archive.
Interview: Christian Marks (official biographer)
MIJAC.DE TALKS TO CHRISTIAN MARKS
Stefan Münstedt from Mijac.de was able to convince the official biographer of Michael Jackson, Mr. Christian Marks, to give an interview here at Mijac.de. It is for the first time that a person who is so close to Michael, speaks in such an open, extensive and detailed way to the fans of Michael Jackson.
We thank Christian Marks for his gentle way of cooperation and for the book "Michael Jackson - King of Pop" which is an unique extensive portrait of the 'King of Pop' - approved by Michael himself. A must have for every fan.
Discover more about this sensational and wonderful piece of literary work in this interview. We spoke with Christian Marks about his book, Michaels role during the working process of the book, Christian's relationship and personal experiences with Michael and Michael's plans for the future:
Stefan: The most controversial topic in regard to Michael Jackson at the moment, is the documentary "Living with Michael Jackson": What was your impression of the film and how do you feel about the reaction that this documentary caused worldwide?
Christian: My impression was that the film was very fine at the beginning. In the first part of the film, Michael was portrayed in a very pleasant way and Michael presented himself very likable too. If you have experience, like me, about that TV-genre, you notice that the film tips over in the middle. The story gets thin and Martin Bashir knew that he needs a strong headline to sell his film. He needed to find a sensational and bad story about Michael, because an unspectacular documentary about "the nice guy, Michael Jackson" will not find any commercial and popular TV-station in the world.
Martin Bashir worked very underhanded and unfair. He searches desperately for a story that simply does not exist. What I liked during the last part of the film: Michael never followed Bashir's attempt to bring him in the wrong lane. Michael always said: "I sleep with children in ONE ROOM and not in the bed, but on the floor."
Nevertheless, Martin Bashir derived that Michael sleeps with children in one bed from that. With this manipulated "evidence" Bashir tried to sell his story.
But generally, I think the fuss, hysteria and attention that is paid to this topic is very positive. It is exactly the right attention an artist needs to release a new album or single. And it is very interesting in my opinion that Michael Jackson is still such a hot topic to so many people. Do you know any other artist who still got such an attention in the whole world after six years of absence from the business!? This fact shows that Michael Jackson is a true world superstar.
Stefan: Do you think that Michael was able to restrict the damage on his image that "Living with Michael Jackson" caused by showing "Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant To See" (FOX) - Do you think he was perhaps even able to turn the effect into a positive one?
Christian: First of all I have to say that it was a huge achievement to produce such a good and convincing film in such a short time. Here you can see that the new management of Michael Jackson really takes care about the artist and human being Michael Jackson with an amazing effort. I think this would not have been possible with the old management. In former times, everyone would have been silent and the rumours would still be around.
Michael in London, 2002
Secondly I am of the opinion that it was shown with what kind of unfair methods Martin Bashir worked. The obvious contradictions between what Bashir told to Michael personally and what he told the audience on the air, made his film totally untrustworthy. Everyone could see that and every single viewer was able to draw his own conclusion. I would like to sum up by saying that the positive facts from the first part of the Bashir-documentary and the facts from the second "Take two"-film together leave a very positive impression of Michael Jackson. And when you look at the reactions from the media after the second film ("The footage you were never meant to see"), you quickly notice that there were no further reports on possible child molestation or anything like that. The media has become more quite and careful after the "Take two"-film.
Stefan: You participated on both Michael Jackson TV-Specials that were broadcasted here in Germany with a huge extent. You participated on a discussion-round after the broadcast of "Living with Michael Jackson" on "RTL" with other experts talking about the before-seen documentary and you participated as well on "Take two" that was broadcasted on German channel "SAT.1" defending Michael as a wonderful father and human being with a lot of sense of responsibility. What was your impression of both shows on German television and did you try to defend Michael before the talkshows were taped?
Christian: Well, I had the impression that the team from SAT.1 (Take two) was much better prepared for the subject. When I was in the studio at "RTL" (Living with Michael Jackson), I had the impression that the moderator Oliver Geissen had no idea about the whole thing. Because of the fact that I myself have already worked as a TV-moderator, I can give you a professional opinion an that. That is why I quickly noticed that Ulrich Meyer (the moderator from SAT.1) was much more informed about the topic than his colleague from RTL. I noticed that also on the questions I received before the taping started. The questions I received from SAT.1 showed me that they did a great researching on the topic "Michael Jackson".
Moreover "SAT.1" had some kind of a dossier for each guest including detailed information on every person to place the guests in the show the best way possible.
Over at "RTL" a lot of things were unprepared. I arrived there and they just did the taping - no pre-talk or anything else. After they showed the documentary "Living with Michael Jackson" I went in the studio discussing with other famous German people about Michael Jackson and then I left again. It was very short. "SAT.1" took much more time for those things and took much more care about the whole matter.
