DUBLIN, Ireland — It’s half past four in the morning and I’m making my way to Dublin with Ray.
I have spent a fair amount of time in the back of Ray’s car in the last 34 hours. He is the driver, henchman for the fellow who owns the recording studio in the middle of no man’s land, Ireland. Not only is it a quaint studio built inside the grounds of an old stone classic Irish estate... it’s the new creative 집 of Michael Jackson.
And yes, I just conducted the first visit with Michael Jackson since he left the United States in June 2005. First off, let me tell 당신 what this visit is not:
It is not a bare all, rehashing of that period of his life. I was prepared to ask him all the 질문 in the world regarding mistakes made and lessons learned, but trust me, he was not.
He asked if 5 분 of rolling tape was OK in the studio while he “collaborated” with Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas. Ultimately, We rolled for about 40 분 and I did ask him 질문 about 음악 and his thoughts for making a comeback.
Michael Jackson was nervous and antsy. He was truly torn. He wanted to stay and keep jamming and have some fun, but he also wanted to leave before, from his perspective, he got crucified 의해 another TV interview.
Michael’s publicist and advisor, Raymone Bain, informed us (me and my Executive Producer, Rob Silverstein - pictured above with Michael and Will.I.Am) that Michael would like to meet us alone, no cameras, at a nearby cottage first. We agreed of course and before long we were seated at a breakfast 표, 테이블 in a very cozy, humble stone cottage. Down the spiral staircase he came.
First his boots, then his pants... black with a gold stripe down the side, then a velvet 재킷, 자 켓 with a white t-shirt underneath, then he turned to face us. I admit, my pulse was running high. He is a mythical character as atypical and untouchable as can be.
First impression I had was that he looked healthy. Fit. As his new landlord told us earlier, artists come to his estate for the whole experience of getting away... for peace and tranquility. It has suited Michael well, although he does not live there.
We stood up, shook hands and began small talk about life... soon, Michael began to make clear what he did not want: an interview. He was just willing to let our cameras roll while he and Will listened to beats and opened the lid to a comeback. I said that we should just go in there and go until he didn’t want to anymore. Pensively, he agreed and we started for the door and the 50 yard walk to the studio.
This visit is a baby step for Michael.
About ten 분 into the session, after I had rolled out several questions, Michael paused and tried to get out. He did not like receiving pointed 질문 and he encouraged Will to play 더 많이 beats so we could just roll casually.
At the end of the day, we did a little 더 많이 of both. At one point, I suggested Michael remake “Thriller” for a new generation... with CD/DVD and Web components, essentially go with what’s proven but update with the help of technically savvy producer, Will.I.Am.
Michael lit up. Amazingly that was something he hadn’t considered.
When the 음악 was rolling and he didn’t have me asking him questions, one could see sparks of life and energy. He hummed a little and at one point got up and walked to the back of the room where he could 옮기기 a little to the music... he was almost dancing.
Michael was there with his children. I never saw them but the studio’s owner, said they were having a ball, playing with his children and enjoying the exquisite countryside. According to the owner, Michael gets up in the morning and makes breakfast for them... usually 오트밀 죽, 죽 and fruit. I find myself hoping that Michael’s life is as normal as possible. Of course, it isn’t. Nobody knows anything about him... does he drive? Apparently, he does occasionally and he even had a cell phone before losing it a 일 later.
There....something normal to which people can RELATE.
Again, this was a first step for Michael. He was excited and terrified. It’s all about feeling whether he can trust somebody 또는 not. His track record is horrible on that front. Maybe it will improve in regards to us. I am quite sure there is 더 많이 to come.
I have spent a fair amount of time in the back of Ray’s car in the last 34 hours. He is the driver, henchman for the fellow who owns the recording studio in the middle of no man’s land, Ireland. Not only is it a quaint studio built inside the grounds of an old stone classic Irish estate... it’s the new creative 집 of Michael Jackson.
