I was a fanatic

On the afternoon of June 25, 2009, I was setting up sound and lights for Marymount Academy’s graduation. In the midst of it all I received a text message from my cousin DJ Tuff that read “Michael Jackson cardiac arrest and unresponsive.”
At the time I didn’t make much of it and continued doing what I was doing. Within the next hour I received text after text informing me Michael Jackson had died. The news didn’t fully sink in until the next couple days with all the intense media coverage.
No one lives forever, but I never imagined MJ passing so soon, nor did I fathom the worldwide reaction that would ensue.
As a young boy growing up in the 80s I was witness to, and an enthusiastic participant in, Michael Mania. I had the Thriller album, Jacket, jeri curl and the trademark glittery glove. During those times you couldn’t go anywhere without seeing his image or hearing the music of the recently crowned King of pop.
I wanted any and everything that had to do with him.
From Magazines, posters, buttons… you name it, I was an MJ fanatic as was most of the world. My house was even broken into as a result of my addiction.
It was December and my mother and I were on our way to a Christmas dinner. When I reached the bus stop I realized I had forgotten my sequenced glove. Being that it was less than fifty feet away, Moms gave me the keys and I ran home. Unfortunately, I was so focused on getting my MJ glove, I forgot to lock the door, and upon returning from dinner realized our home was burglarized. It appeared to be some petty thieves who only made off with a little cash, my sunglasses and camera.
“Michael raised the bar then broke it.”
I would wait by the television with anticipation anytime he premiered a new video or appeared on a show.
During an era in which we had just witnessed the birth of the music video, he went over the top and produced a thirteen-minute mini movie called Thriller. However, till this very day my all-time favorite MJ TV performance goes back to Motown’s 25th anniversary where he unleashed the now legendary moonwalk. I was in shock, wondering what Michael just did. He’s the definition of a superstar and he shined the world over.
In 1984 The Victory tour came to the Olympic stadium, ticket prices were high, but nevertheless the show sold out. I was disappointed that I was unable to attend; little did I know that would be Michael’s last performance in our city. When he announced the recent “This Is it Tour” I swore if it came remotely close to Canada I would be there.
As a DJ for the last seventeen years, my love for Michael’s music can be heard whenever I play. His music is timeless and is enjoyed by every generation.
It was sad seeing the passing of MJ, but I think he would have been pleased to see the love and adoration that flowed from every part of the world. There was no other like him before and I highly doubt there will ever be another like him.
He was an exceptional artist that set trends, raised the standards and broke racial barriers on a global level.
In the words of Motown founder Berry Gordy “Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer that ever lived.”