Asia Remembers the King Of Pop
Following the devastating and untimely news of the death of legenary pop star Michael Jackson, we take the time to relive his great music and transcending influence on music and pop culture. Here's what your favourite Asian stars have to say about this tragic loss.
(Click on names to visit their websites)
I am deeply saddened by the passing of one of the world’s biggest and most loved icons. The world of music and entertainment will never be the same again. He was a trailblazer in the true sense of the word. The world had never seen anything like him and I truly doubt that we will ever see the likes of him again. I feel honored to have lived and grown up at a time when he dominated the music charts and many aspects of pop culture. Michael Jackson, we love you and will miss you dearly.
He will be missed...His legacy will go on not only through his music but through the artists that he has so strongly inspired along the way…So today, I’m not going to be sad. I’m gonna celebrate his life as we all should by taking a look back and playing all our old faves. I know I’m not alone when I say this, Michael, I have and always will love you.
A thousand thoughts raced through my mind when I saw the ticker scroll the tragic news. But as a fellow musician and music lover, I feel it’s important to say this…What should matter is the fact this is a man who held extraordinary gifts. A man who invented the moonwalk and made it iconic…A man who turned making music videos into an art-form. A man who wrote irresistibly catchy and meaningful songs. A man who’s genius and talent is unrivalled by any of his peers. I ask that we all remember a musical legend. An individual who single handedly changed the face of the music industry forever and for the better. I ask that we celebrate his life by remembering all that was good in him…I will always remember him as the man who made music easy to love. Rest in peace, Michael (finally). And thank you.
We are deeply sorrowed that Michael Jackson has left us. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. To us he will be remembered as the greatest pop artist of our time.
I remember putting Michael Jackson's Dangerous album on loop when it came out in 1991 and then watching him do his magic live at the National Stadium during his world tour here in Singapore. The moment was arresting, I was captivated, wooed and he made me believe in the power of pop music. My favourite songs are "Who Is It" and "She’s Out Of My Life". His legacy is beyond this time and universe. He will be forever in our hearts.
One man united the world in music....MJ broke cultural & racial barriers, he is truly one of the greatest and his legacy will always live on.
The guy was the Elvis of the 80s... a real icon. He taught me how to dance. I can actually do the moonwalk!
Larger than his music, and even his dancing was his sheer presence. Michael would walk onto a stage and EVERYONE would know it. That presence was overlooked in recent years, but its absence is acutely felt the world over now.
We are deeply distraught over MJ's untimely death, and the blasting of his classics through the air on repeat everywhere today just cuts the wound deeper. A phenomenal artist who is so close to our hearts since childhood, MJ will be sorely missed. Our warm condolences to his families and loved ones, may his soul rest in great eternal peace.
I got into Micheal Jackson in his "Thriller" era, and I instantly wanted to be like him. I think my mom got me white socks and I already knew how to dance the moonwalk. I was too young to get into the Jackson 5 then, and I just got into liking music, which was the Beatles. Until today, with a more developed taste in music from Nirvana to J Dilla to Black Sabbath, and getting into playing in several bands and occasionally DJing just for kicks, I always make it a point to have a MJ track with me. And every time I play it in my sets, it never fails to get anyone on the dance floor. On a slow night, when everybody is a snob, his track would probably the only one to save the night from going dead. My favourite song is "Rock With You". Long live the King of Pop!
I have really mixed feelings about Michael Jackson, he was such a strange character. Part of me knows him as one of the greatest musicians, dancers, performers and entertainers in the world, though he always just had this hideous black cloud over him. He was eaten up by the media completely and all the things that happened with his family and all the scandals is a whole other side. My favourite song is “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough”.
Meng, Love Me Butch
I first saw Michael Jackson's Billie Jean video when I was a kid. I always thought he was a good dancer and performer. I tried doing the Moonwalk but failed miserably. He's still the best. MJ will always be remembered.
As a Pakistani growing up in the 80’s in Hong Kong, I had a lot of confusion dealing with being born into a very traditional Pakistani household. My parents were the definition of traditional. You know the type: parents are strict Muslims, month of fasting required the entire family to fast, we read the Quran every day, no consumption of unhalal meat, influences of the West were a no-no, etc. So it was to my parents’ utter dismay that I found my calling in music – hardcore, metal and punk rock to be exact.
To my parents, I was a disappointment. My guitars, loud music, and rock posters hanging off of my walls, were a complete unspoken divide between our upbringings. My father and I, in particular, never saw eye to eye on any issue under the sun.
This herein lays the true power of Michael Jackson. The only middle-ground I shared with my otherwise overpowering father, was Michael Jackson.
My father adored Michael Jackson. He adored his music and his videos. He loved all his songs and the only time EVER in my life that I have seen my father excited about a concert, was when Michael Jackson was going to perform in Hong Kong in the 80’s (that concert was later canceled).
Michael Jackson’s passing, no doubt, is bringing millions of people all over the world a sudden flood of memories of where they were when they first watched the Thriller video, or (as a guitar player) the first time they heard Eddie Van Halen’s unforgettable guitar riff in “Beat It” (or Slash’s in “Black or White”), Billie Jean’s dancing, Michael Jordan in Jam, the list goes on and on for millions.
