This book contains true stories.
Die Deutsche Nationalbibliothek verzeichnet diese Publikation in der Deutschen Nationalbibliografie; detaillierte bibliografische Daten sind im Internet über dnb.d-nb.de abrufbar.
Original edition
Published by
Copyright © 2010
Brigitte Bloemen
Marina Dobler
Miriam Lohr
Sonja Winterholler (ed.)
Publisher/Print (Herstellung/Verlag)
Books on Demand GmbH,
Norderstedt
ISBN
978 3 8448 5192 2
Edition
first edition
Opening address
Anton & Franziska Schleiter
His message was: Love!
Alex Gernandt
Happy birthday, Michael
Andrés Salinas
If only we could turn back time
Hoda Karamzadeh
You ain‘t seen nothing yet
Kerstin Reinke
Gentle soul
Bonnie Lamrock
„...nothing falls like London rain.....nothing heals me like you do....“
Katharina Roggendorf
You
Michaela Huber
The sheets
Christina Sanchez
Pinch me!
Marina Dobler
Neverland Feelings
Miriam Lohr
Michael in Oman
Samira Harib Mohd Al Maskry
From Munich to Duisburg, a true miracle
Zimmy
Cologne Calling 3rd July 1988
Shaun Redfern
My short trip to London
Vanessa Pereira
August, 28th, 1958
Dagmar Herrmann
Running into Michael
Diane Hotchkiss
The letter
Alice Oderinde
Thank you for the memories
Jannik Per Jørgensen
A story of a very special friendship
The Appleheads
London
Charlotte Svee Hestnes
All the magic in your eyes
Sabine Fritah-Lenze
My little gift‘s journey
Dawn Trethewey
The “Omni”-experience or “Oh, he´s already coming!”
Sonja Winterholler
Blue Skies, August 29, 2004
Sandra Mojas
My meeting with Michael
Dagmar Herrmann
Make that change
Hoda Karamzadeh
American Bandstand 50th Anniversary
Marjorie De-Faria
Munich 1998 or Let US entertain YOU
Brigitte Bloemen
Ain’t no sunshine: Goodbye gloved one
Pranav Dixit
Crazy Times
Heidi Laurito
March 17th 1996 Paris, FRANCE...
Kader
I love you
Dagmar Herrmann
Seeing him live
Gabriela Bejan
HIStory Tour Bremen 1997 Michael’s arrival
Kerstin Reinke
The soundtrack of my life
Glenda Furia
The Dangerous “balcony” Show in Tel Aviv (1993)
Julia Orendi
Birgit Hoffmann
Dagmar Wendel &
Monika Reimann
Basic needs simply didn‘t matter
Laura Czerska
A fan‘s life
Eva Lassmann
Escape!
Dagmar Herrmann
My inspiration
Mark Makowski
Prague 1996 - MYStory
Olaf Haensch
In the eyes of those who love him
Sandra Mojas
„I give you more than a hug“
Sybille Wittmann
The purest smile I have ever seen
Goncerenco Sherin
Dear Michael
Brigitte Bloemen
A cold winter‘s day in Berlin
Agnes Spett
My life as MJ „fan“
Harald Hehmann
Argentina 1993
Anonymous
My meeting with Michael Jackson
Gina Banic
The Elephant Man‘s left hand
Sandra Mojas
„Wetten, dass..?“
Petra Fischer
A poet‘s notion
Carina Zieroth
Like a big brother...
Michael La Perruque
Home-to-him sickness
Marina Dobler &
Katharina Roggendorf
Dream come true
Marjorie De Faria
Meeting Michael – How one single day has changed my life
Silke Milpauer
„Thanks Michael, it means the-world to me, I love you“
Kader
WE are Michael Jackson
Franziska Neurieder
Quotes
Michael Jackson
This name alone initiates some kind of emotion or opinion in almost every person on our planet. For nearly four decades, Michael Jackson has been in a worldwide spotlight. His talent as a singer and dancer stays unequalled in pop history; his music, his performances, short films and tours revolutionized our entire pop culture. Countless articles, reports, books and essays have been published about him, all trying to offer insight into every aspect of his professional career as an entertainer and, apparently even more interesting to some, into his private life and lifestyle. Fact is Michael Jackson’s life is highly documented – truthfully or not. So what can still be said about Michael Jackson that the world doesn’t already know?
Well, there is another side of the man, the myth, the legend. It’s his fans. Michael Jackson’s career would have never been the same without the millions of fans all over the world who stood by him for over 40 years. They were very important not only for Michael Jackson, the artist, but also for Michael, the human being. His fans stayed by his side in good times as well as in bad times and kept him grounded when the media tried to condemn him. Even when the whole world turned against him, in his trials and his tribulations, on his fans’ support Michael could always count. But what is the reason for their unbroken loyalty?
