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Michael Jackson: Share Your Memories

by Premier Guitar
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Michael Jackson's death yesterday rocked the music world. Whether or not you were into his brand of pop, you can't deny his musical influence. Within the guitar community, many people are sharing how his music touched their lives. We'll be updating this article with links to guitar-relevant Jackson tributes and comments from notable guitarists. We encourage you to leave your thoughts in the comments section at the end of this article.

Eddie Van Halen, responsible for the epic "Beat It" solo, comments to TMZ, "I am really shocked; as I'm sure the world is, to hear the news. I had the pleasure of working with Michael on 'Beat It' back in '83 -- one of my fondest memories in my career. Michael will be missed and may he rest in peace."

Jennifer Batten, touring guitarist for Michael, profiled in a San Diego newspaper with a video detailing how she became involved with Jackson (shot prior to his death).

Jennifer Batten talks to a Portland news channel about Michael's death.

Paul McCartney, along with other music-industry figures, comment on Michael's life and death to MTV.

Blogger Guitar Noize posted videos of Jackson's best guitar moments, with Slash, EVH and Jennifer Batten appearances in "Beat It," "Dirty Diana," and "Black and White."

Jackson's guitar tech for the "Bad" world tour in 1987-89, Merle Saunders, Jr., shares his memories with a local newspaper.

Guitarists react on Twitter:
Slash: Really sad news about Michael, he was a talent from on high.
John Mayer: Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ.
Vernon Reid: Michael was Peter Pan, but also Our Frankenstein, the closest thing to The Joker we'll ever hear or see. Angel, & Demon haunting us forever.
Steve Lukather: EVH called me and almost everyone else who ever played with MJ has called. It is very surreal.
Neil Zaza: I still can't believe Michael Jackson is dead. Wow...
prashantaswani: Very Sad to lose an incredible talent. Thank you Michael for your inspiration!
How did Michael's music affect your playing?

     



Comments

 (13 comments) display by
UsernameComment
MichaelFan4e ver
on 09/30/2009 		Media worshippers who believe everything they hear or read.. Make me sick... Because I know Micheal was a good person and alot of jealous greedy people destroyed his life.. those kids admitted they lied.. they couldnt describe anything about Michaels Body,
for the ones who believe in the almighty gossip of tabloids.. do your reseach on Michael and you'll find he was a great humanitarin who loved children and cared about the hungry and sick kids of the world.. you forget all the good he has done.. which the media pigs don't report...
c.blondin
on 07/05/2009 		A very creative artist.Despite all that,he was simply an entertainer.Let's keep things in focus.It's sad to see someone die at such a young age,however,we place too much emphasis on basketball players,baseball,hockey,etc....These people are not heroes,just people that are very good at that one thing.It's for our amusement,not a career path.If you want to idolize someone,how about Jonas Salk,Dr. Christian Barnard,Tesla, YEAH,I know,you've never heard of them.
Kevin
on 07/02/2009 		IF and I say IF he abused Children in the way he's been accused of then "to Hell with Him", but we all know how money motivated both the mainstream media and greedy parents can be. MJ was an amazing talent and I've seen people framed for alot less than 20 million dollars.
Not dat into him
on 07/02/2009 		As a musical icon he had a very impressive resume but have we forgotten the deviant life he led that left him in financial ruin? Sure he was "acquitted" for the right price, but he had young boys able to id birth marks on his genitals for crying out loud! From a musical standpoint, he may be missed but from a lifestyle standpoint I think that we are better off without him!
Rob Natiello
on 07/01/2009 		Remembering how diverse Michael was with regards to his music for example use of guitarists Eddie Van Halen and Steve Stevens in Beat it and Dirty Diana.Thats what drew my attention to what a cool dude he was.
TeeJayEff
on 07/01/2009 		I correct my previous comment: the Jackson 5 played the armory in the mid-late 60s. Showing my age and declining memory, I guess.
TeeJayEff
on 07/01/2009 		The Jackson 5 used to play in the early 70s at a national guard armory in Hammond, Indiana, to a crowd of mostly undergrads from Purdue University Calumet Campus (just a few blocks away.) It was fun watching Michael grow and mature, though as others have stated, some of his life and career decisions in the last 10 years or so have been questionable. Ah well, that's not for me to judge. He still leaves a fine legacy of work and has made an indelible imprint on pop music.
holly p
on 07/01/2009 		it's always sad for the people close to one who dies. as an artist, the last twenty years produced almost nothing. and the last 10 years have been somewhat suspect with his actions. still my heart goes out to the family.
Dan Marois
on 06/30/2009 		Everybody dies. It's part of the process. To feel sadness is egomaniacal. He gave us more than one can expect from any entertainer. All that he was is still very much with us. Michael is now is a much better place. A place where there are truly no limits.
FFD
on 06/27/2009 		Yes he was an icon. Paying tribute to MJ is a challenge.



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