...yeah, that's right, Michael Jackson.
So why should a horror magazine give space to The King of Pop?
Well, even if it was for just one reason, it would be for his landmark video for his 1982 hit THRILLER.
Lots of press has been given- both good and bad (mostly bad) before his surprising death a few weeks ago, on June 25th, 2009. Unfortunately, he left behind a legacy of debt and weirdness that has somewhat tainted what should have been his most important legacy, his music. Michael Jackson may have been many things to many people; but one would hope that even the most cynical and jaded amoung us could admit that he was, above all else, a super talented musician who entertained his fans with style and grace.
His collaborative video horror short, THRILLER, was something to remember. Working with one of the genre's best director's, John Landis
who was responsible for one of the all time classic werewolf movie of the 80s, AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, and several classic comedies, such as THE BLUES BROTHERS and ANIMAL HOUSE, and with one of the top special effects men ever to enter the business, Rick Baker ,
THRILLER became an instant cult phenomena, garnering several top industry awards for everything from lighting to costumes. And it's still considered by many as his brightest and best moment. The now classic dance routine was tight. The Vincent Price rap was even cool in a fun kind of way.
Jackson was quoted many times about his love for horror movies. He was, beyond all the media hype, the courtroom drama, and strange purchasing habits, one of us. A true blue horror-phile.
Michael Jackson R.I.P.
August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009
--Nickolas Cook
