DAVID SALIDOR REMEMBERS MICHAEL JACKSON

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IT WAS A
THRILLER
TO MEET MICHAEL JACKSON
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David Salidor And Deborah Gibson

It was 1988 and Long Island-born Debbie Gibson was the hottest thing since sliced bread. She broke onto the scene in 1986 via her song “Only In My Dreams’, and, by 1988 … was everywhere. We were in L.A. for numerous MTV events and media-ops, and the invitation came down to come see Michael Jackson at L.A.’s Forum. Deb was a huge fan, as was I, and was delighted when I was asked to join in. Quickly ushered into the backstage area … we were escorted in to meet Michael. In a huge room, brightly lit, there was The King Of Pop! He was genuinely delightful … honestly, all these years later I don’t recall what I expected, but he could not have been nicer. His personal photographer at the time, Harrison Funk, shot some photos … and, then we were gone. The one thing I’ll never forget is that as we were brought to a special VIP-area (were Tiffany, of all people, was sitting), Marlon Brando was wheeled in … yes, wheeled in. He was so huge at the time, that he was traveling via wheelchair. Michael Jackson completely changed the record business … and, the excitement he made, created and got from his audience will never be repeated. I think the one thing I can say, one day after, is that we all lived through his music. He will be terrifically missed. They’ll never be another performer like him. He was the real deal!
Photo By: Michael Simon/CW 11