However, I tried to influence both shows the right way - in a positive way for Michael. I offered both TV stations to use photos and stories of Michael from my book - for free! I also explained the whole situation around Michael in several hours to the editors of SAT.1 ("Take two"). I also participated on a editors-meeting of SAT.1 because of "Take two" and explained a lot of things about Michael they didn't know. I was in Berlin at that time and appeared already over at "SAT.1 - The Morning Show" earlier to promote the special and to defend MJ. After that I went to the editors-meeting of "Take two" and sat there the entire noon and afternoon explaining the exact and true background of Michael Jackson, his career and all the rumours. I tried to steer the course of the show into the right lane.
Before the taping of the SAT.1-show "Take two" (German working title: "Jetzt rede ich!") started, there were long discussions between the guests of the talkshow that was planned to air before the "footage you were never meant to see". At that time I felt like the lawyer of Michael Jackson or like his spokesman. There were really heated discussions about Michael, in which I tried to convince the other guests of Michael. I said: "Look, these are the facts. You are wrong." Especially the doctor who attended the talkshow over at SAT.1, Dr. Werner Mang, had a very negative point of view during the show.
But beforehand, when I talk hours long to him, he had a little bit different opinion. When I compare our pre-talk to what he said on the air, I had the impression he was another person.
Beforehand he told me that he does not really know about all of Michael's operations (but on the air he said he knows it exactly) and that he is a good friend of Dr. Hoefflin. He often times goes golfing with Dr. Hoefflin and Hoefflin regulary makes bad remarks and jokes about Michael Jackson. I showed Dr. Mang some photos of Michael from my book and said: "Look, nothing has changed. He just got meager." - Dr. Mang did not really know what to reply to this. He does not know everything for sure - He expects and guesses a lot of things only.
However, the discussions before were much more exciting than the taping of the show itself. I am glad that my visits to the editors and my talk to all the guests was successful and the show was very positive for Michael.
Stefan: You often times talk about personal experiences with Michael Jackson. When did you meet him for the first time and what was your greatest experience with Michael Jackson until now?
Michael and Julian
Christian: I met him several times around the world. Our first handshake was in New York, 2001. The most exciting and most beautiful experience was surely in June of 2002 in London with my little son Julian, who is 10 years old now. There I lived to see how the fans broke through the barriers in front of the hotel. A mass of people roared towards Michael Jackson and my slight son Julian was in the danger to be hurt. Michael took his arms automatically, immediately, instinctively and in a protecting way around Julian and rescued him from the fans and brought him quickly to the next elevator. That was the first time I saw the wonderful "human being Michael Jackson" who does not think about himself, but about a child that was in danger. You cannot plan this situation - you cannot play this behaviour which Michael showed. This experience showed me that he is TRULY a good and wonderful person with a huge sense of responsibility.
For that reason, I can stand behind him to 100%, but also in front of him ... to defend him - with all my heart and conviction.
Stefan: You just mentioned the horrorfying scenes in front of the hotel in London. I would like to know what Michael thinks about those fans who always "storm" towards him without any consideration for injuries, damages, and disadvantages. How does Michael feel about that?
Christian: I was surprised how cool Michael reacted to this. I was very nervous and upset. He was the coolest of all. But he was very hurt too - He just does not show that. Let us take his Berlin-visit last year for example. When he arrived at the 'Hotel Adlon' hundrets of fans stormed to him - Michael got a kick on his leg during that trouble. Because of that he hobbled a little bit at the Bambi Awards-Show. One day after the kick, he had to be driven in a wheelchair because his leg caused so much pain. But he did not show his pain to the others. I think that this can be explained with his terrible childhood. He always had to go on stage; he always had to go to the recording studio even if he didn't want to. And in Berlin it was the same situation again. He said: "I have to go on stage." - This is a performance of one's duty for him. Maybe some kind of a Prussian trait of character
But nevertheless Michael feels awful when something like this (London 2002, Berlin 2002) happens. He would love to sign posters and CD's, he would love to talk to the fans for some words, but this is not possible that way. The way it always is, Michael is like a hunted animal.
Stefan: Your book "Michael Jackson - King of Pop" is the first official authorized biography of Michael Jackson and the official book to Michael Jackson's 30th anniversary as a solo-artist. How far did Michael take part in the development of this wonderful book?
Michael in London, 2002
Christian: Much more than I had planned and much more than I had expected. After I finished the first version of the book, Michael looked at it and said that he thinks it is so wonderful that I will now get access to real good photos from private archive. As a result of that the book became twice as big as orginally planned. Michael opened up his huge private photo archive - exclusively for this book. Michael chose most of the photos in the book from his private archive. He read every single line in the book. He had some requests for change, i.e. he wanted to replace some photos or wanted this photo to appear there and that photo to appear there and so on. He really worked with me on the book in a very intensive way.
Michael loves the book so much that he wants to do another book with me now. This is going to be a private book with private photos ONLY. That proves that Michael trusts me and that he likes the way I am working. I am very honored. He wants me to produce this second book which should mainly be about the private person Michael Jackson, not about the artist. It is for sure that Michael will co-work even more on this book.
