MIchael Jackson Tribute is Not About the Money

MJI am no longer 13 and the world's biggest Michael Jackson fan, but I still have to seriously think WTF is his promoter, who was with Michael's family at the hospital, thinking of by even considering the possibility of turning all of the Michael Jackson concerts that were scheduled this summer into Michael Jackson tribute.

Randy Phillips, in an interview with CBS news, first gave a moving account of how his first thoughts at the hospital after learning that Michael probably would not survive did not go to the concerts (which had netted $85 million dollars in the first minutes of ticket sales), but to Michael's mother and Michael's children. Only when Michael's mom left to Target to buy toys for the kids did his thoughts turn to business. (why Michael Jackson's mom shops at Target is a mystery to explore another time.)

"The question now confronting the businessman with a huge investment in the Jackson brand, is what happens next. And his answer seems to be that the show, or some version of the show, should go on."

You might be wondering what exactly Randy has in mind.......he is thinking of a tribute that would include as many of his brothers and sisters willing to perform, amazing sets  and costumes (since they already have them), and all of the great intellectual property that is indeed, the Jackson brand. Basically, some kind of show better suited to Vegas, and more about the money than Michael Jackson or any of his actual fans.

Randy is not without a heart, though. According to the article I read, he told CBS, "I lost one of my closest friends, so it's not about the money, necessarily."

The "necessarily" is the big sticking point for me. That little qualifier right there means that it is all about the money, and probably has been throughout the history of most of Michael Jackson's friendships. Not mind, you,that I am an expert on Michael Jackson or his friendships, but this "friend" in particular seems more than a little ambitious. While I do mourn the loss of the profits he might have made from the shows, I feel sorrier for Michael Jackson in his death than I did in his life because I am realizing how few true friends he had.

I'm not saying that I am not as entranced as most people, but just saying that the spectacle of Michael Jackson's entire life has become the spectacle of his death.