He's back!!

"Everyday of my life it has been your presence, your faith, your loyalty that has given me great strength during difficult times and it was you who inspired me to work hard and deliver, I owe YOU. Over the years we have become family, my family is your family, my children are your children. It was YOU who put your heart on the line, it was YOU who stepped forward to defend someone you love. It was YOU, on a worldwide basis that supported me as my army of love. Whenever there was injustice against me, you were always there, always loyal and I love you forever for this. I will make you proud of me, proud to be a Michael Jackson fan."
~Michael Jackson 2003 speech to the fans

It is January 16, 2004, I'm sitting out by the pond at Neverland Valley Ranch, helicopters blaring overhead - hovering just over the tree tops not moving but making so much noise I can barely hear my own thoughts. Michael and his family are in the guest house just a few feet away trying to compose themselves after a stressful morning. It's the day of the arraignment, hundreds of fans are scattered all over the ranch along with media and locals from Santa Ynez who've come to get a glimpse of what's been behind the gates all these years. I've been here before, back before it was invaded, back when the magic was palpable in the air. Back then, you would walk inside the gates and feel as if you've entered a mystical world - animals roaming freely, classical music blaring around statues of children playing as the sun is shining through the morning fog around the grand oak trees. Back then you entered those gates feeling like a child again with all the joy childhood brings, the imagination and innocence. I saw GROWN men come "I'm here with my wife, she's the fan" they'd say, later I'd see them running around the fields, riding the rides and raiding the candy shop as if they were 10 again. That was the magic of Neverland. Now, sitting by this pond watching the swans swim by all I feel is a horrible, negative energy. The main house is still in ruins, from the over 40 police officers who trashed it, looking for "evidence" that was never discovered. Perhaps its the helicopters, or the journalists that I over hear as they pass me "this is a circus, meant for a freak" whatever it is I become completely overwhelmed as the tears began streaming down my face. Katherine Jackson sees me from the window, her face showing the compassion and hurt she's feeling. They tried so many times to ruin him, to kick him out, I think they finally succeeded. A friend of mine comes over..."this is a nightmare, but he's going to get through this, he's very strong. Good always triumphs over evil." Perhaps but Neverland will never be the same, will Michael?

June 13, 2005 - Vindication Day! Michael Joseph Jackson, Defendant found NOT Guilty of 14 counts. The "walking skeleton" as the journalists have coined him now, is making his way out of the court house. He looks to be in a daze, and very sick but he's free. Back to Neverland where his employees and fans are waiting for him at the gate to celebrate. He still has not stepped back into his house, been spending his days at the guest house. He never will again. Shortly after returning home he is whisked off to Bahrain, a tiny little country Southeast of Saudi Arabia. That's the last I see of him for the next 3 years.

Off and on pictures surface, features in magazine but not much else. A house in Las Vegas? Moving to Ireland? Shopping in Beverly Hills? Nothing on the music front, never gave any interviews, been very quiet. I can't be selfish though. This man has been in the public eye for over 40 years, was famous by the time he was 6 years old and successful every since. He deserves a quiet life now, to spend with his kids and enjoy their time. I'm happy for him, although sad as I find out that he's getting rid of Neverland. He's broke they say, sick others report but no one really knows.

I find other things to fill the void. I take up cycling and fall madly in love with it. All the things I used to do relating to Michael I find myself doing for cycling now. Websites, events, volunteering, interviews, articles...so I find myself in Solvang once again. No, not to go to Neverland but rather for the biggest cycling race in North America. Who knew this existed here. Its very strange being back without the Michael connection. I decide to stop by Neverland on my way out. It's been sold now, or at least that's what I've read in the news. The animals adopted by local zoo's, statues, rides, trains, mementos all going to auction next month. I stop by and notice right away its just a place now. Shrubbery is overgrown, plants wilted, video cameras are everywhere even nailed into the storybook oak tree we used to sit under. The security guard comes to the gate, "May I help you? This is NOT Neverland anymore, you need to move on." I take one last look and tell myself this is the last time, its nothing like what it was before.

March 4, 2009 - "Rebecca? Wow, I hoped you had the same number - have you heard? He's BACK! Press conference is Thursday in London! Going to make a big announcement!" I get inundated with emails from people I haven't heard from in years. "Rebecca! I need you on the news team immediately! We need your expertise! It's crazy, we've had calls flooding in, I'm being interviewed on Sky News tomorrow LIVE directly after the announcement."

Thursday morning I wake up right at 8:45, turn on CNN, MSNBC, BBC - all showing live shots of Michael's caravan heading to the arena. What?!? This is the USA, its happening in LONDON and they're showing it LIVE in the US? Is this for real?!? Aerial shots of his hotel and the route to the arena show fans lining the street, media chasing with cameras...shooting pictures of black tinted windows hoping to get some sort of shot. 1000 fans are in the arena, along with media. It's nearly 10 am, he's an hour late. Why did I wake up early?!? He's NEVER on time, DUH!! The crowd is on their tip toes in anticipation, over 200 fans are up in the front...finally 10:23 am after a video montage of his career, "You've waited long enough, London welcomes the KING OF POP!! Mr. MICHAEL JACKSON!" The curtains part and he appears. He's thin, but he's always been extremely thin...he looks good, he looks HAPPY! "These will be my final performances in London. THIS IS IT, and when I say that I mean it, my final curtain call. I love you, I really do, I love you so much you have to know that...from the bottom of my heart (peering down at the fans). This is it, I'll see you in July."



For now, 10 shows confirmed beginning July 8, 2009 at the O2 Arena in London. Promoters say that they are in negotiations for up to a 3 year contract which will include New York City as well but its not confirmed just yet. I attend a meeting the next night, everyone is coming back. Trish pops up again, Simone, Anika, Danny, MANU! I'm sure Justin is out there in the crowd somewhere as always. Looking at the video again I recognize so many faces from years past. "Are we ready for this again Rebecca? How crazy must we be!" While my priorities are set in place this time around, I've decided to help and work as much as my time allows. I am on staff now, and will be taking over the news department once I get back into the swing of things. Interviews are being planned, staff organized, event ideas discussed...he's back! :)

"We are delighted to facilitate the return of The King of Pop, long may he reign!"
- Rob Hallett, President International Touring, AEG Live

-MichaelJackson.com struggling to cope - receiving 16,000 hits per second

Thriller back on the charts, certified 28 mil sold
Certification Date 03/06/2009
Label EPIC
Award Description 28.00x MULTI PLATINUM (www.riaa.com)

No, this is NOT the 80's folks, March 6, 2009 in London (SCARY!):
http://www.tmz.com/videos?autoplay=true&mediaKey=099ca9f4-6d1c-4108-87e4-c090ff5cae8f

Michaelmania is in full force...