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Michael Jackson has died in hospital following a heart attack aged 50.

Born on August 29th 1958, Michael Jackson grew up with music, and started in the Jackson 5. As a soloist he shot to fame in the 80s with his hit album “Thriller” and songs like ‘Bad’ and ‘Billy Jean’.

Apparently last evening at around 8:20, paramedics were called to Michael Jacksons residence at Holmby Hills, and found him not breathing and unresponsive. They gave CPR to an unconscious Jackson. He was gravely ill at that point (possibly in a coma) but despite efforts to revive him he died shortly after and was pronounced dead at UCLA Medical Centre in LA.

An autopsy will be carried out Friday. Fans in London were to have seen Michael Jackson perform at the O2 on 13th July.

Tour and Health Issues
It had been speculated in the media about 3 weeks ago that Michael had many health problems, including heart issues, most notably this was mentioned on Today FMs Breakfast programme, that Jackson could have health problems prior to the July 13th Show at the O2 in London. Some had questioned the number of shows which he had committed to and there were also worries about his medication and state of mind.

Although Michael had problems with allegations in the late 1990s, the Pop world should remember him as a legendary artist who changed music.

Tributes
Tributes are already being made; flowers are now being placed on his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Music Producer Quincy Jones said Jackson had “talent, grace and dedication”… going on to say …” I have lost part of my soul, today, I have lost a little brother”.
- Madonna said “I can’t stop crying over the sad news – the world has lost one of the greats but his music will live forever”.
- Queen Guitarist, Brian May, said, “The world is a more colourful place thanks to Michaels work, he was a truly wonderful performer”.

American Idol contestant Adam Lambert may be in line to do a gig or two with Queen. According to rock magazine, Rolling Stone, Queen guitarist Brian May was notably ‘impressed with Lambert’ on this week’s American Idol finale and mentioned that they may work together in the future.

in 2004, Queen reunited with Paul Rodgers, but Lamberts style was in line with ‘doing a Freddie’ which is a tall order for any singer. Earlier this year Queen’s partnership with Rodgers was mutually ended. It could happen that Queen will have a chat with Adam Lambert and possibly, Queen could have a new lead singer.

I saw Queen in Paris in 2005, along with Paul Rodgers and he was very impressive – however, he was not doing a Freddie Mercury style performance, rather singing the songs in a Queen/Free fusion. I’m not sure what Adam Lambert might be like as a leader singer – perhaps the video below might help make your minds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vFYn-JD8II&NR=1 – Note this link may be removed as American Idol videos are never usually left on-line very long !

Just saw Pierre Bensusan in Waterford’s Garter Lane Arts Centre last evening. An amazing guitarist with a very interesting style.  It is hard to nail down the style; folksy with a new age/world music twist is what I would call it.

He is actually self taught since the age of 11 and was recording by the age of 17. One of the most interesting things is that he uses a DADGAD tuning system. Combine that with special delay effects and a few lyrics, and a but of Scat and you have a very interesting concert. He has an amazing reach when playing and some of the chords it looked like his fingers were dislocated. Amazing stuff!

One of the nicest pieces was a piece based loosely around a poem by Victor Hugo.

He is performing all around Ireland on various dates so check out his website for details.

Pierre Ben Susan – http://www.pierrebensusan.com/