This year marks the 25th anniversary of the release of Michael Jackson’s “Bad” album, which will be celebrated by a re-release of the album on Sept. 18 complete with bonus tracks, a DVD, and other bonus material. Legendary director and MJ’s personal friend Spike Lee is working on a documentary film about the “Bad” album which is due out later this year, the date yet to be determined.
Lee said he learned a lot about the late star while combing through footage for the documentary, calling it a “treasure chest of findings.” In speaking with the Huffington Post, he said, ” “We have footage in this documentary that no one’s ever seen, stuff that Michael shot himself, behind-the-scenes stuff,” reveals. “We had complete access to the vaults of Michael Jackson. … He wrote 60 demos for the `Bad’ record. Only 11 made it. So we got to hear a lot of that stuff, too, so it was just a great experience.”
Not only will the documentary dwell on Michael’s artistry, it will also highlight the late King of Pop’s personal life and personality. “He had a great sense of humor, and he was funny â so you’ll see a lot of that stuff,” he said.
The film will feature interviews from today’s artists who are influenced by him, to those who actually worked side by side with the legend; some names include Kanye West, Mariah Carey, and Sheryl Crow, who was a background singer on the “Bad” tour.
Every year, Lee holds a birthday tribute to Jackson in Brooklyn; this year it’s going to be held on Aug. 25. “This year we’re going to focus on the `Bad’ album, we’re going to focus on the 25th anniversary, but at the same time we’re going to play his full catalog, including the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons,” he said. “It’s going to be even bigger and better this year.”
MJ would have turned 54 this year.