But to me, the way Michael Jackson’s music was able to build a bridge between a strict Muslim father to a moderate Muslim hardcore/metal worshipping son will never be forgotten.
Fave song: Beat It
MJ is definitely an entertainer for the masses. His everlasting contributions to the musical world are the only things that we should remember him by, for without it the world would seem like an empty joyless vessel. Definitely missed but not forgotten. Favourite song/video: Bad.
I consider myself lucky and honored to have listened to his music. In my opinion, the most beautiful thing about music is it can reach out & connect with anyone, no matter who you are or where you are from. MJ has more than accomplished that with his songs. He has inspired and touched so many lives and having to lose him at the age of 50 is a shame. MJ will live on in our hearts forever.
To me, he was legendary. Someone who was inspirational for my generation growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, listening to music. In terms of his number of hits and his influence, he was an inspirational musician and artist. Fave song: Rock With You. Fave video: Smooth Criminal.
MJ, The King Of Pop, there is no doubt that he has greatly affected the world with his message of peace and love. He revolutionized the way I looked at music videos and conceptualized music. His loses as one of the world's most iconic figures in music will be hard for most of us to accept, though in our memory his voice and songs will live on. In the immortal words of Michael Jackson, "You are Not Alone, I am here to stay!"
Life is just one damned thing after another. MJ lived life with great challenges [yet] he never failed to contribute to humanity. His music and movements are far greater than his troubles. Always a hero, always an inspiration, always remembered. Fave song: Smile
I think the world has truly lost one of music's greats. MJ's music meant a lot to me because I remember the happy times when my dad would get the entire family to sing along to his songs in the car, and unknowingly, it set a lot of "foundations" in the way I listen to and create music today. I remember that I hid behind the couch too scared to watch the "Thriller" music video, but still tapping along to the beat because it was such a good song...that was so funny. And I still listen to MJ and Jackson 5 today! In today's world where many people take sides in what they listen to, I think MJ was one of the rare artists to be truly appreciated across all camps of music. True that he had many quirks that were constantly highlighted by the press in recent years, but who doesn't? It doesn't take away from the fact that MJ did revolutionize music. He remains one of the best artists of all time and somehow, in some way, he might have "healed the world, and made it a better place."
Suffice to say, it's a major shock learning about the passing of Michael Jackson since he's part of our childhood: every album he released was a MAJOR event, his Captain EO ride in Disney was an insane experience for a kid.
We, of course were amazed by the pop gems he created, even more so for the guest guitarist on his albums (Eddie Van Halen, Steve Stevens, Jennifer Batten and Slash). The pop culture experience was so unique and massive one has to experience it to know what it's like for a phenonenom known as "Michael Jackson".
The fall of a cultural icon is sad enough. But the greatest tragedy for us is that he was about to launch his final shot at reclaiming his glory. Elvis Presley at least had his Las Vegas "fat jumpsuit" days before he kicked it, but MJ was sadly denied of that shot, right before his final UK concerts.
Michael Jackson was one of the best entertainers. He was very influential. His music, style and dance moves are unique and creative. I especially love "Billie Jean", "Beat It" and "Bad". He will always be remembered as the King Of Pop. I would like to express my deepest condolences to his family and his children. He will definitely be missed.
I think it is unfair to MJ that the media treated him this way. When he was still alive the public media kept putting him down and now they are all embracing him and blah blah blah... It was terrible news for me because I was introduced to pop music for the first time when "Bad" came out back in 1987. He revolutionised pop culture and took contemporary R&B to the next level. King of Pop nonetheless.
The day Michael Jackson died, I was walking out of a convenience store in the suburbs of Singapore when I overheard a middle aged lady shout out to a newspaper delivery guy in Mandarin, "Hey, Michael Jackson died!"
That moment, for me, demonstrated how Jackson was truly one of the greatest musical icons of our generation. His fame and popularity surpassed racial divides, language barriers and age differences. It doesn't matter if you never liked pop, if you were a metalhead or if you only listened to jazz. Surely you would know Michael Jackson. We all did.
He was the King of Pop, a musical icon, and by now, a legend. I do not think he will ever be forgotten.
The Times
To Allahyarham Mikail, may Allah bless his soul! THANKS for the great music and the “Thriller” video clip... love it! The King of Pop is doing his Moonwalking in heaven... Amin.
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CLICK HERE to find out more about our [V] Tribute to the revolutionary icon, and follow a photo gallery of his life and times as the biggest pop star in the world.
Tune in to A Tribute to Michael Jackson TONIGHT, Friday June 26th at 8pm HK/SG, 9pm MAL.
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Michael Jackson..
