I was chatting with my good friend Matt Forger about Michael Jackson's birthdays that we celebrated in the studio, and he reminded me of something that happened during the production of the "Dangerous" album back in 1990-1991.
Michael grew up a Jehovah's Witness, and part of their religion is to avoid most holidays, particularly those that bring attention to yourself... like birthdays. So we didn't really have huge birthday celebrations for Michael in the studio - but that was about to change.
It isn't clear exactly whose idea it was, but somehow six or eight or ten cans of Silly String appeared on the reception desk at Record One. (OK, it might have been my idea, but that can't be proven!) If you have never experienced the joy of Silly String, you have missed out.
So a few of us (me, Matt Forger and a few others) waited patiently inside at Record One, waiting for Michael to show up. Wayne or one of the security guys would drive him and ring the gate-phone when they arrived. Finally the phone rang alerting us that Michael was pulling in.
We waited for them to park and Michael to casually walk to the door, then we all burst out blasting him with Silly String from head to toe while we yelled "Happy Birthday!!" He laughed and screamed and pulled the string off his face and ran to his lounge, laughing the whole way!
Later in the day a giant sheet cake was delivered (neither Matt nor I can remember who sent it), but it was decorated with characters from Peter Pan, and we all sang "Happy Birthday" to Michael. The cake was great, but being able to give Michael a birthday prank was priceless!
Happy Early Birthday Applehead!!You are loved and missed -Brad