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My Friend Michael Jackson

in Jamie Redfern on Michael Jackson
28 Jun 2009 | 3 Comments

Michael Jackson was not only one of the greatest entertainers who ever lived - he was also my friend.

We were introduced to each other in 1972 by our mutual friend Molly Meldrum. Michael had asked Molly to introduce us after seeing me perform on the Johnny Carson show when I was in America touring with Mr Showmanship Liberace, and when we met we immediately hit it off and became instant friends.

I have wonderful memories of the fun and laughter we shared, and of having the great honour of hearing Michaels amazing hit song Ben, before it was released to the world. 

The jury is still out as to the cause of Michaels untimely death, but at present all indications point to a heart attack induced by an overdose of prescription painkillers allegedly administered to him by his personal physician Dr Conrad Robert Murray.

Michael had been busy rehearsing and preparing for a series of sold out concert performances, which we now learn were meant to include a number of performances in Australia.

I had heard about the possibility of this via the very hush hush showbusiness grapevine and was looking forward to making contact with my friend while he was in Australia, with a view to challenging him to another relaxing game of ten pin bowling - something we had tremendous fun doing together when we were kids. Unfortunately, this of course wasn't meant to be.

People have asked me many times throughout the years whether I believed Michael was guilty or innocent of the terrible charges levelled against him in the past 10 years or so, and my answer has always been the same.

Michael was my friend and had insisted that he was totally innocent - so, until someone could prove otherwise, just like any other friend, he deserved my full support. That's what friendship is all about, and I have never believed in being just a fairweather friend to anyone.

Do I agree that Michaels behaviour was at times not in keeping with socially accepted norms ?

Yes, of course I do - but, just because I wouldn't behave that way myself, it didn't mean that Michaels actions were neccessarily malicious or unlawful; that type of thing must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, and no one was ever able to do that conclusively.

Though clearly socially unacceptable, Michael's actions were never proven to be anything more than the eccentric behaviour of an obviously troubled soul, and history has shown us time and time again that unscrupulous predators are ever on the lookout for the money making opportunities such troubled souls provide - especially when it includes the notoriety they may recieve when the target has such a high public profile.

I hope my friend Michael Jackson is remembered for the absolutely stunning musical legacy he left to the world he said he wanted so much to heal - and not for eccentric behaviour which was never proven to be anything more.

With the three biggest selling albums of all time, including Thriller as epitaphs to his unparalleled talent and career, I'm sure the healing will continue for generations to come.

R.I.P Michael, and thank you for both the music, and the friendship. 

 

Jim - Jamie Redfern