It’s been an extremely busy year in the world of Michael Jackson. There’s been a lot to talk about and get involved in. Here MJVibe gives a run down on some of the key moments that happened in 2014, which ultimately revolved around the release of Xscape.
January – The car Michael drove during his famous 4-part Pepsi commercial sells at auction.
February – Photographer Harry Benson showcases his portfolio of work in London including this extremely iconic shot of Michael Jackson sitting in a throne at his home in Neverland.
March – Big News! The Estate of Michael Jackson announced the second posthumous album ‘Xscape’ featuring a new concept picture on the cover created by Mat Maitland. The album is to be released in 2 formats, with the gold cover forming the deluxe edition.
April – Sony Music’s Epic Records present the Estate of Michael Jackson with a sparkling plaque to commemorate over 100 million sales of the Thriller Album. Michael picked up the Guinness World Records certificate in London in November 2006 to mark 104 Million copies.
April – The final tracklisting for Xscape is announced. The Standard edition is comprised of 8 tracks, remixed by current producers including Timbaland. The Deluxe edition will come as a 2 disc package featuring Michael’s original versions and an Xscape Documentary.
May – The First single from the new album Xscape is released on May 1. The single comes as a standard solo version and a duet with Justin Timberlake. The track is instantly available on iTunes following a performance on the iHeartRadio Awards featuring dancing from Usher. The single is later released in hard copy.
May – MJVibe call on the help of some friends to create a themed music video for the original recording of Xscape. The video features ‘Michael’s Hoodies’ as they come from the underground to promote the Xscape release all the while being chased by the ‘authorities’ controlled by the ‘system’. The video is shared worldwide securing close to 10,000 views on vimeo, 700 on youtube as well as additional viewing from uploads to Chinese and Russian social media by fans.
May – Xscape is released worldwide
May – MJVibe approach HMV in Oxford Street to hold the official launch event for the album. Together MJVibe and HMV offer fans official Xscape postcards with each purchase of the album. By the end of the week the album gives Michael Jackson another number 1 album in the UK.
May – The 2014 Billboard awards features a unique performance of Slave to the Rhythm. The song is performed by a digital recreation of Michael that emerges from a regal painting. The performances receives a strong media response, yet leaves the fans divided.
June – The Xscape vinyl is released around the world in the Standard format only.
July – It is announced that Michael’s former home, Neverland is to be sold by Colony Capital. During his last years, Michael entered in to an agreement with Colony to save Neverland from foreclosure. The company decided the time had come to sell, much to the devastation of fans around the world.
August – The Immortal World Tour plays its final date in Mexico and closes after 388 shows. In total, the tour grossed $371 Million and is placed at number 7 in the highest grossing concert tours of all time.
August – The Estate of Michael Jackson hold their annual Michael Jackson celebration on his birthday at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The days events include book and DVD signings, meet and greets, Q&A’s, performances and of course a special birthday showing of MJ ONE.
August – The short film for A Place With No Name makes history by becoming the first video to ever be premiered exclusively through Twitter. The short film features archive, unseen footage of Michael from the In the Closet short film mixed with newly filmed footage of 2 performers.
September – A Place with No Name CD single is released in U.S and E.U formats. The single itself does not chart in the U.S and becomes Michael’s second lowest single in the UK, peaking at number 172.
October – Captain Eo returns to Disneyland Paris for a limited engagement through-out October and November.
November – Spike Lee begins shooting his recently announced new documentary about Michael’s first solo release for Epic Records; Off the Wall. Following on from the success of his 2012 Bad25 documentary, it’s understood that the format will be similar. However the Estate have yet to confirm any involvement.
November – The long awaited Freddie Mercury/Michael Jackson duet ‘There Must Be More To Life Than This’ is officially released as track 3 on the new Queen Forever album. The William Orbit mix is selected and included after years of discussions. Understanding the buying power of Michael Jackson fans, the track is only available on iTunes if you purchase the entire album and is the album’s only track NOT to be available for streaming on Spotify.
December – Michael is nominated for two awards at the 2015 NAACP awards for Outstanding Male Artist and Outstanding Music Video for Love Never Felt So Good.
What 2015 holds, is anybody’s guess. One things for sure with the 20th Anniversary of the HIStory album, it’s unlikely we’re in for a quiet year!