This book contains stories and poems that no journalist, no biographer and no editor could ever write about Michael Jackson! These texts were written by Michael’s fans and friends and tell you about the unique relationship, the very special bond that existed between them and Michael. By reading these stories you will discover a facet of Michael Jackson that the general public is not even aware of and you will get an insight into why Michael’s fans have the reputation of being the most loyal of all.
The idea to compile this book was in our minds long before June 25th, 2009. Originally we had planned it as a present for Michael. When he announced his London concerts, we thought it would be the right time to make our concept a reality. So at the beginning of June 2009, we began to contact fan clubs, communities and individual fans around the world to collect contributions. Surprisingly a personal friend of Michael told us that he had heard about our idea and loved it - and he promised to tell Michael about it when meeting him the next day. That day was June 23rd, 2009.
Then the unbelievable happened on June 25th, 2009…
It took several weeks before we could think about the planned project again. Now, however, it made no sense to continue with it because it was designed for Michael. We had intended to show him the joy he brought into his fans’ lives, how he has inspired them, how he has changed lives and how even little courtesies on his side meant the world to us. We were not sure if he ever fully understood all of that. He probably did not know how much fun it all was for us! On top of that we were certain that the Michael we all got to know would have loved reading about his fans’ experiences and their encounters with him (or at least their efforts) from their perspective. We believe he would have laughed a lot!
Suddenly this goal was all shattered. It made no sense anymore to continue the project and so we intended to let it die with him. But for some reason it did not disappear from our minds and questions began to form in our heads. We realized that the next generation(s) of Michael Jackson fans would never be able to experience him the way we have. How would they know what it was like being a Michael Jackson fan in the “MJ-era”? How would they ever learn about what Michael was really like, how he cared for his fans, how he never missed a chance to show us his love? Would they ever hear about “window games” and “lightshows” and would they ever know that Michael was, in contrast to what the press says, one of the most accessible stars for his fans? We knew they would not find anything about that in the media!
We realized that only we, his fans, who have experienced all that, only we can tell these stories and our love and admiration for him serves as a mirror of Michael’s personality.
So gradually we realized how wrong it would be to let it all go. We soon felt the need to bring this project back to life, to do the best we can to portray and thereby preserve the Michael we have got to know over the years. Suddenly we had become contemporary witnesses of one of the most talented artists and of, no doubt, the greatest entertainer that ever lived. But, maybe much more importantly, of one of the sincerest human beings we have met and a true example in sharing his values.
So that’s how we started all over again.
Admittedly, it was a difficult timing for a lot of fans found it painful to remember their personal memories in a time of mourning. Others, however, saw it as a way to keep Michael alive by remembering him in their stories. We all shared the feeling that this book should be put into practice and that it was important to do so – maybe now more than ever!
Michael influenced millions around the world! He touched hearts and opened up his own to generously invite his fans in. And we have learned some important things from him – to love, to care and to give! Therefore we decided that all proceeds from this book will go to charity in Michael’s name.
Being a Michael Jackson fan, for us, always meant a lot of joy, believing in the impossible, going for your dreams, never giving up hope, friendship, escaping everyday life and having incredible fun! It truly was a walk on the wild side – and we loved every second of it!
May this book help to keep his memory alive for many generations of fans that will follow. Not of Michael Jackson the mega star, the Moonwalker or the King of Pop – just of Michael, the man who so self-sacrificingly tried to show the world that it is all about L.O.V.E!
When we were asked if we would like to contribute some lines to this book, we gladly said „yes“ because we got to experience very closely the special bond between Michael and his fans over many years and we feel happy to be able to share this with you.
„Fan“ is, in our opinion, too simple of a word to describe the relationship between Michael and all of you because the affection and love that each one of you has for Michael, and that he has for you, would be better described with words like friends and family. Michael has touched so many lives and we came to understand, now more than ever, what important role he plays in each one of your lives, like he does for our family.
For millions he is an inspiration, a role model, a light. For him, all of you play just as an important of a role. He loves you with all his heart and we remember many occasions that show how much he cares about you.
Whenever we would stand next to Michael at the hotel window we got goosebumps from all the emotions that were created by the singing and shouting fans. There was literally so much love in the air. Michael was always aware of every noise you made, even if he wasn’t at the window.
A view from MIchael´s window
Michael looking at banners in his hotel room
We would hang out in his room and he would start to sing along to the songs you sang or tell us how sweet the sentences were that you shouted. When you were dancing his moves on the street, he would laugh out loud and enjoy watching you. He loved that.