Stefan: How did you get the job as Michael Jackson's official biographer?
Christian: Well, like the virgin got the child one can say. I have a publishing company myself which publishes and produces books and magazines in Germany. Because of that I attended a dinner one time and I met some people over there who said: "We know a good friend of Michael Jackson. He celebrates his 30th anniversary as a solo artist very soon." - The whole evening was very boring. That is why I decided to ask them if there is already a suitable book on the occasion of Michael's 30th anniversary on stage.
The answer was: "No idea. I will ask for it." ... Some days later I got a call saying that a book to Michael's celebration would be a wonderful idea. They asked me how to do that and I explained them everything about the whole process. And now it's out!
One can say: I asked the right question at the right place to the right time.
Stefan: Did you enjoy working on the book? Did you discover any new parts of Michael Jackson?
Christian Marks
Christian: The book changed my life in a way. The original project became a huge priority assignment which caused great pleasure and fun. After a short time I immersed more and more into the surrounding area of Michael Jackson. Before that, I had no idea about the whole thing. Now I am the first man the fans in Germany ask when they want to know what is going with Michael. I love to exchange information and stories about experiences with Michael with the fans, because all of them are always very kind and polite.
And one more important thing the way this book changed my life: Michael Jackson became a "virtual family member" here. Because he is always present: The fans call me all day and night long, and I am working all the time on the book, and I am often times on TV to defend Michael.
Stefan: How long did it take you to finish the book?
Christian: Since the year 2001 until it was finished, ca. one year. But the work does not stop! The next edition of this book ("Michael Jackson - King of Pop, the official biography) will update the content: Pages will be replaced, some mistakes will be fixed and 30 new pages with new never before seen photo material will be added: The book continues ... 'til the present day!
Stefan: Cool! So it is like a neverending-storybook of Michael Jackson. But it is a pity that the book is not available in the traditional bookstores on the street. It is only available via the official website "www.mj-books.com", Fax or phone. Are there any plans to release the book worldwide in the bookstores? Some kind of a "mass-version"?
Christian: That it is not true! The book CAN be ordered in every man oder woman's bookstore. If you go to the bookstore, you can order it there by saying you would like to have the book "Michael Jackson - King of Pop" (X Medien Publishing). The bookstore will order it then and you can fetch it some days later then at the bookstore. But this version of the book will not include your personal registered number and no personal dedication. A mass version which is present in the shelves of every bookstore will probably come one day. We have currently no plans for that.
For now, it is enough if you send a fax (+49 [ 8134-555066), give us a calll or you write us a letter. We will send you the book then after your personal dedication is done. This will take some days.
(annotation from mijac.de: All ways of ordering the book here!)
Stefan: Michael Jackson welcomes each reader in the beginning by voice chip. That is a true innovation on the book-market. What are Michael's feelings about this feature?
Christian: The voice-chip is a funny gag! But exactly that is what Michael truly LOVES on the book. There is also a video available in which Michael presents his book to Dr. Hubert Burda, the organizer of the "Bambi Awards". Michael presents him an edition of the book saying: "Push the button, push the button!" hehe - He loves it and it was a funny and great idea to do it. Michael loves such technical baubles.
(annotation from mijac.de: You find these cool with Michael, Dr. Burda, and the book over at mj-books.com oder directly here:
Modem-User | ISDN | DSL)
Stefan: Unfortunately the voice-chip does not work anymore at a lot of people's books. Are you working on a possibility to exchange the battery of the chip?
Christian: That was a problem of the first German edition of the book. At the English version of the book, the voice-chip works perfectly - even in better quality! The problem was that the battery was too weak during the first edition published in Germany.
I offer everybody who has such a problem with the book to get a version of the new edition. The new edition of the book will have a better and perfectly and forever working voice-chip!
Stefan: Are there any plans for further books with or about Michael?
Christian: As I told you before, the new edition of the official biography "MICHAEL JACKSON - KING OF POP" will be released in the middle of the year (2003). When it is all done, I have to present it to Michael. He will surely have some requests for change - to change the things in the way he wants them to be, it will take some more weeks. When Michael is absolutelly satisfied and happy with the book it is ready to be printed and published. From the beginning til the end of the printing it usally takes two months. That means that the new edition of the book will be released in August of 2003 at the earliest.
Besides updated content, there will be new content about Michael from the last two years. The 'SONY'-demos, his London-visit in 2002, the Bambi-Awards and the 'Living with Michael Jackson' & 'The Footage You Were Never Meant To See'-film will be included then. It is going to be the most extensive and up to date book about MJ.
Stefan: Let us talk about Ischgl. What was planned? When and why did Michael cancel the event?
Christian: I can tell you exactly what Michael wanted to perform in Ischgl: He wanted to sing 'Heal The World', 'We Are The World', and 'The Lost Children'. Nothing new. No "snow walk" was planned.
