Quincy To Jacko: ‘No Squeaks Motherfu**er’
A very interesting item, especially if true in this week’s edition of Popbitch.com’s newsletter which states: “A friend of mine was in Los Angeles 79 thru 87. Michael Jackson had had a huge hit with Off The Wall, and was recording the follow up.”
“The sessions were arranged for a very late start, and, after a night on the town, my mate popped around to the studio to see the producer.
“He got into the control room to find that everyone’s attention was fixed on the glass window. On the other side, Quincy Jones was kicking a pile of rags on the floor while shouting “Silent, you motherfu**er! I said NO SQUEAKS!”
“It turned out the pile of rags was a gibbering Michael Jackson. They were recording a new song called Billie Jean, and Michael had decided to fill every gap with his trademark whoops, clicks and squeaks. Quincy, however, had decided that the track would be a pared down and minimalist.
“After several hours of trying to get the singer to do what he wanted, and having consumed large quantities of ragedust, Jones had finally snapped and attacked the poor freak. Needless to say, after the outburst, MJ sang the song how he was told to, and the rest is history.”
Dees Interviews Michael Jackson
December 23, 2001 – Rick Dees spoke with Michael in a feature/interview on Rick.com (since removed). Jackson gave many of the same odd answers he gave in his Getmusic.com interview earlier. Michael talked about giving a AAA to Alien Ant Farm’s Smooth Criminal, the new album, and his advice for the new crop of pop singers like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
Michael Jackson May Give Up Touring
December 22, 2001 – WENN reports Michael has promised not to perform live again in the near future. Jackson said, “I want to move on to other things. Physically, touring takes a lot out of you. When I’m on stage, it’s like a two- hour marathon. I weigh myself before and after each show and I lose a good 10 pounds.”
Jacko To Head To Israel
December 20, 2001 – WENN reports Michael Jackson’s friend and spoon bender Uri Gellar are planning a trip to Jerusalem, Israel to spread a message of peace. Gellar revealed, “I feel that going there with Michael and maybe with other positive people who are singers, but nothing to do with politics, we will make something happen.” The pair plan to leave after the situation in the country becomes more peaceful as a pal admits, “Not just yet. It’s too dangerous at the moment.”
Sugar Ray Guitarist Excited To Perform On Jacko Bill
December 19, 2001 – Sandra Barrera of the Los Angeles Daily News spoke with Sugar Ray guitarist Rodney Sheppard about his band’s opportunity to play on the same bill as Michael Jackson at the sold-out KIIS-FM (102.7) Jingle Ball. Sheppard said, “Even though I’m not a Michael Jackson fanatic or anything, I’m very excited just to see him. Just because I’m so curious, you know?”
Dick Clark Sues Grammy’s Michael Greene
December 19, 2001 – Dick Clark filed a $10 million lawsuit Wednesday against National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences President C. Michael Greene for allegedly ostracizing musicians such as Michael Jackson and Britney Spears who appear first on Clark’s American Music Awards. Clark admits, “Mr. Greene has caused me a lot of pain and a lot of stress. I’ve known Michael Jackson since he was a kid … to have another party interfere in that relationship makes me very, very angry.”
