Everyone knew Michael Jackson. Everyone. My grandma who was from a remote developing nation village knew and admired Michael Jackson. I saw her face light up when Michael was on the TV and she whispered his name under her breath in awe.

I'm too young to properly remember the Thriller era, but I remember the Bad era. In the UK when the Bad and Smooth Criminal videos debuted on TV the streets were empty. We only had 4 or 5 TV channels in those days. A particular TV show would have the rights to play the video. No Internet in those days so generally if you wanted to watch the video then you would need to watch it there and then. The streets would be empty. Near the time of the video you could see the streets emptying. The whole family would gather round the TV in anticipation of the new video. We would gather at my cousins house to watch it. Young and old. And Michael NEVER missed. I was a huge fan and I would be so proud of Michael for releasing yet another banger.

When Michael was touring in the UK, all the papers had Michael plastered on the front and in the middle. EVERYTHING was about Michael. Michael in the papers. Michael on TV. Michael on radio. Michael Jackson was more than a singer and performer. He was royalty. There was NO comparison.

Everyone loved Michael. From the grandmas to the gang bangers and everything in between. Except my best friend. He hated Michael. He was a Prince fan ( 🙈 ). He would come to my house to walk to school. I would have Michael playing on the TV while I got ready for school. He would stare daggers at the TV lol 🤣 .

BTW I saw Michael in his Bad and Dangerous tour.