Michaels attendance on "Message From The Mountains Vol.2" was arranged by his new manager, Mr. Dieter Wiesner. He tried to save the event, but the whole thing was not acceptable to Michael. The decision that Michael will not attend "Message From The Mountains" came on Saturday 05th of April, 2003.
Stefan: How is your contact to Michael and his new management? When did you talk to Dieter Wiesner or Michael for the last time? How is Mike?
Christian: I have a very close relationship to Dieter Wiesner. He is the new 'first manager' of Michael Jackson now and very close to Michael and all the happenings. I disturb him only when I need something urgently, because he has a lot to do all the time. He is very busy. But I talk to him yesterday. Michael is very fine as I know. Everything is okay. Everything is wonderful. Michael would love to come to Ischgl if the organizers would have kept the original concept of the show. Michael had always a certain imagination of "Message From The Mountains" - but the organizers skipt that unfortunately, also because of the cancellation of Kofi Annan. If the organizers do it the way it was orginally planned, Michael would immediately come over there - he sits on packed bags one can say.
(annotation from mijac.de: The interview was conducted on 07.Apr,2003)
Stefan: There are information and rumours spreading around. What are your information on Michael's future, a possible new album, and all these things?
Michael & Dieter Weisner in London,
2002
Christian: Musically there will be definitively something new. Lately, Michael was at the recording studio in Miami ("The HitFactory") and recorded a song together with his good friend Barry Gibb. And one big thing: An US-tour is definitively planned. Michael is currently preparing to relaunch his career and to rock the entire world for one more time. I personally think that is exactly the right moment to do that. Michael is currently as popular as in his best times and the whole world speaks about him. That is a perfect situation to release new stuff.
Stefan: The last question is one that is on everybody's mind, I am sure. What about 'Sony Music' now? Last year, Michael announced that he will leave 'Sony Music' and one more box-set with two new song will be his last CD for Sony. Then he is a free agent. But til the present day, nothing happened ... What is up now?!
Christian: I know it, but I am not allowed to inform you about that. I am sorry. But I have to keep silent. It is senseless to say some general words on this topic that you already know. That is why my answer to this question is: "No comment."
Stefan: Okay, thank you very much in the name of all fans of Michael Jackson and visitors of Mijac.de for this extensive and informative interview. But especially THANK YOU for your sedulous effort in the name of the 'King of Pop' - your presence on German TV defending Michael is really appreciated. The way you defend Michael in public is so emotional, personal, and believable that it convinces the people and it makes clear that the new surrounding of Michael Jackson stands for a change: a change that Michael Jackson as an artist, but especially the person and human being Michael Jackson needs urgently. Thank you for that!
Many thanks too for your wonderful book "Michael Jackson - King of Pop". We know that this book was not made to make money, but to bring joy to the fans. It was published only for the fans, with a personal register-number and a personal dedication to each person who oders this incredible and amazing book about the King.
A million thanks for this interview. It is the first time that someone who is so close to Michael speaks in such a direct and open way to the fans of 'The King of Pop'. Our co-operation was always very frank, open, and polite: Simply incredible and unique. Your kindness is deeply appreciated. Please give Michael a big hug from us when you meet him next time. Thanks ;-)
Christian: Many thanks for your warm words, Stefan. It makes fun to talk to the fans and they deserve it to be informed the best way possible. I love this site - Keep up your great work in the name of 'The King of Pop'.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The interview was conducted in April of 2003
Get Christian Marks' official Michael Jackson-biography under the assistance of Michael Jackson himself now! This book was developed together with Michael Jackson - it is an extensive monument about 'The King of Pop'. It is a book that is approved by the King of Pop himself, because Michael is totally satisfied with it as he sees his career and the artist Michael Jackson represented in the best way possible. This book has the full support of Michael Jackson. Michael stands behind the book to 100% - He signs it everywhere he can: London, Berlin, New York and presents it to his friends, because it is a part of him.
Michael Jackson identifies himself with this book completely and publically. Why? Because Michael thinks that his career is documented in a way it was never documented before: very, very detailed, extensive and in high quality.
This book is a must have for every single fan, but also a recommendation for everyone who wants to become a fan or who wants to inform him or herself about the greatest living music legend of our time.
Order the book now at the official 'MJ Book'-website!
Click here and visit our huge special dedicated to the book "Michael Jackson - King of Pop", the official biography about Michael Jackson written by Christian Marks. Learn all about the book, look inside of it, look at photos from the private archive of Michael Jackson and get all information how to order this book. Download a prepared order-form, print it and fax or send it. All possible ways of ordering the book are described very detailed - at our BOOK-SPECIAL!
