Michael Jackson’s album BAD is 25 years old and I went along to see the documentary celebrating the film which is produced and directed by Spike Lee.
Never before seen footage – which I know you’ve probably heard before – but this was emotional, touching, and spell binding, so much so that I actually shed a tear, and I know I wasn’t the only person in the cinema who did.
So why BAD? Why not Off The Wall or Thriller, bearing in mind Thriller sold more than BAD.
This album which was released on 31st August 1987 crosses so many genres and appeals to those of us who followed Michael as a child but the album also touches young artists from Kanye West to Justin Bieber because of the time of its release.
Kanye, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Mariah Carey all make contributions to the film as do musicians Greg Phillinganes, L A Reid, and director Martin Scorsese amongst so many other icons.
There are body popping and locking scenes with Jeffrey Daniels, we find out where the phrase “sha mon” comes from (he copied it from Mavis Staples of the Staple Singers), you hear Michael’s voice lessons and piano playing. You see the hard-working artist displaying talent beyond.
The sad and touching scene of brother Jermaine who announced his untimely death, followed by friends and colleagues’ reactions is where I shed a tear. BAD has it all. It’s BAD – so bad it’s good.
The premiere with Spike Lee was packed and he took questions after the film, I of course had to get my own interview which I’ll be uploading here soon at AG.com.
2 hours and 10 minutes well spent – already looking forward to the DVD which will also include footage from Michael’s BAD tour in 1988.
