This year marks the 25th anniversary of the release of Michael Jackson’s “Bad” album, which will be celebrated by a re-release of the album on September 18 complete with bonus tracks, a DVD, and other bonus material. Legendary director and MJ’s personal friend Spike Lee is working on a documentary film about the “Bad” album which is due out later this year, the date yet to be determined.
Lee said he learned a lot about the late star while combing through footage for the documentary, calling it a “treasure chest of findings.” In speaking with the Huffington Post, he said, “ “We have footage in this documentary that no one’s ever seen, stuff that Michael shot himself, behind-the-scenes stuff,” reveals. “We had complete access to the vaults of Michael Jackson. … He wrote 60 demos for the `Bad’ record. Only 11 made it. So we got to hear a lot of that stuff, too, so it was just a great experience.”
Not only will the documentary dwell on Michael’s artistry, it will also highlight the late King of Pop’s personal life and personality. “He had a great sense of humor, and he was funny – so you’ll see a lot of that stuff,” he said.
The film will feature interviews from today’s artists who are influenced by him, to those who actually worked side by side with the legend; some names include Kanye West, Mariah Carey, and Sheryl Crow, who was a background singer on the “Bad” tour.
Every year, Lee holds a birthday tribute to Jackson in Brooklyn; this year it’s going to be held on Aug. 25. “This year we’re going to focus on the `Bad’ album, we’re going to focus on the 25th anniversary, but at the same time we’re going to play his full catalog, including the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons,” he said. “It’s going to be even bigger and better this year.”
I’m very excited about this documentary and I’m also happy
that it being put together by one of the greatest film directors of all time. Long live the king of pop !