyone. Even if he preformed two or three songs, perhaps with a choir, it would be a great thing for his life and career. The event could be broadcast globally. He could show the world that he still has the “fire.” And he could show his fans their faith was not in vain. I also believe that it would help his self-esteem to know that he could do it again, but he’s scared to take the step . . . I wish I could convince him.

If given an opportunity, would you do it again?

In a New York minute!!! I haven’t spoken to Michael in a long time, but I know we could make magic again.

What’s one thing that the world doesn’t know about Michael Jackson that they should know?

Michael is playful. In honour of his 45th birthday we had a party with a big birthday cake in a circus tent at Neverland. In attendance were Nick and Aaron Carter and a large crowd of well-wishers. After we sang happy birthday, Michael wanted to be silly and started a food fight with Aaron which ignited into a huge food fight with everybody! It was awesome!

Did Michael Jackson allow you to see “the private Michael Jackson” or was the relationship more “business-like?”

I would say that our relationship was more “business-like” than personal, although there were times that Michael would quietly confide in me. We talked about the world of music, the state of the record business and his future plans. In general though, he kept his own counsel and protected his privacy ferociously. My perception of Michael never changed and never wavered. Before meeting him I felt a kindred spirit with Michael and after working for him I still feel that same way . . . forever.

What was a favourite memory of Neverland?

It was a gorgeous morning when I arrived at Neverland for the first time. As I entered the main gates my eyes went to the bronze statues of children scattered throughout the impeccably manicured grounds, winsome pictures of boys and girls at play, suspended in time like Michael Jackson’s celebrated alter ego, Peter Pan. I didn’t dwell unduly on his love of young people, since I was blown away to simply be there in Neverland; my favourite place on Earth, the fairy tale kingdom of the world’s most celebrated pop star. I admit to feeling a bit giddy that morning—I had imbibed the elixir of Michael’s fame.

Michael greeted me in a voice that [had] a slightly trilling and pleasing musical quality to it. We shook hands and I was surprised at the strength of his grip. He didn’t have a limp or wimpy handshake like I thought he might and he had larger hands than I expected. We shook hands for about ten seconds as we made eye contact. His gaze was open, his manner straightforward.

“You’re doing a great job, Stuart,” he said, “And I’m really pleased to meet you. You’re an asset to the team.”

“Thanks,” I said. “It’s been great working for you and I’m really enjoying it.”

We chatted a few minutes about the ranch and how beautiful it was.

“I want Dieter to show you everything—all of it. I want you to become as familiar with this place as anyone that has ever lived, I mean it,” Michael said…..

At that moment I had a feeling of amazement. It’s a simple thing—to meet someone, shake hands, chat, and say goodbye. It happens a million times, so why should this be different? Yet it was…..It was Michael Jackson!

The MJFC Team would like to sincerely thank Mr. Backerman from the bottom of our hearts. Not just for the privilege of running this exclusive interview; but for everything that he did during that very difficult time in all of our lives.

Stuart, you will never know how much we love and appreciate you!

Source: MJFC-USA

All requests for republication of this interview must be in writing, clearly stating the purpose and manner in which the interview will be used. If republished, the interview must carry MJFC credit. Unless specifically noted otherwise, all permission is given for one-time use only.

Copyright © 2005 - 2008 The Michael Jackson Fan Club.

In an interview to SOHH.com at the BET Awards 2008, singer and songwriter Sean Garrett said that he is in the studio working on stuff for Michael Jackson as well as music for other artists such as Beyoncè.

Click Here to watch the interview on video.

Source: SOHH

KATE Gerbeau, nee Sanderson, 39, was born in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.

She joined the BBC in 1997 to present Newsround and has also worked on Watchdog and the BBC’s Breakfast show.

She lives in London and is married to the entrepreneur Pierre-Yves Gerbeau. They are expecting their first child.

Kate hosts Five TV’s new series, Wild Animal ER (UK).

