When Arrowhead Stadium was chosen in 1984 as the point of origin for the Victory Tour – a concert featuring all five of the Jackson brothers – it shone an international spotlight on Kansas City like never before. It was if the term “media circus” was invented just for this crazed event.
Despite the presence of all the Jacksons, Michael, in his mid-20s then, was still the star – and, it seemed, the only reason people would jump through hoops for a chance to see one of three shows on July 6-8. Would-be concert goers had to follow intricate rules to buy tickets, including a $120 application fee.
The event attracted a weirdly diverse roster of celebrities — the Rev. Jesse Jackson, boxing promoter Don King and then-Missouri Governor Kit Bond, among others. And the media came like moths to flames. Various entities from cable and broadcast television covered the event as well as music critics from national newspapers and magazines.
The show itself, despite the employment of lasers, flash pots, spotlights by the hundreds and a five-story set in the endzone, was a bit anti-climatic.
“What the concert didn’t do was adequately showcase the considerable talent of Michael Jackson and his brothers,” wrote John Hughes for The Kansas City Star. Greg Hack, writing for The Kansas City Times, thought the technical accoutrements overwhelmed the reason the Jacksons became stars in the first place. “The group’s dancing and light show often overshadowed the music, making for a great show but only a good concert,” he wrote.
Jackson returned to Kansas City in February 1988, to kick off a North American tour. Backed up by a crack band, dancers and singers (including one Sheryl Crow), Jackson dazzled two sold-out audiences at Kemper Arena with a performance that was widely judged to be flawless.
“The ponytailed superstar . . . left the sold-out house of about 17,000 spellbound with moves that weren’t around until he invented them,” The Star’s Brian McTavish wrote.
| Robert Trussell, The Star
RIP
Posted by: RIP | June 25, 2009 at 06:10 PM
Michael, the King of Pop, was an icon on par with another King: Elvis. Both enormous talents in music and performance. Both, also flawed individuals that combined with excesses that such isolation brings, left us too soon.
It feels like the day Elvis dies. We all want to remember the young innovator and at least for now look past the later years filled with odd behavior and a lifestyle that had become comic fodder.
Posted by: Pat | June 25, 2009 at 06:24 PM
I was involved in both of the Jackson shows in '84 and '88. My company didn't do the catering for the show in '84, but me and several of my employees worked with the caterers the Jacksons brought on the road. It went on for a week, because they did their rehearsing here and it was the most circus atmosphere I ever worked in. One of my employees went on to work for them for the next few weeks as they criss-crossed around the country.
While I went to Hartford, Ct. for 10 days to fill in there while Roger Waters did rehearsals for his "Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking Tour" with Eric Clapton. I always thought I could write a book just about what went on on that chaotic tour.
Then in '88 when the Jackson's started their tour in KC again, I did do the catering at Kemper and it had calmed down a bit. But it was still a very unusual atmosphere.
Micheal Jackson led a very unusual life and I'm sorry to hear it has ended this way. I hope he does find some peace.
Posted by: Penny | June 25, 2009 at 06:42 PM
I'll always remember how much I enjoyed the Jackson 5's music in my youth. I went on to more Rock-oriented tastes and never really appreciated Michael's solo work, which put me in the minority back in his heyday.
Despite his many ups and downs, his impact on the world of Popular Music is without question. His life held a lot of mystery and I'm sure there were many like myself who always hoped Michael would again join us in a "saner" world.
It's sad that this happened on the eve of his first concerts in years (and reportedly his last). I was also curious to see what kind of an album the 50 year old King of Pop would release. Love him or hate him, the Music World has lost a true innovator.
Posted by: KIlby | June 25, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Knew several fans who attended their supposed 'ground-breaking' 1984 gig at Arrowhead. Heard the group PROMISED a two-and-a-half hour extravaganza! Turned out to be a semi-cool hour + set that wasn't EXACTLY the concert of the year. Tickets were a whopping $30. Plus, you HAD to purchase them in blocks of four ONLY. Remember the news, radio stations AND the KC Star telling everyone that you couldn't EVEN get on the Arrowhead property WITHOUT a ticket. I sort of liked his 'Thriller' album but THAT was it. R.I.P., Michael.
Posted by: Bubba | June 25, 2009 at 07:36 PM
Dude was obviously a tortured soul. He'll get lampooned bad in the next few weeks, but you know, in some ways he probably has it coming.
I really liked his solo stuff prior to Thriller myself. After that, it was a frickin' weird deal.
Posted by: neighbor | June 25, 2009 at 07:56 PM
We're looking for people who attended his shows here in KC. If you're interested in being interviewed tonight for a story, call Lisa Gutierrez at 816-234-4987.
| David Frese, The Kansas City Star
Posted by: DF | June 25, 2009 at 08:10 PM
Sucks. I'm not a huge fan, but I'd be lying (so would a lot of people) if I said I didn't enjoy lots of his songs. RIP.
