Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael"/ Excerpt @pg151/New Interview Post 3743

[xrisx]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Well I can't lie, I am interested in what this book will be like.
Simple reason being I am tired of hearing from all these so called "close friends" who weren't even around in Michael's later years.
At least with Frank we know he was there all the way to the end.
What he will disclose in the book and if it will take to much away from Michael's privacy is something we can only know when the book is released. If it crosses the line then yes, we can get upset but we don't even know what he will focus on.
I mean whenever we read cute stories about Michael and what he is like (personality wise) from others in interviews and things like that the majority of us seem to like it. So what if he focuses on that aspect? Personally, I don't think that would be so bad.

I understand people being weary about all of it but to me he gets the benefit of the doubt.
If it's a principle thing and some fans just don't want to hear anything remotely private about Michael I can respect that.

For me, I'm gonna wait just like with the other books and things to see how people review it but I might get this book in the end.

 

[missred07]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Didn't Aaron Carter come out and completely deny that story and said it was a complete lie?

It's off topic but to answer you questions. If I remembered correctly, he didn't come out and deny it. His manager came out and something like politician. The thing is the reporter who wrote that article got Aaron Carter on tape and release some of the tape, so how is Aaron going to deny it?

 

[KingMikeJ]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Didn't Aaron Carter come out and completely deny that story and said it was a complete lie?

Yes after Aaron blocked MJ fans who asked him about it on Twitter, he came out and denied it a month later after it had circulated to over 1000 news websites. Oh yeah, he was also taped talking .

 

[qbee]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Yes Frank was first to openly come against that Aaron trash talk in the media
We have a huge thread on Aaron if you wish to view or comment on what went down

Now please lets get back to the topic Thanks

 

[Graf]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

My dilemma about this is, if everybody who actually knew Michael would always keep silent then all we would have about Michael in bookstores would be the "biographies" by Ian Halperin, J. Randy Taraborelli, Diane Dimond, Bob Jones etc. Actually those are the type of books those still overwhelmingly define the public image of Michael Jackson. So do we want only those type of books occupying the shelves of bookstores about Michael and define his public image and how he is remembered? As far as I'm concerned it's not just about fans. We, the fans, of course know about the fact Halperin, Dimond, Jones etc. are lying but non-fans don't know. I have seen even casual fans referencing to Halperin's book as something great and accurate, because he managed to present himself as an "insider" and the "biographer" of MJ when in fact he never even met Michael. But unsuspecting non-fans and casual fans don't know this. They just go into a bookstore and read whatever they find and assume it's the truth.

I will reserve judgment about Frank's book until I read it, but when such books are published at least it will mean people have a choice and they won't only find the type of books mentioned above in the bookstores.

You are right that if Michael lived Frank probably would not be writing this book. Yet, I don't think we can claim with 100% certainty that Michael would not want this. Things change when an artist dies. He himself liked to read biographies of other famous people and artists, he had a HUGE collection of those. I doubt that when he read them he skipped the parts about their private lives. He was probably just as interested in that as we are.

I see there are fans who criticize everything that is released under Michael's name or about him after his death: be it music or a book. But would he really want that nothing would be released about him any more? I doubt that. He wanted to be huge, he wanted to be talked about even hundreds of years after his death. I don't think we can claim with 100% certainty that he would disapprove of Frank writing a book about him if it's done respectfully. (Of course, we don't know yet how it will be done, that's why I say I reserve judgment until I actually see the book.)

Well said, I agree 100% :agree:

 

[Ashtanga]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

But would he really want that nothing would be released about him any more?

Of course, Michael would want. But in my opinion there are other ways to do this. Michael has a lot of new material. I'd rather see dvd's of all tours, material at the time of the Jackson 5, books of unpublished pictures such as the book "Michael Jackson: A Life in Pictures" and all these things. There are a lot of stuff out there. It really leave many fans happy and many would love to see/have that sort of thing. But another book about the relationship with Michael, the real MJ and bla bla bla? :blink: Who else will want to write a book? Seriously, I'm very, very, very tired of this epidemic of books. (Sorry!) But in the case of Frank, I really want to know to where does the money from the sales of this book. :fear:

 

[Petrarose]

I absolutely agree with this statement.