© 2003 Jacksonville-Project (www.mijac.de) / All rights reserved
Mapping, 1:1 publication of the interview are only allowed with the consent of Mijac.de
Special thanks to: Mr. Christian Marks
Photos, illustrations: © 2002 Michael Jackson, Christian Marks
This interview contains previously unreleased photo material
http://www.fifatainment.de/mijac/marks_int...erview_en.shtml
Interview: Christian Marks (official biographer)
MIJAC.DE TALKS TO CHRISTIAN MARKS
Stefan Münstedt from Mijac.de was able to convince the official biographer of Michael Jackson, Mr. Christian Marks, to give an interview here at Mijac.de. It is for the first time that a person who is so close to Michael, speaks in such an open, extensive and detailed way to the fans of Michael Jackson.
We thank Christian Marks for his gentle way of cooperation and for the book "Michael Jackson - King of Pop" which is an unique extensive portrait of the 'King of Pop' - approved by Michael himself. A must have for every fan.
Discover more about this sensational and wonderful piece of literary work in this interview. We spoke with Christian Marks about his book, Michaels role during the working process of the book, Christian's relationship and personal experiences with Michael and Michael's plans for the future:
Stefan: The most controversial topic in regard to Michael Jackson at the moment, is the documentary "Living with Michael Jackson": What was your impression of the film and how do you feel about the reaction that this documentary caused worldwide?
Christian: My impression was that the film was very fine at the beginning. In the first part of the film, Michael was portrayed in a very pleasant way and Michael presented himself very likable too. If you have experience, like me, about that TV-genre, you notice that the film tips over in the middle. The story gets thin and Martin Bashir knew that he needs a strong headline to sell his film. He needed to find a sensational and bad story about Michael, because an unspectacular documentary about "the nice guy, Michael Jackson" will not find any commercial and popular TV-station in the world.
Martin Bashir worked very underhanded and unfair. He searches desperately for a story that simply does not exist. What I liked during the last part of the film: Michael never followed Bashir's attempt to bring him in the wrong lane. Michael always said: "I sleep with children in ONE ROOM and not in the bed, but on the floor."
Nevertheless, Martin Bashir derived that Michael sleeps with children in one bed from that. With this manipulated "evidence" Bashir tried to sell his story.
But generally, I think the fuss, hysteria and attention that is paid to this topic is very positive. It is exactly the right attention an artist needs to release a new album or single. And it is very interesting in my opinion that Michael Jackson is still such a hot topic to so many people. Do you know any other artist who still got such an attention in the whole world after six years of absence from the business!? This fact shows that Michael Jackson is a true world superstar.
Stefan: Do you think that Michael was able to restrict the damage on his image that "Living with Michael Jackson" caused by showing "Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant To See" (FOX) - Do you think he was perhaps even able to turn the effect into a positive one?
Christian: First of all I have to say that it was a huge achievement to produce such a good and convincing film in such a short time. Here you can see that the new management of Michael Jackson really takes care about the artist and human being Michael Jackson with an amazing effort. I think this would not have been possible with the old management. In former times, everyone would have been silent and the rumours would still be around.
Michael in London, 2002
Secondly I am of the opinion that it was shown with what kind of unfair methods Martin Bashir worked. The obvious contradictions between what Bashir told to Michael personally and what he told the audience on the air, made his film totally untrustworthy. Everyone could see that and every single viewer was able to draw his own conclusion. I would like to sum up by saying that the positive facts from the first part of the Bashir-documentary and the facts from the second "Take two"-film together leave a very positive impression of Michael Jackson. And when you look at the reactions from the media after the second film ("The footage you were never meant to see"), you quickly notice that there were no further reports on possible child molestation or anything like that. The media has become more quite and careful after the "Take two"-film.
Stefan: You participated on both Michael Jackson TV-Specials that were broadcasted here in Germany with a huge extent. You participated on a discussion-round after the broadcast of "Living with Michael Jackson" on "RTL" with other experts talking about the before-seen documentary and you participated as well on "Take two" that was broadcasted on German channel "SAT.1" defending Michael as a wonderful father and human being with a lot of sense of responsibility. What was your impression of both shows on German television and did you try to defend Michael before the talkshows were taped?
Christian: Well, I had the impression that the team from SAT.1 (Take two) was much better prepared for the subject. When I was in the studio at "RTL" (Living with Michael Jackson), I had the impression that the moderator Oliver Geissen had no idea about the whole thing. Because of the fact that I myself have already worked as a TV-moderator, I can give you a professional opinion an that. That is why I quickly noticed that Ulrich Meyer (the moderator from SAT.1) was much more informed about the topic than his colleague from RTL. I noticed that also on the questions I received before the taping started. The questions I received from SAT.1 showed me that they did a great researching on the topic "Michael Jackson".
Moreover "SAT.1" had some kind of a dossier for each guest including detailed information on every person to place the guests in the show the best way possible.
Over at "RTL" a lot of things were unprepared. I arrived there and they just did the taping - no pre-talk or anything else. After they showed the documentary "Living with Michael Jackson" I went in the studio discussing with other famous German people about Michael Jackson and then I left again. It was very short. "SAT.1" took much more time for those things and took much more care about the whole matter.