Posted by: mankvill | June 25, 2009 at 09:03 PM
I was backstage at Kemper in '88, they cleared out the hall so he could walk through after soundcheck. I was alone on the ramp as he walked by- surrounded by at least six security guards- the absurdity spelled itself out, he looked like a captive of his own celebrity. It was real contrast from his charisma onstage. Perhaps, like Farrah, he has been released. Sham on MJ.
Posted by: Mark V | June 25, 2009 at 09:45 PM
It will be very interesting to watch his legend .... uhmm ... what is the correct word?.... "evolve"
It will be interesting to watch MJs legend evolve. To watch his kids grow. I wont predict, I will watch.
side note-
Elvis made more money last year than he ever did, in any year in which he was alive. The same goes for many people.
soooooo..
As mankvill points out, "I'd be lying (so would a lot of people) if I said I didn't enjoy lots of his songs."
That feels interesting to to think.... hmmmm
I might not have said that yesterday, but today ..... his legend has evolved, and he does have a lot of good pop songs. He wrote a lot of good catchy, hooky pop songs .... now BEAT IT
Posted by: RIP | June 25, 2009 at 11:00 PM
Ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa
Ma ma se, ma ma sa,
Ma ma coo sa
I have mixed emotions, admitting guilty pleasures??
anyway, WHAT SONGS ARE GOOD???
well ..... I ( guilt pleasure ) always liked the end of this song, not that I would ever admit it..
Lift your head up high
And scream out to the world
I know I am someone
And let the truth unfurl
No one can hurt you now
Because you know what's true
Yes, I believe in me
So you believe in you
Help me sing it, ma ma se,
Ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa
Ma ma se, ma ma sa,
Ma ma coo sa
Micheal Jackson-Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPTsmswQVwg
and this was a gooder too..
Michael Jackson - Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_hz2am90Hk
Posted by: RIP | June 25, 2009 at 11:16 PM
Ed Sullivan show
>>>OMG!!
Who's loving you - Jackson Five
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ane6VJGlIMs
Ben - Michael Jackson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSqo17o2a1w
Jackson Five - ABC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYx3BR2aJA4
DANCING MACHINE / THE JACKSON
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vil7KDAgWE0
Posted by: BenTheRat | June 25, 2009 at 11:35 PM
Wow, so sad. Yes, a joke in his later years, but no denying he was 'our Elvis'...(I'm 42.) I remember roller skating @ Coachlite in '79 when I was in junior high when 'Off The Wall' came out. Then, in high school, when I was a total metalhead, I listened to Thriller in the closet, until the genious released 'Beat It', with Eddie Van Halen doing the guitar solo, and all of a sudden I could listen to him with my rock cred intact. MJ and I had the same birthday. I feel like I've lost a (long lost) brotha..
RIP, Michael...
Posted by: stebney | June 25, 2009 at 11:44 PM
When I was a kid, my older sisters were big fans of the Jackson 5. In our house, it was a bit like the Beatlemania of the 70s generation. We listened to their first 4-5 albums (including their Christmas album) over and over again, and we were always excited to catch one of their television appearances. We even regularly watched their fairly crappy Saturday morning cartoon show.
My tastes soon moved on to rock, but my sisters and I still attended that 1984 Arrowhead show with the Jacksons. As a fewm have already said, it was a great spectacle but only a good show.
Just a few years ago I rediscovered those early Jackson 5 albums, and I was surprised by how well they've held up. I listen to them regularly, and I'm sad today that the era is over.
Posted by: Vandelay | June 26, 2009 at 06:24 AM
Both MJ and Elvis were probably the two greatest entertainers the world has seen. Both also, unfortunately, in their later years suffered from incessant scrunity from the public and the media, addictions, and personal demons. It’s often said that the view is very lonely from the top. Both of these men epitomize that.
I’ll admit that I’m guilty of poking fun at MJ from time to time, and whole-heartedly laughed when South Park completely skwered him. But I also have great memories of listening to MJ as a youngster. Looking back, to me, when the child-molestation speculations began and the subsequent media feeding, it was much like the shock, confusion and sheer awe I experienced when another MJ, Magic Johnson, announced he had HIV. Seeing one of your childhood heroes as a vulnerable, real, fragile [and sometimes troubled] human being like the rest of us was a bitter pill to swallow.
My hope is that MJ goes the way of Elvis and is mostly remembered for his unparalleled contributions to music and dance, and forever being ingrained in our social fabric and a key strain in the DNA of American culture.
R.I.P. Michael. Hopefully you and the King are jammin’ already.
Posted by: punkyjunk | June 26, 2009 at 07:05 AM
I was a HUGE fan of the Jackson 5ive back in the day. I have all the albums and still have my program from seeing them at the Sedalia State Fair in 1972. Solo Michael worked until the chimp, the glove, the chamber, the nose(s)... and oh yea, the sleepovers with little boys.
The man had an Adult Alarm in his house so when someone came down the hall before entering his bedroom it would notify him. What a freak.
