Just how is the Sonic community taking MJ’s death?
It came as a shock yesterday to find that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, had died. Michael Jackson always seemed to have a degree of closeness with Sega over the years, from Moonwalker in Arcades and on the Sega Genesis, the all-but-confirmed involvement in the soundtrack for Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and his cameo as “Space Michael” in Space Channel 5 for the Sega Dreamcast. Therefore, it’s not unexpected to see that the death of Michael was felt within the community.
Many were simply sad at the passing of the music legend, like Vendettaagainst on the Sonic Retro forums:
As soon as I heard the news I was sure there would be an article here.
R.I.P Michael Jackson.
Just like any other artists, you will live on in your music.
That same thread on Sonic Retro grew to over 15 pages in just 24 hours. A frequent subject of conversation is that of Michael Jackson’s involvement in the soundtrack for Sonic the Hedgehog 3; though there is a large amount of evidence that suggests his production team was to some degree involved with the music for that game, neither Sega nor Michael Jackson himself has ever confirmed this. Many are wondering if perhaps Michael Jackson took the secret with him to his grave, or if there are others willing to speak out about the subject now that Michael is gone.
Some openly stated that they were glad to see Michael go, though few had common reasoning. Some, like SFGHQ’s Phoenix Gamma, saw Jackson’s death as a means of putting him out of his misery:
I’m actually kinda glad to see him go. He died years ago, and all we had left was that pale shell of his former self. Then he became the butt of all the jokes.
Now we can go back to remembering how he changed music and kicked ass. Sorta like how we got over how fat Elvis was when he died and went back to remembering how rad he was.
So yea, sucks to see him die, but it’s probably for the best. I’ll definitely dig out all my old albums tonight.
On the other hand, some chose to focus on Michael Jackson’s more negative aspects, such as Saga from the Sonic Eats Rings forums:
Good riddance. I hope his embalmer is a necrophile.
Most, however, were respectful of his death and the legacy of music he left behind, including Bentley Jones, who most Sonic fans will remember as the musician behind Silver the Hedgehog’s theme, “Dreams of Absolution”:
Since I saw the first announcement on the news late last night I’ve been in complete shock. The world has lost a legend and I can be nothing but grateful to have been influenced by such a talent while I was growing up. My thoughts go to his family, friends and fellow fans.
Because of this, I feel it would be too conflicting to continue with the updates I had scheduled for over the weekend. So all updates will be delayed until next week.
Farewell to one of our truest musical icons. Such a sad day.
Rest in Peace, Michael. Very few celebrities can escape the negative effects of the paparazzi, and neither could you, regardless of what you actually did (or did not) do. But, as time goes on, your music will remain the strongest, lasting memory of your time with us, and you made some incredible songs. For that, many of us, including myself, are thankful.
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Hey, I know PG. Had a nasty spout with him over Unleashed and Sonic’s popularity up to that point. Hope he doesn’t still feel sore about that.
Rest in peace, MJ. Can’t say I’ve ever really followed his work or his life very closely, but I know his troubles with the court cases and the skin color change. It’s an immense shame, but I’ll remember him for his achievements. I can only hope the issues with his family and his debt are resolved justly and promptly–but that’s probably asking for the moon.
Actually my earlier hostility was much undeserved.
Hopefully God has forgiven him (if he TRULY is dead) because I certainly can’t find the vigor to forgive him for molestation, but I will have JUST one moment of silence for MJ.
But that’s all the respect he’s getting from me.
R.I.P Michael Jackson.
Lets try to remember him as what he really was, a legend in the world of music, instead of all the controversy from his later life.
People like Saga need to shut up. A human being just died have some damn respect. and people need to shut up about those child cases, he was never proven guilty.
poor guy…
Wow, people are assholes.
@ Tired of the Bullshit: I agree. Besides, he never did it, they were just after his money.
I’ll admit, when I heard that Michael Jackson was sued for child molestation charges, I’d make fun of anyone who listened to his music or even liked him. (Although I did respect him a little better during the past year.)
I made the big mistake of not listening to his music. I made an even bigger mistake for not appreciating what good he did for the industry, even for the world. That man made a huge difference, and all I did was focus on the negatives and not the positives.
I’m gonna do myself a favor and not make the same mistake again (unless with people like Paris Hilton who have actually BEEN proven to be total dunces, those I’ll make an exception).
Especially for Sonic. I won’t focus for the bad, but rather for the good.
I love how despite the trial not proving him guilty and there being no evidence people will still pull out the sex abuse bullshit. Trust me, I was the first one to put away my MJ albums. But let’s face it, he’s innocent until proven guilty. They couldn’t prove him guilty… twice.
LOL @ Saga. That’d be irony at it’s finest. Still, it’s sad to hear this, like with any death. But now he’ll be remembered more for his great works more than other stuff people joke about alot.
well’ i just wish to state that I will regretfully miss Michael J. because he will always live on in our hearts and lifestyle. There are very few icons who will fill his shoes.Particularly, I want to get one or several of his memorbilias as a token of my apreciation of his long lived greatness. He was more than an icon. He was and is a divine Giant who will always have others trying to emulate his remarkable talents beyond recognition or oberservance. The good outweighs the so-called bad. SO BEAT IT!!!
When someone told me that Michael Jackson had died i said no he didnt he is alive and healthy but i got a text message from a friend of mine she couldnt believe it that Michael Jackson had died . I was so shocked and devestated. I couldnt believe it. I was sad . We lost the King of Pop the one and only.
I want him backk now. I juss wish that the news saying that Michael is alive the King of Pop is backk to the world i wish that happened. Our great hero is gone. I wish hes back. I love him soo much. No one cant never take his place. R.I.P. Michael Jackson (1958-2009) We miss you.