He would point out pictures and posters that caught his eye, so we could go and pick them up for him. Then he would look at them in his room and his eyes would shine bright with excitement. We have a video where he unrolls a big poster with children pictures and he says with so much joy: “YES! It’s my favorite. Oooh, I looove it! This is going back with me in my arms.“
Michael and we were always so amazed at all the wonderful artwork that you created. It showed how much love and effort you put into them. We always spent so much time just looking at everything. Michael truly valued the things you gave him and would store every single thing at his house.
He told us so many times how much you mean to him and we understand very well why, because everything you do comes out of love.
Often, when some of you came to meet him, he would tell us to hug you so that we also could feel the love you give. He was always so right.
Your personal stories and experiences with Michael are truly magical and will never be forgotten - it is something that stays in your heart where nobody can take it away from you. And what makes us so unbelievably happy is knowing that all of you will continue to live his love and his messages and pass it on to the coming generations.
And this way, through all of us, Michael will forever live.
Love,
Anton & Franziska
Franziska and Anton with Michael in Munich 1999
Picture by Elisabeth Apfel (ElisabethApfel@gmx.de)
There is no star in the world that has as loyal fans as Michael Jackson! Even in this aspect the King of Pop manages to achieve a superlative. The incredible enthusiasm, the infinite love, yes, the almost god-like worship of millions of fans that Michael evoked over the decades is beyond comparison!
Not only with his brilliant songs, videos and stunning breakthrough performances Michael won the hearts of the people, but also by his exemplary humanitarian efforts and an unwavering commitment to make this world a better place. . . Michael was a dreamer and a visionary. His message was love!
He gave us meaningful songs like “We are the world”, “Man in the mirror”, “Heal the world”, and the “Earth Song”. He personally took care of sick and vulnerable children around the world, had hospitals built in conflict areas, and donated to cancer research. While doing all of this, he never put himself into the spotlight. And that makes him so special!
Many admitted their admiration for MJ after his tragic death. But his true fans always stood by him - even in difficult times! They saw through the game of the tabloids that tried to increase their circulation with alleged scandals. The real fans always saw the real Michael - the Michael, we will forever remember. . .
Alex with Michael in Budapest during a break of the shoot of his HIStory trailer
Ever since I missed Michael’s 45th Birthday Party in Los Angeles, I made a promise to myself to be with Michael for this 50th Birthday. And I always imagined it in a very different way from how it really happened. Who wasn’t expecting a huge 50th birthday bash organized by some celebrity ‘friend’?
So at the beginning of 2008 the first thing I did at work was to ask for holidays at the end of August. Months were going by and there was no word of any birthday parties being put together. Michael was living in Las Vegas during that time, moving from a house to different hotels to another house…We decided to book our flights in May and take the risk of going to Las Vegas and try to find him. That of course if he didn’t decide to move to another country!
August came and Michael was still living in Las Vegas. A few months before one of the Las Vegas bloggers mentioned the street of the place where he was reportedly living, Palomino Lane. With this address and the one of the Palms Studio where he was recording we felt we had a chance of finding him.
We flew to Los Angeles and spent a few days there: Universal Studios, Disneyland, Warner Studios… During these first days some rumours were saying Michael was in New York! And then in Canada! And then in Santa Monica with Pamela Anderson! We decided not to pay attention to any of these gossips, some supported by what clearly were pictures of lookalikes, and continue our plan. Actually we went to check the Santa Monica rumour! One of my friends in the group had never been to Neverland so we decided to take a different route and stop at the ranch before going to Las Vegas. The idea was just to buy some food at the Los Olivos Grocery and have some kind of picnic in front of the gates. It is so calm and peaceful there! I recognised one of the security guys at the gates from the time during the trial in 2005 and I asked him how everything was at the ranch. “It’s OK” he said. Just a few minutes later we saw a couple of trailers leaving the property…We were aware of the critical situation at the ranch but never expected to see that! Some of the rides were passing by in front of us, the Ferris Wheel, the Zipper…I couldn’t believe my eyes! They were taking away the rides that some of my friends were able to enjoy one day…Ironically my nickname in forums is Zipper, because I always thought that would be my favorite ride… Tears and sad faces in all of us. We cancelled the picnic and continued our road trip to Las Vegas … hoping that Michael wasn’t doing some shopping in NY!
So we arrived in Las Vegas days before his birthday. We got there by 3 pm, desert city of Las Vegas, month of August…40 C!! A quick check in at the Palms Hotel and straight away to have a look at that Palomino Lane… It was not a very long street, just a few blocks, so we decided to leave the car on one end and walk to the other trying to figure out which one was Michael’s house. I will mention again the 40 C and that there were no shadows in that street! And that of course we didn’t know for sure if he was living there. It was months ago when I found the name of that street. After walking all along the street we agreed on 4-5 possible houses, even though neither of them seemed like a place where he would live. Walking back to the car to have a second look we noticed a black suited guy with one of those things on his ear, standing on the front yard of a house that we didn’t consider a possible one! But that guy was clearly working as security so we stood nearby for a few minutes. Another security guy came out to the front yard. Both looked at us standing on the other side of the street. Moments later they came to us…What we heard from them was like magic to our ears! “He knows you are here and wants you to know that he loves you and appreciates you being here. You are more than welcome to stay here.” They told us we could give them any letters or gifts and they would hand them to Michael. Neither of us had an MJ t-shirt and nobody mentioned his name in the conversation but we all knew we were talking about Michael. I guess standing there with 40 C we could only be fans! We had just arrived to Las Vegas and had found him within an hour!!! And he knew there were fans outside and didn’t mind having us there!!