Michael Jackson will be forever in our hearts. He will never be forgotten as he created the moonwalk and everything. He rocks!!! Rest in Peace... :)
By Steff Posted Jun 26, 2009, 07:54 PM.
a legend in his own right
his death is tragic and shocking.. no one saw this coming at this time.. but i have to agree that we should remember the King of Pop by his legendary contributions to the music industry.. may he rest in peace.. fave song - you are not alone Jeysee Hong ^_^
By jhengchie Posted Jun 26, 2009, 08:53 PM.
Michael Jackson is the best
I'm very sad because the king's of the pop is died
By Viet Huy pro #1 Posted Jun 27, 2009, 03:30 PM.
The Lost Of A Great Pop Angel. Michael Jackson
He was a great entertainer to all people all over the world. He was the riser of pop,the king of all pop music. Another big achievement that he made was being a muslim. I, Usagi hereby declare farewell to Mikael Jackson and maybe he'll end up to go to Heaven....The most Holy Place on earth...Amin!
By Tsukino Posted Jun 29, 2009, 11:44 AM.
RIP Michael Jackson
One of a kind - great & talented performer of all time. Love you and your music. Your music brought everyone in the world together. You will definately be missed by all of you. Gone by definatelt NOT forgotten. A true legend and your music will live on. RIP Michael
By yivontai Posted Jun 30, 2009, 03:53 PM.
R.I.P. MJ
we're all gonna miss mj!
By pinkieliz Posted Jul 4, 2009, 01:21 PM.
Michael Jackson will be forever in our hearts..
Just like what others say, he is one of the most influential persons in the world.. I watched his videos before especially the one where he is interviewed by the british journalist, he's really sweet and very talented.. I'm very sad that he died at a young age.. I grew up listening to his music.. I hope that those people who writes and published nasty things about him stop now, let's give him the things that he wants, LOVE and PEACE.. RIP mj..
By Rowena Agustin Posted Jul 4, 2009, 01:37 PM.
love for Michael
michael, you rocks dude !!! me, my mom, my sisters and my bro always love you u'll always be in our heart my lil bro likes to do ur moves keep rock, dude... and good bye...
By m. abigail Posted Jul 10, 2009, 12:34 AM.
one day in your life
like your song "you'll remember me somehow.." MJ, YOU'LL ALWAYS BE FONDLY REMEMBERED
By hafiza syaifa yusuf Posted Jul 14, 2009, 10:58 AM.
Gone to soon
Michael Jackson, rest in peace. On behalf of filipino fans, we will not forget your songs, Your songs will remain to our hearts and minds. A true King of Pop, a Legendary and a Superstar.
By miketee Posted Jul 16, 2009, 01:41 PM.
The King of Music Kingdom gone...
I was born in 1988...6 years later...one day My mom was playing music video <Remember the time> n...BLOW!!!I always sit beside my mom to listen MJ's songs n watching his music video together since that day. According to press,a family friend of Jackson family said that MJ's lovely daughter told them she believe his dad now living v angels in another better world.N so do i...
By sim pei yieng Posted Jul 22, 2009, 01:36 AM.
GREET
idol!!!!!! I KNOW HOW HARD YOU DO 2 US STILL IN OUR LIFE THAT U R #1 4 US MWAH :)
By JAnnIN cPR Posted Jul 26, 2009, 10:21 AM.
r.i.p michael jackson
his music will never die..... and will always stay in our hearts.... and his musics are marvelous and awesome...
By mary patricia alosious Posted Aug 2, 2009, 08:27 PM.
wow what hearts are left open for micheal jackson
micheal is some pop beat which just kept on moving forward to his gal and he is like some god to in ways of music!!!!
By anshita Posted Aug 13, 2009, 11:28 PM.
i wish
i wish channel V would play MJ music on tv very often. we always wait that to happen.
By tina2cdo Posted Aug 31, 2009, 10:28 PM.
A suddened demise...
I've never been through MJ's era but the day when I heard his music was a BLOW!!!!!!! MJ has brought a very big influence on me on how to care for my humanity and especially in being who I am... Thanks a lot MJ... I will forever miss you.. No one will ever replace you in our hearts...
By Nique_allyne Posted Sep 7, 2009, 04:37 PM.
...simplest of human
Human life consists in mutual service. No grief, pain, misfortune, or "broken heart," is excuse for cutting off one's life while any power of service remains. But when all usefulness is over, when one is assured of an unavoidable and imminent death, it is the simplest of human rights to choose a quick and easy death in place of a slow and horrible one.
By chie43 Posted Sep 19, 2009, 08:36 PM.
4ever . . .
michael jackson will be in our hearts 4ever ! i super love him ! his music is so great . and so addicting ! i love it ! he's still the king of pop !
By lady qaqa i4 Posted Sep 21, 2009, 08:14 PM.
it's about time
it's the sadness for all the people around the world to forget one of the KING OF POP , you always live in our's heart forever and evermore ! we all luv ya .
By huy168 Posted Sep 26, 2009, 01:27 PM.
forever
i missed him so much..... his song will be here 4ever....
By nindi Posted Sep 27, 2009, 01:38 AM.
r.i.p
MJ is died but his music will live 4 ever!!!
By jenny_love_1996 Posted Sep 27, 2009, 09:43 PM.