However, I tried to influence both shows the right way - in a positive way for Michael. I offered both TV stations to use photos and stories of Michael from my book - for free! I also explained the whole situation around Michael in several hours to the editors of SAT.1 ("Take two"). I also participated on a editors-meeting of SAT.1 because of "Take two" and explained a lot of things about Michael they didn't know. I was in Berlin at that time and appeared already over at "SAT.1 - The Morning Show" earlier to promote the special and to defend MJ. After that I went to the editors-meeting of "Take two" and sat there the entire noon and afternoon explaining the exact and true background of Michael Jackson, his career and all the rumours. I tried to steer the course of the show into the right lane.
Before the taping of the SAT.1-show "Take two" (German working title: "Jetzt rede ich!") started, there were long discussions between the guests of the talkshow that was planned to air before the "footage you were never meant to see". At that time I felt like the lawyer of Michael Jackson or like his spokesman. There were really heated discussions about Michael, in which I tried to convince the other guests of Michael. I said: "Look, these are the facts. You are wrong." Especially the doctor who attended the talkshow over at SAT.1, Dr. Werner Mang, had a very negative point of view during the show.
But beforehand, when I talk hours long to him, he had a little bit different opinion. When I compare our pre-talk to what he said on the air, I had the impression he was another person.
Beforehand he told me that he does not really know about all of Michael's operations (but on the air he said he knows it exactly) and that he is a good friend of Dr. Hoefflin. He often times goes golfing with Dr. Hoefflin and Hoefflin regulary makes bad remarks and jokes about Michael Jackson. I showed Dr. Mang some photos of Michael from my book and said: "Look, nothing has changed. He just got meager." - Dr. Mang did not really know what to reply to this. He does not know everything for sure - He expects and guesses a lot of things only.
However, the discussions before were much more exciting than the taping of the show itself. I am glad that my visits to the editors and my talk to all the guests was successful and the show was very positive for Michael.
Stefan: You often times talk about personal experiences with Michael Jackson. When did you meet him for the first time and what was your greatest experience with Michael Jackson until now?
Michael and Julian
Christian: I met him several times around the world. Our first handshake was in New York, 2001. The most exciting and most beautiful experience was surely in June of 2002 in London with my little son Julian, who is 10 years old now. There I lived to see how the fans broke through the barriers in front of the hotel. A mass of people roared towards Michael Jackson and my slight son Julian was in the danger to be hurt. Michael took his arms automatically, immediately, instinctively and in a protecting way around Julian and rescued him from the fans and brought him quickly to the next elevator. That was the first time I saw the wonderful "human being Michael Jackson" who does not think about himself, but about a child that was in danger. You cannot plan this situation - you cannot play this behaviour which Michael showed. This experience showed me that he is TRULY a good and wonderful person with a huge sense of responsibility.
For that reason, I can stand behind him to 100%, but also in front of him ... to defend him - with all my heart and conviction.
Stefan: You just mentioned the horrorfying scenes in front of the hotel in London. I would like to know what Michael thinks about those fans who always "storm" towards him without any consideration for injuries, damages, and disadvantages. How does Michael feel about that?
Christian: I was surprised how cool Michael reacted to this. I was very nervous and upset. He was the coolest of all. But he was very hurt too - He just does not show that. Let us take his Berlin-visit last year for example. When he arrived at the 'Hotel Adlon' hundrets of fans stormed to him - Michael got a kick on his leg during that trouble. Because of that he hobbled a little bit at the Bambi Awards-Show. One day after the kick, he had to be driven in a wheelchair because his leg caused so much pain. But he did not show his pain to the others. I think that this can be explained with his terrible childhood. He always had to go on stage; he always had to go to the recording studio even if he didn't want to. And in Berlin it was the same situation again. He said: "I have to go on stage." - This is a performance of one's duty for him. Maybe some kind of a Prussian trait of character
But nevertheless Michael feels awful when something like this (London 2002, Berlin 2002) happens. He would love to sign posters and CD's, he would love to talk to the fans for some words, but this is not possible that way. The way it always is, Michael is like a hunted animal.
Stefan: Your book "Michael Jackson - King of Pop" is the first official authorized biography of Michael Jackson and the official book to Michael Jackson's 30th anniversary as a solo-artist. How far did Michael take part in the development of this wonderful book?
Michael in London, 2002
Christian: Much more than I had planned and much more than I had expected. After I finished the first version of the book, Michael looked at it and said that he thinks it is so wonderful that I will now get access to real good photos from private archive. As a result of that the book became twice as big as orginally planned. Michael opened up his huge private photo archive - exclusively for this book. Michael chose most of the photos in the book from his private archive. He read every single line in the book. He had some requests for change, i.e. he wanted to replace some photos or wanted this photo to appear there and that photo to appear there and so on. He really worked with me on the book in a very intensive way.
Michael loves the book so much that he wants to do another book with me now. This is going to be a private book with private photos ONLY. That proves that Michael trusts me and that he likes the way I am working. I am very honored. He wants me to produce this second book which should mainly be about the private person Michael Jackson, not about the artist. It is for sure that Michael will co-work even more on this book.
