The Michael Jackson Memorial Service
I'm recovering from the most difficult assignment of my career.
I got a last minute call to be the voice of The Michael Jackson Memorial service for the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ2 Coverage. Not only was it difficult because we had no control of the pictures coming through from Los Angeles but things ran late and it was actually quite emotional for me as a fan of Michael's music, especially seeing Stevie Wonder and Usher performing. I felt at any moment the entire thing could go hideously wrong and that millions of his fans would be sensitive to every word that came out my mouth.
I think we did a fair job, I got so many texts immediately saying 'well done'. Overall I think the ceremony was quite tasteful and it rammed home that a family had lost it's son, albeit an incredibly famous one. Despite his trials and tribulations, may he finally rest in peace.
Thanks for the memories Michael Jackson.
Trevor
Comment number 1.
At 8th Jul 2009, Miss_Nicky_B wrote:Well done trevor i think you did a great job.
I was sat at home bawling my eyes out from the second the coffin was bought into the arena, I have no idea how you kept it together so well. Well done you're a true professional.
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Comment number 2.
At 9th Jul 2009, IbiyemiOsinaike wrote:After reading your blog I became very confused ineed. I was so sure you probably didnt care and that you were deliberately poking fun at some parts of the memorial service for MJ!! first off let me say well done non the less. I believe that if we all look carefully there is somethign to be grateful or thankful for... something to commend in everyone or every situation/circumstance.
I am not even a fan of MJ as a "legendary musician". I just wanted to see someone who had made good music in his life time and seemed to have touched lives in ways that I might not even fully understand. I wanted to watch this really popular guy go out with some dignity and enjoy watching his family start the healing process. That is not what I got! Anyway for more information please follow the link below to read from a few people who will dissagree with you on some of the points you mention above.
Ok, i've had time to calm down and suddenly I cant seem to remember a lot of the things that you and/ or the other commentator said which got me all rilled up but I doubt very much if it was all in my head. Well done for trying your best but I think there is plenty of room for improvement. I believe a few of us...admittedly not a lot from the little research I have done on this, who believe that an apology or at least some explanation is in order for a few of the innappropriate comments made during the memorial service. I doubt very much if MJ whereever he is will think this pursuit is of much value, after all he cant be touched by human criticism or even love where is now but I do think this should not go without some sort of closure. Dont be one of those people that think they above reporach because of some status or another...apologise/ explain, put things in context for us!
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Comment number 3.
At 9th Jul 2009, yass09 wrote:Its too bad that you didnt show this train of thought during the actual transmission. Instead your coverage was full of flippant and irreverent comments from your colleague and yourself.
As a black man working for mtv, I would have thought that you of all people would appreciate the historical significance of MJ. Instead you deemed it fit to treat the service as if it were eurovision or some other light hearted fare and stood by whilst your colleague did the same. I had to switch over to Sky midway where they had the good sense to keep quiet thereby allowing people pay their last respects in peace and not hear about "kfc shares going through the roof" after a touching anecdote from Magic Johnson, or criticism of Rev Sharpton's facts in his speech and asking for anything to provide relief after it, or to criticize the length of the house of reps speech (by the way I was not aware there was a universal time limit on heartfelt speeches!)and the list could go on and on.
Before you dismiss this as the rants of a Micheal Jackson fanatic, let me ask you this - If you were to have someone making these kind of comments at a family member's funeral, what would you make of it?
You dont have to be a fan to give respect at a memorial service but you could have been professional.
I hope the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ will be objective enough to display this comment.
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