A common man marvels at uncommon things. A wise man marvels at the commonplace. CONFUCIUS

Saturday 27 June 2009

Death By Showbusiness

There are three figures who will stand as defining icons of popular music in the second half of the 20th century: Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Michael Jackson. And just like the deaths of Elvis and Lennon, so Jackson's passing can be seen as a consequence of the extraordinary demands and vicissitudes of fame, particularly the extraordinary fame that Jackson came to — can we really use the word? — enjoy throughout his life.

If Elvis’s death can be seen as the most extreme consequence of excess, and Lennon’s as the most horrific outcome of the malevolent attention of strangers, Jackson’s can surely be attributed to the imperative that was driven into him from childhood — to perform, to dazzle and to pay the bills.

Mick Brown in today's Daily Telegraph

4 comments:

The Weaver of Grass said...

All very sad Robert - sometimes the price of fame is too high a price to pay.

gleaner said...

The consequences of a traumatic childhood inflicted from those closest to him at a very young age, it is a textbook example of the lasting wounds of childhood abuse, the vulnerability and fragility of the soul remains into adulthood. Very tragic.

Molly said...

I agree. He seems like he was kind-of a tormented soul. I mean, we all are in our own way I suppose, but man, that kind of fame from that young of an age...

Much to contend with.

Here's to Michael Jackson. I came of age singing Thriller.

Rita said...

Well said!!!
Tragedy so often looms over, haunts and eventually overtakes those in the limelight.
I am so happy just trying to keep it simple and being thankful for the little things in life.