The Silver State Chronicles

I expect nothing less from The God of Thunder!

Word is that KISS rocker Gene Simmons has been pressed for comments on the passing of Michael Jackson, but had remained silent since the King of Pop’s death this past Thursday.

Mr. Simmons evidently finally released a statement late on Sunday afternoon, via his Facebook page.

“[I've] gotten a lot of questions from media and from quite a lot of you [regarding] Michael Jackson.

“I have refused all media requests for interviews. There are enough people in the industry being quoted. Some altruistically, some for media coverage.

“Either way… When I was going out with Diana Ross in the early ’80s, I met Michael a few times through her. We spent social time together. Found him to be gentle, charming… obviously very talented. And that was that.

“The Michael of later years is someone I didn’t recognize… nor like very much.

“When there are children involved… when there are allegations (many) of child molestation… when there are admissions of inviting countless young boys to spend weekends and sometimes Michael’s bed with them (Michael’s quote), clothed or unclothed… makes no difference… when there are payoffs to the children making the accusations in the $20,000,000 range ($20 million dollars!!! — as reported by media) ….There’s more than doubt in my mind.

“This doesn’t take into consideration Michael’s children… none of whom are biologically his. All three of whom have had a ‘strange’ upbringing. But then we don’t know much, except a ‘father’ who thought nothing of dangling his young child over the balcony (head covered in a towel), so his fans could get a thrill.

“So what’s my comment regarding Michael’s passing? I hope he finds peace. I wish his family and friends all the best in these very sad times.

“But as regards media coverage: celebs can always get media coverage.

“But what about the children who spent nights with Michael in his bed? (He has admitted on camera he has done it many times, and would continue to do it.) They need a voice. And they should have a chance to have their say. With lie detectors attached. Maybe then, away from rich celebrities, tricky lawyers and L.A. court systems that can’t seem to convict anyone…. maybe then, we’ll find out the truth about child molestation charges leveled at Michael Jackson from children (that’s plural, not singular).

“My comment? I recognize and respect his talent, but the rest is very tainted. And I want to hear the truth, once and for all.”

Gene Simmons: calling it like it is.

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Fearful Symmetry

Charles Foster Kane reaches dizzying heights in life quickly, while still in youth, but then starts on a downward trajectory in life where he grows stranger, more alone, and sequesters himself in a large mansion (Xanadu) until his death, when among his final thoughts is a longing for the simpler pleasures of a time when he was a child.

Michael Jackson reaches dizzying heights in life quickly, while still in youth, but then starts on a downward trajectory in life where he grows stranger, more alone, and sequesters himself in a large mansion (Neverland) until his death, but all along he conveys a longing for the simpler pleasures of a childhood he never had.

Hmmm……….

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Millions of fans feel the loss

RIP Michael Jackson

1958-2009

Rolling Stone reports…

Michael Jackson (1958-2009)
by David Browne

Michael Jackson, one of the most talented and eccentric performers in pop history, died of apparent cardiac arrest at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles at 2:26 p.m. PT today, June 25th. According to reports, he collapsed in his Los Angeles-area home and paramedics arriving on the scene found the superstar with no pulse; he was immediately rushed to the hospital. Although confusion about his status lingered (a spokesman for Sony Music, Jackson’s one-time home, said he was just hearing “rumors” at 3:20 p.m. PT), Jackson was reportedly in a coma, and his death was confirmed just before 3:30 p.m. PT.

Jackson’s health, which has been the source of speculation for nearly two decades, had recently returned to the headlines. Next month, Jackson was set to start a series of 50 sold-out concerts at London’s O2 arena, but the singer postponed the first four shows of the “This Is It!” run in May and had reportedly not shown up for some rehearsals.

Over the course of a career that started 40 years ago, with the Jackson 5′s first hit, 1969′s “I Want You Back,” Jackson was a towering and constantly enigmatic presence in pop music — a giant on the level of Presley, Sinatra and Dylan. He set an almost impossibly high standard in pop music on numerous levels: as a record maker (the silky funk and R&B on albums like Thriller and Off the Wall), dancer (his Moonwalk remains one of the most imitated steps), fashion icon (sequined gloves), video auteur (lavish clips for “Beat It” and “Thriller”) and record seller (1982′s Thriller was the Number One selling album of all time until it was recently deposed by the Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975). His singing and music took in gospel, hard rock, funk, and middle-of-the-road balladry, and his vision of himself as an all-around entertainer propelled him to heights rarely seen in pop history.

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