And yes, I just conducted the first visit with Michael Jackson since he left the United States in June 2005. First off, let me tell 당신 what this visit is not:
It is not a bare all, rehashing of that period of his life. I was prepared to ask him all the 질문 in the world regarding mistakes made and lessons learned, but trust me, he was not.
He asked if 5 분 of rolling tape was OK in the studio while he “collaborated” with Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas. Ultimately, We rolled for about 40 분 and I did ask him 질문 about 음악 and his thoughts for making a comeback.
Michael Jackson was nervous and antsy. He was truly torn. He wanted to stay and keep jamming and have some fun, but he also wanted to leave before, from his perspective, he got crucified 의해 another TV interview.
Michael’s publicist and advisor, Raymone Bain, informed us (me and my Executive Producer, Rob Silverstein - pictured above with Michael and Will.I.Am) that Michael would like to meet us alone, no cameras, at a nearby cottage first. We agreed of course and before long we were seated at a breakfast 표, 테이블 in a very cozy, humble stone cottage. Down the spiral staircase he came.
First his boots, then his pants... black with a gold stripe down the side, then a velvet 재킷, 자 켓 with a white t-shirt underneath, then he turned to face us. I admit, my pulse was running high. He is a mythical character as atypical and untouchable as can be.
First impression I had was that he looked healthy. Fit. As his new landlord told us earlier, artists come to his estate for the whole experience of getting away... for peace and tranquility. It has suited Michael well, although he does not live there.
We stood up, shook hands and began small talk about life... soon, Michael began to make clear what he did not want: an interview. He was just willing to let our cameras roll while he and Will listened to beats and opened the lid to a comeback. I said that we should just go in there and go until he didn’t want to anymore. Pensively, he agreed and we started for the door and the 50 yard walk to the studio.
This visit is a baby step for Michael.
About ten 분 into the session, after I had rolled out several questions, Michael paused and tried to get out. He did not like receiving pointed 질문 and he encouraged Will to play 더 많이 beats so we could just roll casually.
At the end of the day, we did a little 더 많이 of both. At one point, I suggested Michael remake “Thriller” for a new generation... with CD/DVD and Web components, essentially go with what’s proven but update with the help of technically savvy producer, Will.I.Am.
Michael lit up. Amazingly that was something he hadn’t considered.
When the 음악 was rolling and he didn’t have me asking him questions, one could see sparks of life and energy. He hummed a little and at one point got up and walked to the back of the room where he could 옮기기 a little to the music... he was almost dancing.
Michael was there with his children. I never saw them but the studio’s owner, said they were having a ball, playing with his children and enjoying the exquisite countryside. According to the owner, Michael gets up in the morning and makes breakfast for them... usually 오트밀 죽, 죽 and fruit. I find myself hoping that Michael’s life is as normal as possible. Of course, it isn’t. Nobody knows anything about him... does he drive? Apparently, he does occasionally and he even had a cell phone before losing it a 일 later.
There....something normal to which people can RELATE.
Again, this was a first step for Michael. He was excited and terrified. It’s all about feeling whether he can trust somebody 또는 not. His track record is horrible on that front. Maybe it will improve in regards to us. I am quite sure there is 더 많이 to come.
Caroline couldn't believe what happened at that moment.. When they stopped they looked at eachother for a moment.. they tried to understand what happened.... but they coudn't..
Caroline:"MIchael.. I.. I don't know what to say.. "
Michael went very red.. he was licking his lips.. and biting his lower lip..
Michael:"I'm sorry.. but I had to do it.. I couldn't resist..I'm too much in 사랑 with u Caroline.. Since I was at high school.. i was in 사랑 with u.."
Caroline was shocked.. but happy.. she felt a sense of satisfaction....
Caroline..:"Michael.. even I.. when u hugged.. I felt something that i never felt before.. it was something special.. from that moment i didn't stop thinking about u.."
They looked at eachother than they kissed.. they were together.. forever..
Caroline:"MIchael.. I.. I don't know what to say.. "
Michael went very red.. he was licking his lips.. and biting his lower lip..