When asked by the The Huddersfield Examiner if she had to be stuck in a lift with someone who it would be, she answered ‘Michael Jackson’:

“I’ve got so many questions to ask him. He’s the one person I’d really like to interview. My husband’s actually met him. More than anything else, I want to see if the judgement of him is right and compare it for myself.”

Click Here to read her entire interview with the Paper.

Source: The Huddersfield Examiner

Ne-Yo may have won a Grammy for his last album, Because of You, and penned Beyoncé’s massive “Irreplaceable,” but that doesn’t mean he’s sticking with the formula. When we ran into the singer at a Tanqueray No. Ten–sponsored party for VH1’s Save the Music in East Hampton this weekend, he told us he’s trying to change things up for his upcoming album, Year of the Gentleman. “For inspiration I started listening to stuff like Coldplay, Radiohead, some of the Beatles’ old stuff.” He even tried to learn how to play guitar, but it didn’t take. “They didn’t tell me that learning to pay the guitar hurts. Your fingers bleed and they cramp. I was like, ‘This is not sexy. I do not like this.’” He gave it the old college try for two weeks before calluses started to show, “and that’s when I gave up. I was like, ‘Nah. I’m okay.’ Playing guitar is not the hottest thing. And then when you shake a person’s hand, you’ve got sandpaper hands. No, thank you.”

Also trying to change it up? Michael Jackson, who asked Ne-Yo to write songs for his comeback album. “Yeah, Michael’s putting together a new album, and I’m helping him out with it,” he confirmed. According to Ne-Yo, Jackson himself called to get him onboard. “I actually hung up on him because I thought someone was playin’,” he said. “‘Who’s this?’ [high voice] ‘This is Michael Jackson.’ Click. Then his representative called back. ‘This is Peter Lopez. I have Michael Jackson on the phone.’ And I was like, ‘Oh my God. Are you serious?’ And then I apologized for the next ten minutes. Any comedian who has ever made fun of Michael Jackson was right on. Sad but true. He does have a very high, not very manly voice.”

But in the end, Jackson managed to talk Ne-Yo into the project. “He said he had a very high appreciation for my appreciation for melody. His music is all about the melody, and that’s the only sort of real direction he gave me: ‘Just make sure the song is as melodic as possible. I want to get back to that.’” Jackson apparently also gave some instructions on subject matter for lyrics, but, Ne-Yo said, “it was very much keep it to yourself.” At this point, Ne-Yo has written a number of tracks, which he submits to Jackson as MP3s via e-mail; then, Ne-Yo said, “he’ll call me back and say, ‘I really like song No. 3. Song No. 4, the hook could be stronger. Song No. 1, change the first verse. Okay, bye.’ Click. And then I redo them and he’s like, ‘Okay, they’re perfect. Send me more.’ So I don’t know what he’s keeping, what he’s getting rid of, what he’s recording.”

Will this be Michael Jackson’s comeback album? Ne-Yo hopes so. “He’s definitely trying,” he said. “He’s trying to get back to a place where people remember why they love Michael Jackson in the first place. In the beginning, you didn’t care about Michael Jackson’s personal life. It was about his dancing and his music. That was why you loved Mike. He’s trying to get back there. And I’m trying to help.”

Source: New York Magazine

Singer and songwriter Claude Kelly (27) wrote the song ‘Hold My Hand’ featuring Akon and Michael Jackson which was leaked to the internet a few days ago. Soon after the song was pulled off the internet again.

In an interview to Billboard, Kelly said that hearing Michael Jackson’s voice on the track for the first time was a total surprise to him:

“I wrote the song and gave it to Akon with the intention of it going to maybe Whitney Houston, but Akon said he wanted to cut it himself. I thought, ‘It doesn’t get any bigger than this’. A few months after, Akon plays the song for me and all of a sudden I hear Michael Jackson’s voice. I was literally shaking by the time the song was over.”

The track is in contention to be the first single from Akon’s new album, due late this year. Kelly’s manager Michael “Make” Mentore from Star Power Media/Make Moves Management said that plans are to release the track on both Akon’s and Michael’s album.

