PinBoard Remembers Michael Jackson

In part 2 of our MJ tribute some of the PinBoard team recall their earliest and fondest memories of The King of Pop on the 1 year anniversary of his untimely death. An incredible man and an extraordinary talent, the Michael Jackson remains as musically relevant today as he did 30 years ago – offering us a lifetime of memories. Follow us after the jump to see what we had to say about Michael Joseph Jackson and to share some of you’re own memories of him…

‘Moonwalker’ is definitely my earliet memory of Michael Jackson. I got it for Christmas and as a kid, it pretty much gave me everything. It was this film that led me to discover the ‘Bad’ album, it’s video and everything else. For me, this is where my obsession with MJ began. I say ‘obsessed’ because that’s what I was (and, kinda, still am). I didn’t follow him around the world, or camp outside his hotel room (ok, I did that one time) but I watched and re-watched everything ever captured on film of him. And of course, perfected every ad-lib and every lyric to all his timeless songs and albums. I cite ‘Off the Wall’ as my favourite album whenever asked – I doubt this will ever change. For me, there is no greater star. Just like ‘The Goonies’, ‘ET’ and ‘Thundercats’, Michael Jackson was a massive part of my childhood and for that – I’m forever grateful” – Speeakz

“Another Part Of Me video filmed from his Bad tour. That silver lurex top, studs and black skinnys. I think that was when Michael was at his best. I was in awe of him.” – S_H_E

“I would say my first memory of Michael Jackson as the popstar was when in a primary school talent contest, myself and two other girls danced to Jackson 5′s “Give me one more chance” and we all wanted to be lil’ MJ. We all wanted to be centre stage just like him. Being too young to remember the hype of ‘Thriller’ first time round, it dawned on me that he was a SuperStar when I first watched “Bad”. It was like a movie and MJ was a faux pas gangstar. Portraying a complete opposite from reality and not convincing me otherwise. I knew he could only go to more strengths from there. So to me MJ represents the epitome of longevity. A true icon forever” – Tosin

“I’ve got many memories of MJ from running out of room whenever Thriller came on to never forgiving my parents for not taking me to the Bad concert at Wembley (they said I was too little… KMT)! One of the clearest images in my head of him whilst growing up was that of his performance @ The Motown 25 show. After performing with his brothers he stood on stage alone and produced the single greatest live performance EVER! As the Billie Jean beat came in he placed his hat on his head in a swift motion holding a pose before a couple of kicks and that iconic image of him hurling his hat off the stage before combing his hair and breaking into the verse. Its an awesome performance owning every part of the stage and the eyes hearts and admiration of everyone watching. It all came together the black sequin jacket, white rimstone glove, the silver socks and the penny loafers that forced you to watch his feet as he reached the climax of his performance. For the first time in public he executed the now legendary Moonwalk finished with a spin on his heels and landing on his toes in another iconic pose. The crowd went insane and rightfully so. I don’t like the song (blasphemy I know) but I could happily watch that again and again. It was the performance of a genius, a master of his art and one that confirmed he would go down in history as one of the all time greats for century’s to come. My mere words will never do it justice bloody brilliant” – Ash ‘Remedy is Music’ Roye

“The middle 8 in the ‘Remember the Time’ video. The way Michael belts: ” Do you remember girl?! On the phone, you and me…till dawn, till 3, so what about us girl.” then breaks into one of his sickest dance sequences with Egyptian inspired dancers. Large!” – Felicia