What could Frank possibly write about Michael's art or know-how? All he can write is some personal stuff, which should remain personal.

This whole situation makes me think of a short interlude in DANGEROUS SHORT FILMS on dvd where you can see the news all around the world talking about Michael Jackson's private life or gosspis in all languages around the globe. At the end you hear the sound fading and then the word appears:

THE WIND

This book is clearly not about Michael's genius, but about Michael's privacy. This book is THE WIND! And even reading a review is just a waste of time.

Michael's magic shouldn't be dismantled by his friends like that, especially if Michael was looking for some privacy. However, in order not to forget the moments spent with Michael, Frank or any so called friend should write a book, keep it for themselves and not publish it, but use it as a historic document on the biggest artist living on this planet.

Just imagine a firend of Einstein's writing a book after Einstein's death and talk about his private life? It would be seen as voyeurism and hunger for cash. Unconceivable to write other stuff about someone who came up with E=MC² than about his genius mind.

Michael's E=MC² is his songs and his magic. All the rest is wind and not important actually for the general public at all. It's as Michael himself said : WIND.

By the way, Michael already offered a wonderful glimpse of his private life on Michael's private videos where we get the exact picture of how Michael was when he was not working in the studio.

What am I gonna learn with Frank's book? That Mike would knock on their door at 3 a.m.? That Michael would send them to buy some candies in the shop? That Michael tried to cook? Wow flash news, it can happen to any human on this planet! And flash news, Michael was a human! Thanks Frank for confirming it, but we already knew it.

^This post really touched me, and may I say I am in love with your siggy!!!

 

[MsCassieMollie]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Not relating to the book but Frank was in Gest's documentary and this is what a fan from a different forum said:Maybe this is a little preview for the book:

About the MSG show, Gest and Cascio say that Jermaine was a problem and acting weird asking for strange things and terms so Michael told him not to perform and then he got his act together. Maybe this is why Jerms is not endording this doc?

Cascio says Elizabeth Taylor said she wouldn't go with Michael as his date to MSG and was hoing and humming about it. Cascio says Liz doesn't do something for nothing and so Mike bought her a $250,000 necklace and she changed her mind.

The Liz thing more kind of suggested that Liz was being a spoiled diva and wanted a bauble rather than Mike had to buy her company.

 

[qbee]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I found that kind of funny myself. :girl_haha:I dont think the comment is damaging toward liz or Michael at all.
Maybe she was holding out for a bauble .. doesnt mean they didnt love each other .. That comment was
already posted in the announcment of Franks book so its nothing new and usually editors try and pick the juiciest parts of a book to bring interest. So Im not afraid of what may be in franks book. I hope he is open and honest and portrays Michael as a human being. He personally told me the book was going to make the world sorry for all they said and did to Michael. I trust him

 

[HIStory]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Of course, Michael would want. But in my opinion there are other ways to do this. Michael has a lot of new material. I'd rather see dvd's of all tours, material at the time of the Jackson 5, books of unpublished pictures such as the book "Michael Jackson: A Life in Pictures" and all these things.

Many fans aren't even happy with those. See the "Michael" album debacle. (And I have to say I agree with those who are critical of that album because the production is not Michael's level at all. Sony needs to get their act together the next time they release something from Michael and do it with at least striving for the perfection that characterized Michael. Not doing it quick and cheap like they did with the "Michael" album.)

Thing is we don't know Michael would have wanted any of those you mentioned either. If they release unreleased pictures or songs: aren't they unreleased because Michael didn't want to release them? That question is always there, no matter what.

 

[MsCassieMollie]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I don't think Frank meant harm when he mentioned that bit with Liz. Liz, Michael and some friends talked about her getting/expecting jewelry from friends. Liz loooovvveess her diamonds lol.

Even if the MSG story is true, no friendship is perfect.

 

[BUMPER SNIPPET]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Liz is dead, Michael is dead. Michael had never spoken that way about Liz. If Frank had written that while Mike was alive, he would have ended their friendship on the spot. Gossips, gossips, gossips!

Frank is writing his book for free so he allows himself to talk about Liz like that?

