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Pat OBrien

The Michael Jackson I Knew

So as Michael planned to re-enter the spotlight at 50 for what could be the last time, I wished one thing for him: that he came out looking and acting like the Michael Jackson we once knew.

I once asked George Harrison why he and those other three guys never made what would have been the greatest comeback of them all. His short answer was “that was then.” His long answer was that “people always think they will feel better if the Beatles get back together and that just isn’t the case. You know,” he said, “if you are in a bad mood and go to the Himalayas to feel better, all you are doing is bringing your bad mood to the Himalayas. You might as well stay in Burbank.” The quiet one was right. What we really wanted was to hear Michael dance and sing the entire Thriller album and know we got our money’s worth.

On that note, Michael, reading the prompter again in March said, “I will sing all the songs my fans want to hear.”

Pat O'Brien has been a broadcaster for more than three decades, including many years as the co-host of Access Hollywood and The Insider. A former anchor for CBS Sports, he is also the author of Talkin' Sports: A B.S.-er's Guide. He divides his time among Los Angeles, New York, and Nantucket.

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March 5, 2009 | 6:29pm
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sophia5

In light of the recent monkey attack where a woman
lost her face . . .

. . . Just wondering

maybe

it was Bubbles The Chimp who ate

Michael Jackson's nose off ?

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8:00 pm, Mar 5, 2009

nickmagoo

Pat O'Brien calling Jacko weird is like...well, it's just too easy.

And to call Dylan's tours "comebacks" is just inane - the man's been on tour almost non-stop since 1988!! In fact, some wags refer to it as "the never ending tour." Pat O'Brien, perhaps the epitome of lame ass yet omnipresent infotainment...

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1:41 am, Mar 6, 2009

twinsister

"This Is It" now, one hopes about Michael Jackson's comeback. His lips look pumped, enhanced, like Barbara Hershey's, and now he sounds like Liza Minnelli when he speaks. The Gloved One, formerly a Diana Ross clone, may be suffering from multiple personality disorder.

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6:21 am, Mar 6, 2009

Johnny-Boy

I'm sorry, but to provide a veue for Pat O'brien to call someone "Weird" is similar to providing space for Bernard Made-off to write an ethics doctrine.

There are times when I question the editorial selection process of The Daily Beast. I find it difficult to believe that Tina Brown is knowingly transforming this site from a new and interesting take on the political and cultural aspects of the Nation, into just another celebrity gossip rag, deviod of anything relevant to the adults who were lured here.

Mr. O'brien, please stop calling people names, especially when you are the poster child for the "weird" set yourself.

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10:12 am, Mar 6, 2009

jogonovo

This is an entertaining, insightful piece. Kudos to Mr. O'Brien for fighting back, finding work, and doing it well.

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10:45 am, Mar 6, 2009

ABE191

I think anyone has the right to call Michael Jackson a little weird. I mean for God's sake, the guy went from being a cool black kid with an afro and a great pop voice, and slowly transformed into one of the palest, oddest people I know. He makes his kids wear a veil over their face. How is he not weird? Furthermore, Michael Jackson needs to stop touring. How does he even have fans anymore? I think the most recent song I have heard that he made was from the '90s. Does anyone listen to his new music? And if anyone is interested, I found a great blogging website, asol.org, where you can make your own articles and blog about anything that bothers you.

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12:13 pm, Mar 6, 2009

CultureVulture

Agreed, Johnny-Boy!
Pat O'Brien on Michael Jackson on The Daily Beast, FEATURED no less.
This brings 'consider the source' to a whole new level.
All three of you are in need of rehabilitation.

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2:19 pm, Mar 6, 2009

claudiusmeximus

I agree with Sophia5, given the allegations against michael jackson, I wouldn't be surprised if bubbles in defense of his dignity bit his nose off...

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2:20 pm, Mar 6, 2009

JD92840

Yeah a Tax Free series of concerts!

What he earns there can't be taxed here. And should he not come back to the USA, well he escapes all his financial worries, now doesn't he?

We give this child molesting, baby hanging over the balcony idiot more press?

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3:58 pm, Mar 6, 2009

HTuttle

King of Sick.

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8:48 pm, Mar 6, 2009

Siouxie921

For all of you wishing for The Big Comeback? It's never going to happen. He may stage and attempt a tour but, newsflash, Mr. Jackson is seriously mentally ill.

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11:00 am, Mar 7, 2009

ForumDriv

I like that Pat can make fun of his own comeback...and he can write too! Nice.

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1:38 pm, Mar 7, 2009

GPatton

Now he's in heaven with Jimmy, Janis, Jerry, Elvis, Lady Di, Abraham, Martin and John and, of course, Farrah....G Patton

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6:41 pm, Jun 25, 2009

TheWildestofThings

Abraham.......Lincoln? haha, your list is interesting. No Cobain? ;[

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7:08 pm, Jun 25, 2009

TheWildestofThings

R.I.P Michael Jackson, you may not like the man, but his music and contribution to countless artists through inspiration is undoubtedly what he will forever be known for, I just hope the news coverage of this doesn't turn into an "anti-Michael Jackson" crusade regarding the accusations of molestation. Also, I'm curious as to who will be playing "The Prince" in the future biopic~

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7:03 pm, Jun 25, 2009
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The Michael Jackson I Knew

by Pat O'Brien

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