Jun 26 2009
Mortal “Icon”, Eternal “Legend”
Who hasn’t heard the news by now??
I remember turning on the news and hearing that the “King of Rock is dead, the victim of an apparent heart failure. He was found collapsed at his mansion earlier today, and rushed to a nearby hospital, where efforts to revive him failed.”
Almost immediately, radios around the country were filled with what seemed to be his entire library of hits, and fans began flocking to both hospital and his mansion, tears of disbelief streaming down their shocked faces.
Michael Jackson?? No — that’s the news report and reaction on the passing of Elvis Presley, some thirty-two years ago.
Still, the rite-of-passage has been the same for both legends: the cause of death (as known at the time of their demise, anyway), the fans’ reactions, the constant back-to-back hits peppered with thoughts and memories, and more …
Now, there’s no doubt that Jacko was a true icon of the genre. He went from young “soul” singer with his brothers (I Want You Back, ABC) to rock (Beat It, Bad), theater (Thriller), crooner (You Are Not Alone), collaborator (The Girl Is Mine, w. Paul McCartney), soul (The Way You Make Me Feel) and, to a degree, spiritual (Man In The Mirror).
And his death does leave a void in this genre we call “rock”. But, over the next year or so, we’re gonna be seeing and hearing a lot of the same noize we heard shortly after Presley’s death:
His albums (even with the Jackson Five) are gonna sell like crazy … and back on the charts in the high-numbers! As with Elvis, there’ll undoubtedly be a number of “Michael” sightings. Tabloids will first come out with mostly-concocted, sensational “discoveries” about him … then claim that he’s still alive!
As far as the 02 concert series goes: Obviously, it’s cancelled, so there’s going to be a fervent call for refunds by most of the fans who’ve already bought tickets. But there are gonna be some who’ll want to keep theirs as “momentos”, much like those who bought tix for the Presley concert that never would be played …
Nonetheless — as tributes and homages come in from around the world — all of this shows an undeniable truth: That, although he had his ups and downs and his eccentricity was fodder for many comedians and writers (yes, including this one), the man was a true mortal “icon” …
and now an eternal “legend” of rock …
See ya on the flip side, when we get back to bizness as unusual …