Posted by: wadkc | June 26, 2009 at 09:53 AM
To me it seems that Michael has been gone for a long time. His performance of Billy Jean at the 1983 Motown Anniversary is one of the most powerful musical moments I ever witnessed on TV. I wasn't alive when the Beatles or Elvis performed on Ed Sullivan. But, his performance in 1983 certainly had a similar amount of influence on pop culture.
Posted by: JO | June 26, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Demerol? heroin, morphine.... O.D.
Od'd on life it self....
RIP
PS
I bet its true they
have a hellava of a band.
Posted by: Demerol | June 26, 2009 at 10:49 AM
The first Arrowhead show also attracted the attention of 'Nightline' which devoted an entire show to it. Ted Koppel interviewed the rock critic Greil Marcus (and mangled his first name) who noted all of the parents with their kids walking around. Said it felt more like a family gathering than a concert.
Posted by: Rick | June 27, 2009 at 12:50 PM
Have a question - WHEN was the last huge rock / pop star death prior to MICHAEL JACKSON? I'm thinking it may've been JOHN LENNON. Don't think FREDDIE MURCURY nor CURT COBAIN quite makes it. Anyone?
Posted by: Bubba | June 28, 2009 at 01:31 AM
I think icon has to touch on more than music. It's culture through performance, dance, movie or video. Though that dominance, they become part of our national identity. It also have to have some duration of time, at least a generation.
Other than MJ; Lennon (& McCartney), Sinatra, and Elvis; that's the top. Bob Dylan was the voice to a generation and continues to this day, but I don't think the entire world would morn as they did for the above. The late Ray Charles recorded the definitive America the Beautiful and probably deserves consideration. The cross over appeal to multiple cultures around the world and ages plays a big factor. Those thresholds make music timeless and go beyond genius to icon.
You can list many individuals and bands that change music, as Nirvana, U2, the Police, the Clash, Madonna, James Brown - but even Bono and Sting, while huge talents and very popular, I wouldn't quite consider as icons.
Posted by: Pat | June 28, 2009 at 02:05 AM
Dead icons?
That is easy, off the top of my head, uhhmmm, how about lets make it a harder ....
only dead icons named John, who dies recently.....
John Wayne
Johnny Cash
John Belushi
John Candy
Johnny Carson
just off the top of my head, without googling or thinking too hard.
PS
IMHO, it is a shame that not much grief, or attention, is being sent Farrah's way:(
I loved her.
Ms Fawcett was an icon, her nipple poster was the most sold of all time....
...and NO attention was given to Marilyn Chambers passing recently, I loved her too. It is interesting whom gets the death publicity nod, and whom get the "who cares".
Posted by: RIP | June 28, 2009 at 03:51 AM
FAWCETT'S passing wasn't all that sad BECAUSE everyone knew it was just a matter of time. Wait until PATRICK SWAYZE goes - a lot of women will be mourning. He's likely the next celebrity to go.
Posted by: Bubba | June 28, 2009 at 02:38 PM
"FAWCETT'S passing wasn't all that sad"
I cant believe you just said that. I dont like you anymore bub, not that you care.
wtf? , you are saying, that if death is not sudden, then it is all happy days?
You must not have had many loved ones go away ... YET
Posted by: wtf? | June 28, 2009 at 02:53 PM
i am starting to hate this existance, this planet, these people.
Billy, waddya say???... ya wanna get the fk outta here???, huh?...waddya say Billy?..shall we go?......Billy!!!!??
Billy?........BILLY???!!!!
HEY MAYS, WAAAAAAIIITTT FOR ME!!!! I wanna go too, no one cares.
Posted by: MeToo | June 28, 2009 at 02:59 PM
classic humananity, all about the $$ MONEY $$.
http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/28/jackson-family-offers-flooding-in/
The Jackson family is in high demand....
A source close to the family tells us offers are coming in from promoters to put together tribute shows in honor of Michael Jackson.
Today .... the family is deciding which tribute offers to consider.
OF COURSE THEY ARE!!
here is the truth-
ap "Jackson was acquitted at trial but never recovered"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090628/ap_on_en_mu/us_michael_jackson_trial
Posted by: ShowThemTheMoney | June 28, 2009 at 06:57 PM
ALL I'm saying is that an UNEXPECTED death is much harder to deal with. I mean - COME now, some fans were semi-amazed that FAWCETT lasted as long as she did. I, personally liked her in two movies I remember seeing, although I cannot remember the titles of the films. I had a friend that died many moons ago COMPLETELY unexpected and THAT was a shock! Saw her special and it appeared that at LEAST she was comfortable in her last days - that's really ALL anyone can ask for.
Posted by: Bubba | June 28, 2009 at 10:51 PM
micheal jackson is the best dancerever i love that man im 43 i will never see no one like him again god bless him im pray 4 hes family.
Posted by: kevin johnson | October 02, 2009 at 08:47 AM
Its a shame that the best musician and dancer had this weird dead he deserve better well there is no good or bad way to die there is only dead .
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