 

[bluetopez]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I don't like the way he characterize Liz at all. "She don't do something for nothing" Oh I beg to differ, cause I highly doubt she charged MJ for something like when she took him to rehab when he was ill like a true friend would! He make it sound like all her appreances with him were charged.

 

[claudiadoina]

Not relating to the book but Frank was in Gest's documentary and this is what a fan from a different forum said:Maybe this is a little preview for the book:Cascio says Elizabeth Taylor said she wouldn't go with Michael as his date to MSG and was hoing and humming about it. Cascio says Liz doesn't do something for nothing and so Mike bought her a $250,000 necklace and she changed her mind.

The Liz thing more kind of suggested that Liz was being a spoiled diva and wanted a bauble rather than Mike had to buy her company.

Yeah right.
How could somebody believe such preposterous thing?He's making a fool of himself if he continues like this.

Does Frank talk about this Elizabeth ?

"I loved Michael with all my soul and I can't imagine life without him. We had so much in common and we had such loving fun together…I don't think anyone knew how much we loved each other. The purest most giving love I've ever known. I keep looking at the photo he gave me of himself, which says, 'To my true love Elizabeth, I love you forever.' And, I will love HIM forever."

 

[BUMPER SNIPPET]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

To Frank, eat this:

[youtube]ALbOIc-9XA8[/youtube]


and this:

[youtube]crbFmpezO4A&ob=av2e[/youtube]

 

[ivy]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I don't like the way he characterize Liz at all. "She don't do something for nothing" Oh I beg to differ

I think he meant appearances. Many artists - including Michael - charge for appearances.


For example wasn't Michael paid to appear at Audigier's birthday?

 

[StellaJackson]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I think he meant appearances. Many artists - including Michael - charge for appearances.


For example wasn't Michael paid to appear at Audigier's birthday?

Proof?

 

[love is magical]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I found that kind of funny myself. :girl_haha:I dont think the comment is damaging toward liz or Michael at all.
Maybe she was holding out for a bauble .. doesnt mean they didnt love each other .. That comment was
already posted in the announcment of Franks book so its nothing new and usually editors try and pick the juiciest parts of a book to bring interest. So Im not afraid of what may be in franks book. I hope he is open and honest and portrays Michael as a human being. He personally told me the book was going to make the world sorry for all they said and did to Michael. I trust him

I honestly do not see the humor in it the way you do. The comment "she doesn't do something for nothing" reads like a character attack to me. Then he went on to say Liz changed her mind and attended the MSG event with Michael after Michael bought her diamond necklace totally makes it sound like Liz was a greedy woman who saw diamond and cash above friendship. The friendship between Michael and Elizabeth was among the very scarce love that Michael had in his life. The bond between them was PURE and BEAUTIFUL. Why say something like this to taint the memory?

I understand how editors like to pick the dirtiest quote in the book to advertize it. This reminds me of Jermaine's Bahrain escape plan. But, as a loyal friend, I thought Frank would exercise better judgement in what to write and what not to write. If someone from the Jacksons, say Jermaine Jackson, talks about Liz this way, I'm sure fans would jump on him. Somehow Frank gets a free pass here.

I surely hope this is not a preview of the book. I'll still keep an open mind and wait until I read the book. But, this comment on Liz cannot be futhest away from showing the world what kind of wonderful human being we lost.

Many fans aren't even happy with those. See the "Michael" album debacle. (And I have to say I agree with those who are critical of that album because the production is not Michael's level at all. Sony needs to get their act together the next time they release something from Michael and do it with at least striving for the perfection that characterized Michael. Not doing it quick and cheap like they did with the "Michael" album.)

Thing is we don't know Michael would have wanted any of those you mentioned either. If they release unreleased pictures or songs: aren't they unreleased because Michael didn't want to release them? That question is always there, no matter what.

Great post! Good questions asked. It's challenging to find the right balance.

I don't think Frank meant harm when he mentioned that bit with Liz. Liz, Michael and some friends talked about her getting/expecting jewelry from friends. Liz loooovvveess her diamonds lol.

Even if the MSG story is true, no friendship is perfect.

Did Michael see his friendship with Elizabeth as imperfect? Also, who is Frank to judge and even gossip about it?

