Music News
On Thursday morning (July 2), preparations for the event were under way Chick Hearn Court, the street that runs in front of the Staples Center, had been closed down, and several police cars and television trucks were parked in front of the venue.On Wednesday, in a prepared statement, the Jackson Family squelched reports that memorial and funeral services for the King of Pop would be held at his Neverland Valley Ranch, which was Jackson's home for many years.
"Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland," the statement reads. "Plans are underway regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly." Details of Jackson's will were revealed on Wednesday, but the 2002 document appeared to make no provisions for his burial or a memorial service.
Before talking about some of his greatest music-video achievements at length, he went on to say that "in my opinion, it has to be completely entertaining and has a linear sense of continuity. I like having a beginning, middle and an ending so that you can follow a story. I am very much involved in complete creating of the piece. It has to be from my soul."
In 1983, Jackson changed everything when he released his John Landis-directed music video for "Thriller," off the album of the same name. "We're never serious on the set, so it's fun working with John 'cause I get to throw water balloons and stink bombs at him," he said. "That's a ritual for me — after we wrap on each video I throw a lot of stuff at everybody. My idea was to make a short film with conversation at the beginning and bookmark it with conversation at the end. Believe it or not, I'm afraid to watch scary movies. I always try to be a pioneer and innovator in whatever I do."
While choreographing the video, Jackson wanted to make sure that dancing zombies would look natural, not cheesy. "It was a delicate thing to work on, 'cause I remember my original approach was, 'How do you make zombies and monsters dance without it being comical?' So I got into the room with Michael Peters and he and I together kind if imagined how these zombies move."
No further details regarding the service were announced. At a press conference held outside of the Staples Center, Jackson family representative Ken Sunshine said the plans are still being developed. Sunshine said he hopes the ticket process is handed with "dignity" and that tickets not be resold or counterfited.
L.A. city councilwoman Jan Perry said the city's budget anticipates extrodinary curcumstances and will pay for police protection on site. Perry asked interested donors to contact her if they wish to support other anticiapted costs. She and a police spokesperson on hand urged fans to not attend the venue without a ticket.
Both parties said should fans not sec ure tickets, the best place to view the service is from home.