Michael:"I'm sorry.. but I had to do it.. I couldn't resist..I'm too much in 사랑 with u Caroline.. Since I was at high school.. i was in 사랑 with u.."
Caroline was shocked.. but happy.. she felt a sense of satisfaction....
Caroline..:"Michael.. even I.. when u hugged.. I felt something that i never felt before.. it was something special.. from that moment i didn't stop thinking about u.."
They looked at eachother than they kissed.. they were together.. forever..
The 다음 day.. she was at work.. she works as a doctor.. The door knocked..
Caroline:"Come in"
It was Bernard...
Caroline:"We need to talk.."
Bernard said:"Tell me hun.."
She gave hin an angry face..
Caroline:"I went at a bar yesterday.. and u know who i saw? I saw u holding a girls' hand.. and u were laughing together!"
Bernard froze..
Caroline:"Don't u ever talk to me again.. it's over.. i don't want to see your face again.. go 집 and take your things back were they belong.. get out! Now.."
Bernard:"No.. wait I can explain"
Caroline:"Out! Get out 당신 fool!"
He went out.. Caroline took a deep breath and continued working.. Then the first word that came in her mind was "Michael".. She thought of him that moment.. she smiled.. then she continued working..
Caroline:"Come in"
It was Bernard...
Caroline:"We need to talk.."
Bernard said:"Tell me hun.."
She gave hin an angry face..
Caroline:"I went at a bar yesterday.. and u know who i saw? I saw u holding a girls' hand.. and u were laughing together!"
Bernard froze..
Caroline:"Don't u ever talk to me again.. it's over.. i don't want to see your face again.. go 집 and take your things back were they belong.. get out! Now.."
Bernard:"No.. wait I can explain"
Caroline:"Out! Get out 당신 fool!"
He went out.. Caroline took a deep breath and continued working.. Then the first word that came in her mind was "Michael".. She thought of him that moment.. she smiled.. then she continued working..
Dr. Conrad Murray won't just face the judge in his manslaughter case on Monday -- we're told an army of MJ 팬 plans a little surprise of its own ... in the protest department.
A rep for Justice4MJ -- the 팬 group planning the demonstration -- tells TMZ that scores of Jackson 팬 plan to attend ... and it's all going down on the freeway overpass near the L.A. courthouse.
We're told when the hearing ends ... the protesters plan to march from the courthouse -- then quickly 스플릿, 분할 for the overpasses as Murray makes his exit. They will bid Dr. Murray adieu as he drives off -- probably not in the friendliest of ways.
But we're guessing the protest is the least of Dr. Murray's worries.
A rep for Justice4MJ -- the 팬 group planning the demonstration -- tells TMZ that scores of Jackson 팬 plan to attend ... and it's all going down on the freeway overpass near the L.A. courthouse.
We're told when the hearing ends ... the protesters plan to march from the courthouse -- then quickly 스플릿, 분할 for the overpasses as Murray makes his exit. They will bid Dr. Murray adieu as he drives off -- probably not in the friendliest of ways.
But we're guessing the protest is the least of Dr. Murray's worries.
Good news for the 팬 of the king of pop – link, 당신 can now sleep on Jackson’s 침대 in the Irish country mansion which was once the 집 of the late 별, 스타 and his kids, but, is now open to public. The estate owner Paddy Dunning is offering the holiday makers and the 팬 of Jackson to live life like the king of pop. Jackson’s 팬 can now stay at the Coolatore House for a weekend 또는 so and sleep in Jackson’s 침대 for upwards of $1,500.
TMZ has learned the Holmby Hills mansion where Michael Jackson died is getting a serious boost in security -- so nobody messes with the super-expensive property while it's on the market.
Sources connected to the 집 tell us ... now that people know the 집 is "vacated and for sale, the property owners have increased security to keep it safe."
As we previously reported, the owners are requiring potential buyers to go through an "extensive pre-qualifying check" before they can even walk in the door ... just to keep out the riffraff.
The 집 is currently on the market for a cool $28 mil.
Sources connected to the 집 tell us ... now that people know the 집 is "vacated and for sale, the property owners have increased security to keep it safe."