As a child, Claude Kelly took piano and flute lessons and sang with local choirs. He attended Brooklyn College of Music in 1999, and in 2002 wrote his first song, which was placed in a Bathing Ape compilation released in Japan. In 2006, his first major placement came with “Daddy’s Little Girl” from Frankie J’s album ‘Priceless’.

Source: Billboard

Even though Ne-Yo is only on his third album, he has already established a theme that runs through all of his work. Each album has to have at least one song that pays homage to his musical icon, Michael Jackson.

“Anybody who has been following Ne-Yo from the start knows that I’m a huge, huge Michael Jackson fan.”

The MJ tribute on Ne-Yo’s upcoming album Year of the Gentleman, which is due to drop in August, is a club-thumping number called “Nobody.” While “Closer,” Ne-Yo’s current hit, is about a dancefloor hookup between two strangers, “Nobody” presents a different scenario. Here’s how Ne-Yo describes it:

“Say she didn’t give you anything, but instead she just started dancing, and it was the most amazing thing you’ve ever seen. It’s like she’s untouchable, like it would be a sin to touch her or dance with her, with what’s going on with her right now.”

When Ne-Yo played the track for the King of Pop, with whom he’s currently working, he got a positive response.

“He told me that he likes the way I do Michael Jackson. I asked him what he meant by that, and he said, ‘When you do that, it doesn’t feel like you’re trying to copy me or trying to be me. It feels like you’re complimenting me.’ And that’s what I’m doing. It means the world [to me] that he liked it.”

Source: MTV

Earlier this year, Rolling Stone Magazine named Chris Brown the “Best New Michael Jackson“, so it made sense that Brown told them a story about the King of Pop when he stopped by for lunch last week:

“He’s one of the most difficult guys to get to do anything. I’ve done the World Music Awards [with him], and he’s called me for my birthday - he did it the superstar way and had his security [call] for him and say ‘Yeah, I got Michael on the phone.’

“[Jackson] was telling me ‘Happy Birthday’ and I was like ‘Thank you, we need to do a record.’ He’s like, ‘Oh, definitely. Will.i.am was telling me about it, so we need to do it.’ It didn’t actually happen how we wanted it, but hopefully in the future it’ll work out.”

Source: Rolling Stone

Appearing on the BET network TV show 106 & Park in New York (USA) earlier this week, Michael`s younger sister Janet was also asked what she thinks about rumours of Michael doing a show in Las Vegas. Janet responded that she has no idea if he will go ahead with the show but was extending an offer to be his opening act:

“I’ve heard that (story) for a while, but I don’t know.

I would love to (open up for him).”

Source: World Entertainment News Network, MJFC-USA

THE Jacksons phoned double act Signature before the finals of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent to wish them luck.

Suleman Mirza and Madhu Singh revealed on GMTV today that the phone call came out of the blue.

“I couldn’t believe it. It happened about an hour or two before the show. I got a call from the security manager saying, ‘Hi, I’m here with the Jackson family - Michael’s mother and the two brothers are here - I think it ’s Jackie and Tito - they’re sitting down, they wish you all the best and they’ll be voting for you.’

And then I got a call back on Sunday saying that apparently Michael’s aware of our act and he’s a big fan and he’ll be contacting us soon. I don’t know if that’s quite true, but we’ll see what happens.”

Source: GMTV, Coventry Telegraph

This week, the British tabloid The Sun published an article claiming that Michael canceled a performance on ‘American Idol’ just 24 hours before the show due to stage fright. The story was repeated by media organizations worldwide.

On Friday, ‘American Idol’ judge Simon Cowell appeared on the BBC Radio 2 ‘Steve Wright In The Afternoon’. Asked about the rumour he said that those rumours are not true:

“Not true, not true. We hear those rumours all the time.”

Cowell also stated that they would be happy to have Michael Jackson on the show some time.

Click Here for an audio of the show.

Source: BBC Radio 2