I don't like the way he characterize Liz at all. "She don't do something for nothing" Oh I beg to differ, cause I highly doubt she charged MJ for something like when she took him to rehab when he was ill like a true friend would! He make it sound like all her appreances with him were charged.

 

[ivy]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Proof?

proof ? well I don't have the payment checks if that's what you are asking but the media claimed that he was paid. He was also paid for other appearances as well - Japan one being the most well known one. (you really do not think that Michael woke up one day and said to himself I'll fly to Japan and pose for pictures with 400 people for free do you?)

also it's common knowledge - well at least to people who work or worked in the entertainment industry - that the artists are paid for appearances.

 

[love is magical]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

proof ? well I don't have the payment checks if that's what you are asking but the media claimed that he was paid. He was also paid for other appearances as well - Japan one being the most well known one. (you really do not think that Michael woke up one day and said to himself I'll fly to Japan and pose for pictures with 400 people for free do you?)

also it's common knowledge - well at least to people who work or worked in the entertainment industry - that the artists are paid for appearances.

Well... Michael did not ask Liz to wake up one day, fly to New York and pose with 400 strangers, did he? So, Frank is suggesting being Michael's date is equivalent to making an appearnce at a commercial event? Comparing that Japenese event to Liz's appearance at MSG is like comparing apple and orange.

Did Michael get paid to compose, write and sing Elizabeth, I Love You.

Oh mine... I choose to see their friendship differently.

 

[maral]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

the comment about Liz Taylor bothers me because now the media will discredit everything good she said about Michael........

 

[ivy]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Well... Michael did not ask Liz to wake up one day, fly to New York and pose with 400 strangers, did he? So, Frank is suggesting being Michael's date is equivalent to making an appearnce at a commercial event? Comparing that Japenese event to Liz's appearance at MSG is like comparing apple and orange.

Did Michael get paid to compose, write and sing Elizabeth, I Love You.

Oh mine... I choose to see their friendship differently.

the comment about Liz Taylor bothers me because now the media will discredit everything good she said about Michael........

unlike you I don't see that comment problematic from Liz's perspective (or any other artists perspective) when you evaluate it in its content - from the reality of entertainers and appearance fees. If you tell it to anyone in the entertainment business they wouldn't bat an eye and think on for more than a second. It's that normal.

and is that story on the book or at Gest documentary?

 

[WhoIsIt89]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I'm pretty sure the Necklace/MSG thing was spoken about on here before around the time of Liz' passing. Frank wasnt the first to say it, it came from someone else close to Michael, many of us didn't think much of it, and most agreed that there may have been some truth to it. Now a Cascio says the same thing and it's interpreted as him saying Liz only befriended Michael for gifts.

Give me a break.

 

[BUMPER SNIPPET]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I'm pretty sure the Necklace/MSG thing was spoken about on here before around the time of Liz' passing. Frank wasnt the first to say it, it came from someone else close to Michael, many of us didn't think much of it, and most agreed that there may have been some truth to it. Now a Cascio says the same thing and it's interpreted as him saying Liz only befriended Michael for gifts.

Give me a break.

What I wonder is actually why do we even have to know any of this about either Michael or Liz? I mean, these things are like tabloids. Even if some stuff is true, it's such a futile info that once you know it what do you do of it? It is meant to remain private and stored in a library and not seeking money for it.

How about speaking of MJ's magic for once and being amazed?

And if Frank really feels he needs to share dear moments spent with Michael, why doesn't he create a blog and write things? No, he wants money for it.

 

[elapentela]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Most certainly isn't about that either.How could anybody possibly claim to know about Michael's privacy?And they are people who will buy that,can you imagine , huh?



THIS.
But they are not friends!Friends don't do that.And it's not an IF there.