As we previously reported, the owners are requiring potential buyers to go through an "extensive pre-qualifying check" before they can even walk in the door ... just to keep out the riffraff.
The 집 is currently on the market for a cool $28 mil.
An MJ 팬 club is on a desperate mission to clean up the recent graffiti onslaught outside the King of Pop's tomb -- claiming a few bad apples could spoil everything for MJ's non-vandal followers.
The Official Michael Jackson 팬 of Southern California have extended an 올리브 branch to Forest Lawn Cemetery -- where MJ is buried -- offering to clean up the recent wave of hidden vandalism outside the singer's tomb ... before the cemetery decides to ban MJ 팬 altogether.
A rep for the group -- which organizes a monthly pilgrimage to MJ's burial place -- tells TMZ, they want to "fix this mess" so FLC doesn't associate MJ's upstanding 팬 with a bunch of sharpie-wielding hoodlums.
As TMZ first reported, Forest Lawn is currently on red alert over the illegal doodles -- hunting down the artists responsible ... and threatening to ban any potential copycats for life.
No word if Forest Lawn will take the 팬 group up on their offer.
The Official Michael Jackson 팬 of Southern California have extended an 올리브 branch to Forest Lawn Cemetery -- where MJ is buried -- offering to clean up the recent wave of hidden vandalism outside the singer's tomb ... before the cemetery decides to ban MJ 팬 altogether.
A rep for the group -- which organizes a monthly pilgrimage to MJ's burial place -- tells TMZ, they want to "fix this mess" so FLC doesn't associate MJ's upstanding 팬 with a bunch of sharpie-wielding hoodlums.
As TMZ first reported, Forest Lawn is currently on red alert over the illegal doodles -- hunting down the artists responsible ... and threatening to ban any potential copycats for life.
No word if Forest Lawn will take the 팬 group up on their offer.
The film deals with the life of Jackson from his childhood until the death of large stars. The Katherine, in fact, intends to offer hundreds of hours of family 비디오 to Howard Mann, who wrote the album with her. These include hardware since the family moved from Gary Indiana to Los Angeles as soon as the Jackson 5 signed with the label Motown.
Said even, that the Howard has paid richly-digit amount to the former partner of Michael, Marc Schaffel, for 26 additional hours of video material with the king of pop. The Katherine Howard and planning a series of films for Michael. The documentary "This is it in the preparation of the king of pop for the comeback, earned profits of 400 million U.S. dollars to the family.
Michael Jackson's estate is lashing out at the people behind a new MJ documentary set to debut in 일본 tomorrow -- claiming 팬 are being duped into believing the flick was authorized 의해 Team MJ.
The estate has released a scathing statement claiming that 플라밍고 Features is promoting the movie in a way that is misleading MJ's 팬 into believing the film -- shot 의해 former MJ confidante Marc Schaffel -- was properly authorized.
The estate also makes it clear it doesn't endorse the flick and none of the profits will benefit MJ's children. They also note that the movie is not allowed to contain any of Michael's music.
Schaffel doesn't appear to be bothered -- the above 사진 was taken moments 이전 at the movie premiere in Tokyo ... where Schaffel took the stage and told 팬 Katherine Jackson sent along her best wishes.
Tuesday, we shot video of Schaffel and Debbie Rowe boarding a plane to Tokyo.
The estate has released a scathing statement claiming that 플라밍고 Features is promoting the movie in a way that is misleading MJ's 팬 into believing the film -- shot 의해 former MJ confidante Marc Schaffel -- was properly authorized.
The estate also makes it clear it doesn't endorse the flick and none of the profits will benefit MJ's children. They also note that the movie is not allowed to contain any of Michael's music.
Schaffel doesn't appear to be bothered -- the above 사진 was taken moments 이전 at the movie premiere in Tokyo ... where Schaffel took the stage and told 팬 Katherine Jackson sent along her best wishes.
Tuesday, we shot video of Schaffel and Debbie Rowe boarding a plane to Tokyo.