Stefan: How did you get the job as Michael Jackson's official biographer?
Christian: Well, like the virgin got the child one can say. I have a publishing company myself which publishes and produces books and magazines in Germany. Because of that I attended a dinner one time and I met some people over there who said: "We know a good friend of Michael Jackson. He celebrates his 30th anniversary as a solo artist very soon." - The whole evening was very boring. That is why I decided to ask them if there is already a suitable book on the occasion of Michael's 30th anniversary on stage.
The answer was: "No idea. I will ask for it." ... Some days later I got a call saying that a book to Michael's celebration would be a wonderful idea. They asked me how to do that and I explained them everything about the whole process. And now it's out!
One can say: I asked the right question at the right place to the right time.
Stefan: Did you enjoy working on the book? Did you discover any new parts of Michael Jackson?
Christian Marks
Christian: The book changed my life in a way. The original project became a huge priority assignment which caused great pleasure and fun. After a short time I immersed more and more into the surrounding area of Michael Jackson. Before that, I had no idea about the whole thing. Now I am the first man the fans in Germany ask when they want to know what is going with Michael. I love to exchange information and stories about experiences with Michael with the fans, because all of them are always very kind and polite.
And one more important thing the way this book changed my life: Michael Jackson became a "virtual family member" here. Because he is always present: The fans call me all day and night long, and I am working all the time on the book, and I am often times on TV to defend Michael.
Stefan: How long did it take you to finish the book?
Christian: Since the year 2001 until it was finished, ca. one year. But the work does not stop! The next edition of this book ("Michael Jackson - King of Pop, the official biography) will update the content: Pages will be replaced, some mistakes will be fixed and 30 new pages with new never before seen photo material will be added: The book continues ... 'til the present day!
Stefan: Cool! So it is like a neverending-storybook of Michael Jackson. But it is a pity that the book is not available in the traditional bookstores on the street. It is only available via the official website "www.mj-books.com", Fax or phone. Are there any plans to release the book worldwide in the bookstores? Some kind of a "mass-version"?
Christian: That it is not true! The book CAN be ordered in every man oder woman's bookstore. If you go to the bookstore, you can order it there by saying you would like to have the book "Michael Jackson - King of Pop" (X Medien Publishing). The bookstore will order it then and you can fetch it some days later then at the bookstore. But this version of the book will not include your personal registered number and no personal dedication. A mass version which is present in the shelves of every bookstore will probably come one day. We have currently no plans for that.
For now, it is enough if you send a fax (+49 [ 8134-555066), give us a calll or you write us a letter. We will send you the book then after your personal dedication is done. This will take some days.
(annotation from mijac.de: All ways of ordering the book here!)
Stefan: Michael Jackson welcomes each reader in the beginning by voice chip. That is a true innovation on the book-market. What are Michael's feelings about this feature?
Christian: The voice-chip is a funny gag! But exactly that is what Michael truly LOVES on the book. There is also a video available in which Michael presents his book to Dr. Hubert Burda, the organizer of the "Bambi Awards". Michael presents him an edition of the book saying: "Push the button, push the button!" hehe - He loves it and it was a funny and great idea to do it. Michael loves such technical baubles.
(annotation from mijac.de: You find these cool with Michael, Dr. Burda, and the book over at mj-books.com oder directly here:
Modem-User | ISDN | DSL)
Stefan: Unfortunately the voice-chip does not work anymore at a lot of people's books. Are you working on a possibility to exchange the battery of the chip?
Christian: That was a problem of the first German edition of the book. At the English version of the book, the voice-chip works perfectly - even in better quality! The problem was that the battery was too weak during the first edition published in Germany.
I offer everybody who has such a problem with the book to get a version of the new edition. The new edition of the book will have a better and perfectly and forever working voice-chip!
Stefan: Are there any plans for further books with or about Michael?
Christian: As I told you before, the new edition of the official biography "MICHAEL JACKSON - KING OF POP" will be released in the middle of the year (2003). When it is all done, I have to present it to Michael. He will surely have some requests for change - to change the things in the way he wants them to be, it will take some more weeks. When Michael is absolutelly satisfied and happy with the book it is ready to be printed and published. From the beginning til the end of the printing it usally takes two months. That means that the new edition of the book will be released in August of 2003 at the earliest.
Besides updated content, there will be new content about Michael from the last two years. The 'SONY'-demos, his London-visit in 2002, the Bambi-Awards and the 'Living with Michael Jackson' & 'The Footage You Were Never Meant To See'-film will be included then. It is going to be the most extensive and up to date book about MJ.
Stefan: Let us talk about Ischgl. What was planned? When and why did Michael cancel the event?
Christian: I can tell you exactly what Michael wanted to perform in Ischgl: He wanted to sing 'Heal The World', 'We Are The World', and 'The Lost Children'. Nothing new. No "snow walk" was planned.
