Pop Stars
2009 Saw the death of one of the biggest musical icons of all time, Stephen Gately.
Not really.
There are many chapters of Michael Jacksons career, going from the young motown kid with an afro who was forced into showbizness along with his four brothers by his controlling father, to the solo heart throb and musical genius, with snake hips and feet like water, aswell as a fully-established and respected vocalist, he was also seen as one of the most grounding breaking dancers of his time, to the media-spoiled suspected paedophile with a plastic face and a theme park in his front garden, to eventually a man with with a mission, and that mission was to entertain, to come back into the mainstream and do exactly what he always loved.
The 'This is It' tour was scheduled begin in July 2009, with tickets smashing records and selling in mere seconds, the tour was one of the most anticipated tours, and probably the most anticipated comeback tour in pop history (even more than Take That!). Choreography was said to be staggering, Michael was back in vocal prime, and he was rumoured to be putting on one of the best shows that some had ever seen. Until Disaster Struck.
Michaels ongoing battle with addictions to prescripted medication for his respiratory system, the pain he was suffering due to being overworked, and relaxants finally caught up with him and On June 25 2009, 3 weeks before his tour was to start, he collapsed at his home in Los Angeles, he suffered a cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital. He died soon after.
The world went into complete shock after this, his face took over every channel, no radio station could be found not playing a Michael Jackson song, and mourners from all over the world flocked to Los Angeles to mourn the death of the King of Pop.
I knew this photo would become significant somewhere down the line, so I decided to take it.
But Michael Jackson's death wasn't the only one to boost pop sales this year, Stephen Gately's death was probably even more unexpected, being only 33 years of age and in full fitness.
The Boyzone singer was in the middle of writing an autobiography, and also between Boyzone tours, who had recently reformed in the last few years. After a hugely successful comeback tour and more talk of brand new material, with the boyish inexperience left behind him, a steady bank account, a life partner, and a great voice, Stephen was once again at the peak of his life.
Stephen was on holiday in Majorca in October with his civil partner, when after a night out (which wasn't boozy may I add) he returned to his hotel and went asleep, he didn't wake up. He was found to have died of natural causes, more specifically, a disease in which fluid fills the lungs, not unsimilar to pneumonia.
The world did not react as chaotically as they did when Jacko died, but The UK felt a big blow to one of it's best loved Stars. Ireland was in ruins seeing one of their best home grown talents go to waste at such a young age, taken tragically by a disease which saw no reflection of the life he led and could not have been prevented.
Following his death, a cynical Journo, Jan Moir, tried to make a name for herself by poking fun at how the 'fairytale-esque ending of civil partnership has been tainted by Gately's death'. The UK responded ridiculously negatively to this, branding her a homophobic fool, rightly, and some even going to the extent of boycotting the Daily Mail. She was subsequently given the Stonewall 'Bigot of the Year' award. She is now rumoured to be working in Pizzarama on Hylton Road.
2009 has been harsh to pop stars, hopefully 2010 will see the birth of more pop icons rather than the deaths.
RIP Michael Jackson & Stephen Gately
You will both be dearly missed.
Cheers
Thompson
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