It was just me and my friends in front of his house. Around half an hour later the gates opened and an SUV left. It was the first car we saw, we had no idea of what to do, we didn’t know if that would be his, so we basically did nothing! When the car was a few meters away the back window rolled down and there he was!! He had half his body outside the window, he was laughing and waving back at us!! We finally reacted and started running after the car, what made him laugh even more!! He was wearing a white t-shirt. The car disappeared turning right at the end of the street. We felt extremely lucky. I myself had experienced some other unsuccessful MJ trips in the past, but this one was becoming the best one! He came back at night time and stopped the car for us. Prince, Paris and Blanket were inside with him. We all shook his hand, even several times! He had his face covered with a veil but we could see him quite well through it. He told us they went out to have some ice cream and had a good time. We told him we were coming from Spain and that we would have lots of presents in the coming days. He kept saying ‘thank you’ all the time. That night, like many others, we went to have a dinner celebration!
Back in the hotel we found out that he had been to the show KA at the MGM. The next day we went to buy some presents for Michael and the kids before going to his house. We bought some baseball caps, some merchandising from the show KA, and a magic game for the children. In the early afternoon the car left again. It seemed like it was just going to leave without stopping but it slowed down, the window rolled down and he had something for us! Inside an empty CD case there was a note. He had written us a message…
„Just know that I truly love and appreciate all of you, from the bottom of my heart. I will do the best for you musically and creatively, visually. “I love you”. Michael Jackson -08.”
Andrés holding Michael’s message
That message made us feel the most special people in the world. Telling us one more time how much he loved us and promising that he would do the best for us. Always thinking of giving the best to the fans. When he came back they didn’t stop the car. But he left the house again a couple of hours later to have dinner at Planet Hollywood. That was the moment we showered him with all of our presents. The kids were very polite and thanked us for the presents. Michael and Blanket seemed to really like a DVD collection of the 3 Stooges. In the coming days he was rumored to appear at two events, the MTV VMA and the BMI which were honoring the Jackson 5, so I asked him directly if he was going to attend. “I can’t, I have to work” he said. I asked him if he enjoyed the show KA the other night and if he would recommend it. “Oh yes, totally! I loved it!”
A few other fans arrived as his birthday got closer, but we were never more than 15 fans. But as fans started to show up, the paparazzi did too, guarding his house all day long.
The big day arrived, our King was turning 50! We bought lots of things from a Disney Store, we got balloons and of course a birthday cake! Because of the cake that was melting with the sun we gave it to his security together with all the presents and the balloons. The security thanked us and took everything inside the house. They told us Michael would go out in the evening, in case we didn’t want to stay there all day in the sun. We went to do some shopping for a few hours and then came back to the house. Later we got some bad news. The security came to us to tell us that Michael had to cancel his plans of going out because of the paparazzi, he didn’t want to be followed on a day like his birthday and have his day ruined by the paparazzi, and preferred to stay at home with his children instead. We understood his decision but couldn’t help feeling sad for not seeing him on his birthday. But somehow we felt we celebrated his birthday together. We spent the evening outside his house. We all got some pizza delivered by his bodyguards! And later on the day Michael made a very touching gesture. They were probably celebrating his birthday in the back yard and at some point he released the balloons we gave him. We stared at them as they went higher and higher in the sky until we lost sight of them. I took it as his way of saying that he got our presents and that he was thankful. A bit before midnight we all gathered outside in front of his gates and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ for him before going to bed.
Andrés with his friends in front of Michael’s house with their birthday presents for him
Pizza Michael ordered for the fans
We didn’t see him for a few days, maybe because of the paparazzi or maybe he just felt like staying at home. But almost every day we could see the children from the outside riding their bicycles around the house. And we got more pizza in two other occasions!
Since we were staying at the Palms we wanted to get as close as possible to the recording studio that he was using at the time. The studio was in a different tower of the hotel, but being guests we had not much trouble getting there. Being right outside the door of the studio, on the other side where Michael was creating magic for us, was a wonderful feeling.