Michaels attendance on "Message From The Mountains Vol.2" was arranged by his new manager, Mr. Dieter Wiesner. He tried to save the event, but the whole thing was not acceptable to Michael. The decision that Michael will not attend "Message From The Mountains" came on Saturday 05th of April, 2003.
Stefan: How is your contact to Michael and his new management? When did you talk to Dieter Wiesner or Michael for the last time? How is Mike?
Christian: I have a very close relationship to Dieter Wiesner. He is the new 'first manager' of Michael Jackson now and very close to Michael and all the happenings. I disturb him only when I need something urgently, because he has a lot to do all the time. He is very busy. But I talk to him yesterday. Michael is very fine as I know. Everything is okay. Everything is wonderful. Michael would love to come to Ischgl if the organizers would have kept the original concept of the show. Michael had always a certain imagination of "Message From The Mountains" - but the organizers skipt that unfortunately, also because of the cancellation of Kofi Annan. If the organizers do it the way it was orginally planned, Michael would immediately come over there - he sits on packed bags one can say.
(annotation from mijac.de: The interview was conducted on 07.Apr,2003)
Stefan: There are information and rumours spreading around. What are your information on Michael's future, a possible new album, and all these things?
Michael & Dieter Weisner in London,
2002
Christian: Musically there will be definitively something new. Lately, Michael was at the recording studio in Miami ("The HitFactory") and recorded a song together with his good friend Barry Gibb. And one big thing: An US-tour is definitively planned. Michael is currently preparing to relaunch his career and to rock the entire world for one more time. I personally think that is exactly the right moment to do that. Michael is currently as popular as in his best times and the whole world speaks about him. That is a perfect situation to release new stuff.
Stefan: The last question is one that is on everybody's mind, I am sure. What about 'Sony Music' now? Last year, Michael announced that he will leave 'Sony Music' and one more box-set with two new song will be his last CD for Sony. Then he is a free agent. But til the present day, nothing happened ... What is up now?!
Christian: I know it, but I am not allowed to inform you about that. I am sorry. But I have to keep silent. It is senseless to say some general words on this topic that you already know. That is why my answer to this question is: "No comment."
Stefan: Okay, thank you very much in the name of all fans of Michael Jackson and visitors of Mijac.de for this extensive and informative interview. But especially THANK YOU for your sedulous effort in the name of the 'King of Pop' - your presence on German TV defending Michael is really appreciated. The way you defend Michael in public is so emotional, personal, and believable that it convinces the people and it makes clear that the new surrounding of Michael Jackson stands for a change: a change that Michael Jackson as an artist, but especially the person and human being Michael Jackson needs urgently. Thank you for that!
Many thanks too for your wonderful book "Michael Jackson - King of Pop". We know that this book was not made to make money, but to bring joy to the fans. It was published only for the fans, with a personal register-number and a personal dedication to each person who oders this incredible and amazing book about the King.
A million thanks for this interview. It is the first time that someone who is so close to Michael speaks in such a direct and open way to the fans of 'The King of Pop'. Our co-operation was always very frank, open, and polite: Simply incredible and unique. Your kindness is deeply appreciated. Please give Michael a big hug from us when you meet him next time. Thanks ;-)
Christian: Many thanks for your warm words, Stefan. It makes fun to talk to the fans and they deserve it to be informed the best way possible. I love this site - Keep up your great work in the name of 'The King of Pop'.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The interview was conducted in April of 2003
Get Christian Marks' official Michael Jackson-biography under the assistance of Michael Jackson himself now! This book was developed together with Michael Jackson - it is an extensive monument about 'The King of Pop'. It is a book that is approved by the King of Pop himself, because Michael is totally satisfied with it as he sees his career and the artist Michael Jackson represented in the best way possible. This book has the full support of Michael Jackson. Michael stands behind the book to 100% - He signs it everywhere he can: London, Berlin, New York and presents it to his friends, because it is a part of him.
Michael Jackson identifies himself with this book completely and publically. Why? Because Michael thinks that his career is documented in a way it was never documented before: very, very detailed, extensive and in high quality.
This book is a must have for every single fan, but also a recommendation for everyone who wants to become a fan or who wants to inform him or herself about the greatest living music legend of our time.
Order the book now at the official 'MJ Book'-website!
Click here and visit our huge special dedicated to the book "Michael Jackson - King of Pop", the official biography about Michael Jackson written by Christian Marks. Learn all about the book, look inside of it, look at photos from the private archive of Michael Jackson and get all information how to order this book. Download a prepared order-form, print it and fax or send it. All possible ways of ordering the book are described very detailed - at our BOOK-SPECIAL!
© 2003 Jacksonville-Project (www.mijac.de) / All rights reserved
Mapping, 1:1 publication of the interview are only allowed with the consent of Mijac.de
Special thanks to: Mr. Christian Marks
Photos, illustrations: © 2002 Michael Jackson, Christian Marks
This interview contains previously unreleased photo material
http://www.fifatainment.de/mijac/marks_int...erview_en.shtml