I hope he's still reaching for those rainbows

March 7, 2011 8:37 AM

The Accrington Michael Jackson: Part One Part Two

I did work experience in Our Price in sixth form (why? I could have worked there for MONEY by then) and there was a man who would come in every day, dressed like Michael Jackson, and ask the girl behind the counter to play Human Nature. He was well-known for frequenting the pubs and clubs of the town, always with Jackson on his shirt, asking the DJs for requests.

I later worked as an office cleaner and looked out of the window one afternoon to see him standing on a traffic island, fringed jacket and white glove-clad, doing the crotch-grabbing dance at the red lights. When the lights changed he’d move to the opposite corner and dance for them.

I often wonder how he took it after MJ’s death.

posted by mippy (9 comments total)

Sounds reminiscent of Harmony Korine's "Mister Lonely"
posted by acb at 8:55 AM on March 7, 2011

I like how unconcerend and matter of fact everyone else on that sidewalk is behaving. "MOVE ALONG FOLKS...NOTHING TO SEE!"
posted by Fizz at 8:57 AM on March 7, 2011

I like how unconcerend and matter of fact everyone else on that sidewalk is behaving.

People don't like to let the world know they've been surprised, I think. When I went down to portland for a meetup, some guy was on the light rain train making balloon flowers/animals, and hanging them up all over the train. The only people to make any visible reaction to the whole thing was a really drunk couple.

I'm pretty sure this guy's cousin was at the karaoke I attended last friday. He was dressed in the look for the Billie Jean video, and had all the dance moves down, even the on-the-toes-bent-knees-thingy.
posted by nomisxid at 9:28 AM on March 7, 2011

I like how unconcerend and matter of fact everyone else on that sidewalk is behaving.
posted by Fizz at 4:57 PM on March 7

Welcome to the UK!
posted by Decani at 10:24 AM on March 7, 2011

Painful doc. I find squirrels dancing to Michael Jackson help.
posted by carsonb at 11:40 AM on March 7, 2011

The best British Michael Jackson.
posted by Decani at 12:27 PM on March 7, 2011

The best British Michael Jackson.

It's certainly good, but you've clearly not encountered Christine Guntrip.
posted by robself at 2:07 PM on March 7, 2011

The best British Michael Jackson.

I thought you were going to link to the beer critic.
posted by Abiezer at 2:42 PM on March 7, 2011 [1 favorite]

Hmmm. "This is not a pisstake".

Really?
posted by howfar at 9:19 AM on March 8, 2011