We had the chance to see him once again. He stopped the car when leaving the house. He was with the children this time, too. We asked him if he liked the birthday presents. “I loved them. I loved the Peter Pan statue”. “Did you really like it?” we asked. “Are you kidding? I loved it!” he said with a huge smile. The ‘are you kidding moment’ was my favorite moment of the trip. I can still hear him say that while giggling at the same time.
Our last day came, we just had a few hours left before going back to Los Angeles to take our flight back home. The security guy told us we could give them things and they would get Michael to sign them for us. I had never asked him for an autograph as I always preferred to talk to him while I had him in front of me so I thought this was a good occasion to get my first autograph. We gave them some photos we bought during our trip, and I gave them my Bad vinyl. They gave us all back signed in two hours. “God bless. Michael Jackson’08” is what he wrote on my vinyl!
And that is how our trip came to an end. He made us sooo happy during those days. I just wish we made him half as happy. Thank you, Michael. I love you.
If only we could turn back time
We wouldn’t be too blind to see that
in a world of lust, violence and fear
he spoke of love, peace, hope and valor.
If only we could turn back time
And there he would be again, this young
boy, telling our whole life with his words.
If only we could turn back time
We could see him moonwalk across
the stage again as his smile lights
up the skies.
If only we could turn back time
We just needed to stop for a moment
to hear him one last time. Now we
see him from a distance, never up-close
and real.
If only we could turn back time
We wouldn’t imagine him singing,
dancing and moonwalking among
the clouds.
If only we could turn back time
And God could give us one more chance.
If only God could give us one more chance
To light him up when his path was dark.
If only God could give us one more chance.
If only we could turn back time
So we could say “in your sorrow, we‘ll comfort you”.
It’s all too late now, it’s all too late.
Freedom is a precious asset. Michael Joseph Jackson,
you are free now like the soft breeze in the dawn.
Fly Michael, fly up in the skies. We are always looking
up at the sky just hoping we could get a sign. Especially
at night when in the magnificent universe above, the
brightest star of all shines, we know it‘s him.
If only we could turn back time
Maybe we would realize he had already given
us all his life.
If only we could turn back time…
Like so many of our “Michael-journeys”, our trip to Monte Carlo/Monaco also started at Munich’s central station. Coming from different parts of the city and its surroundings, we always met up there. It was May 9th 2000 and Michael was said to get a special award at this year’s World Music Awards taking place the next day, May 10th, in Monaco.
This time, we were only 4 friends of our group travelling together, the others had already arrived in Monaco a day earlier which we couldn’t make due to work or final exams taking place at that time.
After everybody had arrived, the usual excited chatter set as we boarded our train. And off we went. At around 5 pm we arrived in Verona/Italy where we had a few hours stopover before our “connecting” train would depart at 1.30 am at night. During these hours we explored Verona, which is such a beautiful city. Our Verona memories: marvellous ice-cream, even better pizza, stunning Arena dI Verona, lots of bats, Romeo and Juliet’s tiny balcony (at least we thought so), then quickly brushing our teeth at the train station’s platform and off we went again. Back on the train we at least got a little bit of rest in our sleeping car cabin.
The moment the sun rose we could already see the amazing Mediterranean Sea, lemon trees, gorgeous little houses and finally Monte Carlo. It was a dizzy day so we saw the high buildings of the city suddenly appear out of the blue.
After some “mountaineering” through the city that is entirely built on the side of a mountain, we ultimately reached our hotel. Refreshing shortly, we headed to the Hotel de Paris where Michael was staying to meet our friends.
The day before, Michael showed himself at the main entrance of his hotel to greet the fans but after a few minutes or mere seconds he quickly went back inside. At least that’s what we heard. We were actually relieved that we had not missed too much. And this day was still very young, nobody had seen a sign of Michael yet.
Soon we met some other familiar faces we now knew for some time. In front of Michael’s hotel, it always was kind of like a family reunion celebration. Everybody was meeting friends and exchanging stories, talking, laughing and of course speculating how the day will go on and what Michael might do. Today, however, it was clear that Michael had to go to the Award Show in the evening, after all, that was what he was here for. It seemed Michael was preparing himself for that appearance all day, because he wasn’t seen anywhere till the evening.
But my friends and I had lots of other things to see at the “Hotel de Paris” that rainy afternoon. We saw Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin and Jean Claude van Damme, all leaving in time for the show. Michael, however, took his time.
Meanwhile the clock already showed 8 pm and we were sure the Award Show at the “Sporting Club” must have already begun. We started wondering if Michael was still in his hotel or if he had secretly took off through the back entrance. So some fans headed towards the “Sporting Club” others to the beach in front of the club where the show was broadcasted on a huge screen. We decided to stay and wait at the hotel.
