Kim Wilde and Michael Jackson, circa 1988Since everyone whose opinion I don't care about seems to be speaking out about Michael Jackson, I thought I'd share a rather odd if well-intentioned statement from someone I do like very much, the great Kim Wilde. (I wasn't even aware they'd toured together!)
In April 1988 our office received a phone call from Barry Clayman Concerts asking if I would like to join Michael as opening act on his BAD Tour, due to start that May.
This was incredible news and I could hardly believe that I would be appearing on the same stage for 5 months with the greatest pop performer of my generation.
The tour coincided with the release of my album, 'Close', and undoubtedly helped it towards sales of 2 million, with 4 big hits including 'You came'. In fact the video for 'You came' (which was shot in front of the Reichstag and adjacent to the Berlin wall, historically pulled down just over a year later) included a typically ecstatic and excitable BAD Tour crowd. Incredible! Many times I was able to watch Michael from the side of the stage with his then manager, Frankie DiLeo, as he blew the audience away with his unique dancing skills, wonderful music and beautiful voice.
I am always asked if I met him, which in fact I did only once, about 3 weeks into the 5 month tour. I was escorted to his dressing room at the Olympic Stadium in Munich and briefly introduced to Michael, as the official photographer positioned us side by side, snapped a shot, and then it was all over. There was no opportunity to chat - even for a few minutes - and as I turned to say goodbye to this fragile looking yet unexpectedly tall man I asked him to take care of himself... I wish he had.
When I was told of the death of Michael Jackson I couldn't really take it in; this was late in the evening on Thursday 25th June. By the time Friday morning came around I could feel a deep and gnawing sadness growing inside me that has stayed with me since. Whenever his name is mentioned, or his music played I am transported back to a magical time in my life, and I smile a little, and sometimes wipe away a tear.
RIP The King of Pop.
Kim.
Michael Jackson, Kim Wilde, Pete Townshend and Paul McCartney, circa 1983
3 comments:
She only met him once, yet there are two photos five years apart. What an indelible presence he must've been. Also, I think it's a bit weird for her to go on and on about her album and hits in the statement, but I also have to admit it's a lot more interesting to read a fuller statement like this that contextualizes her thoughts. I wonder if she was third in line behind Katherine and Miss Ross to get the kids?
So... she toured with him for five months and only met him once? And there wasn't any time for talking? And that was five years after they appeared in a photo together? Thanks, Kim, that's very insightful.
I think Michael Jackson inviting Kim Wilde on his "BAD" Tour -was one of the most interesting "Gossips" in Pop music, I remember reading in newspapers and magazines, Press coudln't get enough of WHY Kim? How come ? Is Michael in love with Kim Wilde? Why MJ is not spending more time with Kim?
However, later i understood NO questions need to be asked the MAN likes to be "LEFT alone" as Kim put in her words "I except him for who he is, and i feel honored being asked to Tour with him" and lets not forget Michael in 1988 was TRUE by any means True King of Pop, there was NO ONE else bigger and better then him.
I just wish for at least fun MJ did one duet with Kim Wilde :) would ve been HEAVEN REACORD. Say say say!
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