For more than 20 last years they were more than friends. They were the family. Not the biological one but the real family. There was the reason why Michael did spend so much time with them. You could never see any of MJ's brothers or sisters following him to the book stores, museums or art galleries. Even during the Victory Tour. Cascios went with him everywhere. They didn't ask him to be around. He asked them so he would not be so lonely on the road.
It wasn't so easy with young children, who needed tutoring every day. They could be cranky. Especially when they had to adjust to different time zones. The hotels Michael stayed were fancy but not the kids friendly. I remember that once I had with me my very active 3-years old and we got room next to Michael suite in Grand hotel in Amsterdam. They didn't have any indoor or outdoor playground so my child wanted to climb the fancy sculpture over there. Still I was very surprised how grounded the Cascio kids were on the tours. And sometimes it was very boring for them.
I was always wondering why Michael socialized so little with his biological family and why he had to look for a shelters around the adopted families and not his own blood relatives?

 

[MJJ7777]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

]What I wonder is actually why do we even have to know any of this about either Michael or Liz? I mean, these things are like tabloids. Even if some stuff is true, it's such a futile info that once you know it what do you do of it?[/B] It is meant to remain private and stored in a library and not seeking money for it.

How about speaking of MJ's magic for once and being amazed?

And if Frank really feels he needs to share dear moments spent with Michael, why doesn't he create a blog and write things? No, he wants money for it.

Same thing I said. I agree with you.:ermm:

 

[BUMPER SNIPPET]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

For more than 20 last years they were more than friends. They were the family. Not the biological one but the real family. There was the reason why Michael did spend so much time with them. You could never see any of MJ's brothers or sisters following him to the book stores, museums or art galleries. Even during the Victory Tour. Cascios went with him everywhere. They didn't ask him to be around. He asked them so he would not be so lonely on the road.
It wasn't so easy with young children, who needed tutoring every day. They could be cranky. Especially when they had to adjust to different time zones. The hotels Michael stayed were fancy but not the kids friendly. I remember that once I had with me my very active 3-years old and we got room next to Michael suite in Grand hotel in Amsterdam. They didn't have any indoor or outdoor playground so my child wanted to climb the fancy sculpture over there. Still I was very surprised how grounded the Cascio kids were on the tours. And sometimes it was very boring for them.
I was always wondering why Michael socialized so little with his biological family and why he had to look for a shelters around the adopted families and not his own blood relatives?

Because being a star child he never had the opportunity to live, see and feel how it is like to be in a normal every day non-famous family.

 

[love is magical]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

unlike you I don't see that comment problematic from Liz's perspective (or any other artists perspective) when you evaluate it in its content - from the reality of entertainers and appearance fees. If you tell it to anyone in the entertainment business they wouldn't bat an eye and think on for more than a second. It's that normal.

and is that story on the book or at Gest documentary?

Let's take off your business woman hat for a moment. Do you think the book is aimed at other entertainers and artists? Do you think the general public can rationalize that an entertainer charging an appearance fee is nothing unusual?

Like what Bumper just said, what's the point of disclosing such detail and make a comment like "she doesn't do something for nothing?" I don't get it. Again, why can't he just let the memory alone?

I'm not saying the above because Frank's last name is Cascio. I'm able to separate the Cascio tracks controversy and this book. If not, I wouldn't not even pre-order the book. I'm just expressing that I'm quite disappointed at what Frank Cascio chose to say so far.

As for whether this comment is in the book, I have no idea. Qbee said the comment was first made at the announcement of the book...

 

[ivy]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I don't think you need a "business woman" hat for that honestly.

Take the Japan example. Do you really think that Michael woke up one day and said I'll hop on to a plane to go to Japan and pose for pictures? Haven't we heard how the Jackson family were paid for a Jackson family tribute for Michael? Media reports how Kim Kardashian etc is being paid to have birthday parties at certain venues. Media report how people are being paid for TV interviews under the disguise of "licensing fees" for photographs.

As I always say do not underestimate the power of common sense. That's how entertainers earn a living. and to me it seems like it's something a general public can know by using a common sense and public knowledge.

and perhaps the most important question is if the other entertainers are paid to appear at the 30th anniversary and I believe they did - and please correct me if I'm wrong. If that's the case Elizabeth Taylor asking to be paid is really a moot point imo.


edited to add: did you read memoirs ? such as steve jobs ? seen the stories - terrible stories in that? that's what a memoir is. what good are they if you aren't going to tell any stories?

 

[bluetopez]

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I know entertainers get paid for some of their appreances