Two hours later – we actually thought that the show must soon be over – Michael’s driver came out and told us that Michael needed a bit more time to get ready. We couldn’t believe it but our hope to finally see Michael rose again. Indeed a few minutes later the vans were parked in front of the hotel’s side entrance. We ran from the main entrance around the corner only to see someone with black hair rushing into the van.
Obviously Michael was in a hurry now to make it to the “Sporting Club” in time for his appearance which was scheduled towards the end of the show. So all we got was the sight of the vans back lights and a few honks.
Our initial reaction was to run to the beach to at least see Michael there on the screen accepting his award. However after running a few minutes, we decided to rather go back to the hotel to be in the first row when Michael would come back.
We waited on the same side-entrance from where Michael had just left. And this time our decision was right. We managed to get a “first row spot” at the barriers and only seconds later the convoy of cars came around the corner. One of the vans parked directly in front of us. Now we were looking at blacked out windows. Its a weird moment, seeing yourself mirror in the windows of his car and not knowing how to look or what to do - simply looking stupid.
Soon some fans began to take pictures of basically black windows however through these camera flashes we could now clearly see Michael’s face behind the windows. He sat in the car and looked directly at us. I was honestly scared a few seconds and then again, I didn’t know what to do, now even more, knowing Michael is directly watching us.
Miraculously we felt the nervousness increase even further as nothing actually happened over the next 2 minutes. The screams of the other fans became louder and louder until finally the van door opened and Michael exited. Now the car was between Michael and us, so we couldn’t see him. Hectically we searched for a solution to get higher up to see over the van. But the flower boxes next to us were already occupied by other fans and all other poles and barriers were overcrowded as well. Suddenly some fans lost their balance and slipped back to the ground. This was our chance and our feet finally found a little spot on the flower boxes to step up. Finally we could SEE Michael!
He simply looked amazing. He smiled and was dressed all in black with two silver dragons decorating his jacket. Energetically we had to defend our place on the flower boxes for we constantly were pulled down again. The sunroof of Michael’s van was still slightly open, so we managed to get a hold there and finally rescued ourselves onto the roof of the van. But even up there we felt other fans ripping and tearing at our clothes and feet. Thus I lost hold after a while and dropped back to the ground. Laying right at the rear end of the van I tried to get up again now. But then I saw Michael moving a few steps closer to the barriers directly next to me. Suddenly, there were no more barriers between him and me. I kept sitting down on the street and just watched him writing autographs and shaking hands for a few moments. I felt paralyzed and somehow couldn’t get up. Police had their hands full getting the masses under control again as Michael moved back between the two vans and headed towards the entrance door. Again he disappeared out of my sight. Many fans jumped down from the barriers or vans to get a glimpse of Michael. Only after Michael was inside the hotel, the situation slowly relaxed.
Michael at the Hotel de Paris in Monaco
We lay in each others arms for a while now, crying out of joy! Those moments, as short as they might have been, were so intense that I will never forget them…
But Michael’s words from the Award acceptance speech that night turned out to become very true for us the following day: “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”
BIG Surprise at Hotel de Paris, May 11th, 2000
In the early afternoon we sat at the ocean side of Michael’s hotel, enjoying the nice view (not the ocean of course but Michael’s hotel windows) and a late brunch. Suddenly a girl we knew came running towards us. She told us that it looked like something at the side-entrance might happen soon and that we should better go there now. Immediately we threw our baguettes and balloons away with which we had just waved to a “Michael-to-be” shadow at one of the windows and ran to the mentioned side entrance on the other side of the hotel.
Apparently Michael wanted to go on a shopping tour so we wisely secured a good spot at the barriers. The vans were already parked in front of the exit door and indeed a while later Michael’s kids were carried to the vans, followed shortly by their dad. The fans were holding up banners and pictures and once again hysteria broke loose. For a quick moment Michael looked at us, waved and then sat down in a little black SMART, inconspicuously parked between the two big vans.
This time he wore a red mask. After some honking his little car moved a few metres before being surrounded and completely trapped by a mass of fans. Everyone jumped around ecstatically, knocking at the windows of the little car and blocking the street. Michael was clearly visible for us all the time, sitting in this tiny car with only two seats, literally no trunk and of course no blacked out windows. He was waving at us but also seemed a little nervous seeing the masses surrounding him.
The police were busy making some room for the car to move forward. Finally, with a little help by the big vans, the Smart managed to speed off. Caught in the excitement, most fans ran after the cars but gave up after the first corner. Little cars can go fast, too.
My friends and I immediately went back to the side-entrance. We adjusted the run over barriers back into place and occupied the best spots behind them, at the left side of the wall next to the entrance door. Moments later the barriers were completely occupied by fans again, all waiting for Michael to come back.
And indeed only minutes later the convoy returned. The Smart stopped only three metres away from us and we could see Michael sit in there. He pointed at some pictures that he wanted to sign. Meanwhile his children were brought back into the hotel. This time Michael took a lot of time and even signed some pictures twice, like the one of my friend which he signed on the front and the back side, probably because each side showed a different picture.
Michael at the Hotel de Paris
The bodyguards collected gifts and banners for Michael, too. I held my self-painted “Blood on the Dancefloor” flag and a Peter Pan postcard in my hand. As Michael exited the car and went past the fans towards the entrance door, he personally went over to me and took my presents. My heart literally sank into my boots when he paused in front of me, only about 30 centimetres away from me and looked at all the banners his fans were holding up. While looking at some collected banners and signing some more pictures, he turned around so his back faced me. At that moment I simply needed to touch him. Gently I reached out with one hand and softly stroke over his blade bone a few times. His silky shirt felt awesome and I had the feeling that he even enjoyed it. Despite the excitement I also tried to take some pictures. I managed to take a very special snapshot of Michael in a moment when the light that fell on his hair reflected in the shape of a heart.
I tried to memorize everything. The moments he stood so close to me, they actually seemed so long, almost like eternity. Still he was holding my flag in his hand while giving more autographs. I passed on a few pictures from fans behind me to him so he could sign them and then I passed them back to their owners. It was such a unique situation, so special.
Suddenly he turned around, looked me directly in the eyes and took my hand. Then he took one step to the side and unfolded my flag. Two corners of the 90cmx90cm square, silky flag he passed on to one of his bodyguards but kept holding on tight to the other two corners. Then he opened a black marker, literally painted a huge autograph onto it and then gave the flag back to me. I was totally surprised. I didn’t anticipate something like that for actually it was a gift for him. He lovingly looked at me and told me: “It’s wonderful”. I was lost for words.
Twice I told him “Thank you, thank you, but it was for YOU!”
But he said “It’s so wonderful, but it’s for YOU! This is for you.”
For a little moment he held my hand again and pressed it real tight. Then he disappeared into the hotel. I couldn’t believe my luck and tears of joy ran down my face.
Soon after, my heart had just gone back to normal rhythm, the vans were parked at the entrance again. Again his kids were first brought to the cars then Michael followed. Now he just waved very shortly blew some kisses before he took off to go shopping.
We defended our spots at the barriers and waited for about 90 minutes until Michael returned. His now sleeping children were quickly carried inside. All fans tried their best to stay quiet to not disturb them until they were inside the hotel. All you could hear were shushes coming from all sides.
Wisely Michael stayed inside the van a few minutes longer and spent this time telling his bodyguards which banners to collect for him. I had a second painted flag brought with me which I now decided to hold up as high as I could. On this one I had painted Michael sitting on a swing, surrounded by children. I couldn’t believe my luck as soon one of the bodyguards stood right in front of me and smilingly took my flag. Grinning from one ear to the other, he positioned himself in front of the van to show Michael my painted flag. I held my breath, when Michael all of a sudden pointed both his thumbs up and enthusiastically jumped up on his seat. He was so sweet.
Shortly after, he left the car to sign more autographs and then he stood right next to me again. He held a marker in his hand and was searching the crowd with his eyes to find the owner of the pen. Then he lightly shrugged his shoulders, nodded friendly towards me and before I could protest I had the marker in my hand. Thereafter Michael waved one last time and vanished inside the hotel.
Overjoyed I sat down on the ground. A whole day of standing squeezed behind barriers leaves its marks. Every single bone was aching, some bruises too but those wonderful moments with Michael were simply worth it all.
Forever I will think back to that day, for I will never be this close to Michael, for so long ever again…
I remember looking up at him as he gave his speech at Webster Hall 2002, during a Fan Celebration in New York. Luckily they allowed me in the “press booth” so I was right at his feet, at the bottom of the stage. I felt like I was dreaming.
He was so beautiful, not only his outer beauty but his spirit as well. I can tell by the way he addressed his fans that they were so important to him. He would smile and giggle when the fans would scream to him as he continued to speak. He knew we really loved him - I know that in my heart.
I‘ve been very fortunate to have seen Michael Jackson live three times as well as having worked at his 45th Birthday party in L.A. I will never forget those memories.
He was a very gentle human being - innocent and gentle.
The first memories that come to my mind when I try to remember „London 2000“ are my soaking wet clothes and terribly aching feet, almost no sleep, yet at the same time absolute blissfulness.
The summary of the most important moments of four nights in London: It was Friday. It was raining cats and dogs. We were waiting in front of Michael’s hotel „The Dorchester“. One of his vans had been parked only minutes ago directly in front of the entrance, what created the impression, that he would come out very soon, and made us leave our rain refugee and position ourselves behind the crowd barriers on the right side. Very soon? After one hour our jacket was wet, after two hours all of our clothes and our banners („dare to get the thrill in Munich“, „thanx you know what you did“) were soaking wet, after three hours we were wet as if having taken a shower. Still no sign of Michael. We were „trapped“. For “beaming” ourselves wasn’t an option, we had to make up our minds: go or stay. Having already been at the Royal Albert Hall in the morning (like Michael´s bodyguard Wayne Nagin, maybe even accompanied by Michael; it took us 3 hours by feet to get there from the Tower of London) to check out the arrangement of the crowd barriers and the possible entrance, we knew we would be able, if we arrived early enough, to stand nearby the entrance and would therefore be very close to him when he would enter the hall walking over the red carpet and most importantly, we would be protected by a roof. Encouraged by our imagination we started to make our way to the Royal Albert Hall, yet still praying for our decision to be the right one. You never know with Michael. When we arrived there at about 3.30 pm with our snacks that we had bought on the way, we hardly believed our luck, there was still enough space for us and so we joined the other fans behind the crowd barriers directly nearby the entrance and slowly started to relax. It turned out that we had done everything right. We were going to see him and he was going to see us and our banners and everything would just be perfect. We were so happy! It was cold, the wind was icy and there was no end of the rain in sight. Having still a lot of time left till the show would begin, I seized the opportunity to jump over to Hyde Park that was just on the other side of the street. I couldn’t resist looking for a toilet and with it even found a possibility to dry my hair at least a bit to make myself presentable to the human eye again. Light-heartedly I returned to my friends but our luck should not last too long. At almost 5 pm the security and police showed us the real entrance Michael and Liz would take, the place where the press was supposed to wait (very near and under a roof) and the place where we, the fans, were supposed to „die“, miles away in the pouring rain. We couldn’t believe it, we didn’t want to believe it, that must have been a bad joke, our eyes instantly filled with sadness and disappointment, a pitiable sight even too much to take for the security, that after a while rearranged the crowd barriers so that we were at least a little closer. The positioning of us, grateful and released, and our banners began again and at about 5.15 pm we were ready for Michael. Only that he probably wouldn’t come in the next three hours. Again it got uncomfortably wet (is there still a superlative?), I could have easily wrung out all (!) of my clothes. I only wanted to get away, but how could one, needless to say that there was no place in the world where one would have rather been, because we were going to see him. At about 7 pm the audience started to arrive, the number of police men in yellow rain coats increased, and some time around 7.30 Wayne came and our excitement rose to the top. He checked the situation and began waiting in front of the entrance of the Royal Albert Hall. He was as cool as always, watching us and reading our banners. We tried hard to force Wayne to a smile, shouting „Wayne, Wayne stop the rain“, but he showed no emotion. Suddenly we got the impression that the rain let up, in comparison one could even say that it stopped. Wasn’t it always like this? Whenever Michael showed up, the rain stopped, even if only for a few minutes. At 8.10 pm his car, a normal Mercedes with normal windows, arrived from the back, it drove by us (we saw him sitting on the left side, on our side, Liz was sitting next to him on the right side) only to stop right in front of us. He instantly started waving at us. It was like a dream, in that moment there was only him and me. The world around me didn’t exist anymore. Nothing was important anymore. Happiness and joy filled my heart and left no room for trouble and pain. It felt as if I had lived only for that moment, never before had I felt such strong emotions for someone. Suddenly his door was open and we were able to see him completely. We waved back at him and shouted, he only stopped to help Liz out of the car pushing her elbows, then he slid over on the right side of the seat to get out himself what enabled us to see his penguin tailed suit. Man, he was so cuuuute :-) They proceeded some meters towards the stairs, turning every now and then to wave at us, climbed the stairs, still waving at us and smiling at the cameras and then got swallowed by the hall. I had tears in my eyes, all the tension of the last hours unloaded itself (one never knows for sure if one is able to see him), but I regrets no second, it is all worth it, these few seconds waving at him and him waving back are all worth it. After a roller coaster ride of feelings there’s only absolute blissfulness left.
Full of joy yet with an empty stomach we took our banners and started to move as fast as we could (my feet were aching terribly, I still don’t know why I left Munich with uncomfortably tough boots), without any goal but with the urgent need to eat something and rest somewhere. Thank God there’s Mc Donald’s. We ate a bite, but most importantly, we tried to dry our clothes at the toilet, holding all possible parts of our bodies under the warm air, even our butts. Most certainly we would get the worst cold we ever had. But there was no time at all to worry about that. We were on the road again returning to the Royal Albert Hall just in time to see the first fans rushing out, smiling and laughing, all enthusiastic about the „show“. When we started to prepare ourselves again for Michael to come out, a security guy told us, he had already left the building with Liz 5 minutes ago, using the exit at the back of the building.
We trotted to his hotel through the pouring rain. Where there had once been my feet there was only pain then.