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

[PaceMioDolceCuore]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

As a native New Yorker personally, I love reading about Michael Jackson's time in New York. Well, it wasn't that long but he did spend a lot of time here. It's a little like reading about John Lennon - the New York years. Someone should write a book about all of Michael's time here which would also include his time during filming of The Wiz. Oops, I suggested another book about Michael. Did I do that? :cheeky:

Edit: Question for any New Yorker fans (or maybe even non-New Yorkers)...have any of you seen the townhouse that Michael rented on the upper east side in person? Are there photos of it anywhere online?

That is one neat townhouse!

...go to youtube and punish yourself with "The Fabulous Life of Michael Jackson"- turn the sound off, perhaps, hehe. As reward there are inside shots. Very lovely home. Silly me pictured that so much smaller from the book.

At first I skimmed over your posting and thought you meant the "New Yorker" publication- and the awesome cartoons in there. My mind jumped way ahead here.

 

[suzynyc]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

^^Ah thanks, I just watched it. Annoying show but you're right, the reward is the exterior and interior shots of that amazing townhouse. My goodness, 14000 sq ft. My one bedroom apartment is 714 sq ft lol. Oh well, I'm lucky to have that.

 

[serendipity]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

And you really believe he hasn't....? lol ....sheeeeshhhh If you guys truly believe Cascio never sold a story to the media y'all are deeper up his ish than i first thought.

He's been selling stories like the rest of them.

Well his friendship with Friedman is definitely suspicious. See, that's the kind of stuff or "betrayal" MJ may have had on his mind too, and which we'll never hear about, because we're only getting half the story.

 

[Ramona122003]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Well his friendship with Friedman is definitely suspicious. See, that's the kind of stuff or "betrayal" MJ may have had on his mind too, and which we'll never hear about, because we're only getting half the story.

Could be, but Michael let him back into his life, that is a fact, so it really couldn't be that. Also, did Michael even know about Friedman?

Also, Michael is really the last person he should judge people for hanging out with shady characters, given he had a manger who fans tried to warn him about his shady business deals. I find it hard to believe that Michael knew nothing about them. Plus, he worked in the music business where no one is a saint.

 

[bluetopez]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

^Can't compare MJ to Frank or any of his friends. MJ was in bussiness with people he thought he can trust with his career. So how the hell he was gonna listen to some fans over his own self who was in the bussiness since a child to guide his career whether they where right or wrong that wouldn't make any sense?

And Frank clearly in many occasions was the source for Friedman that's why till this day he does major ass kissing when it comes to the Cascio's for good or bad!

 

[Ramona122003]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

^Can't compare MJ to Frank or any of his friends. MJ was in bussiness with people he thought he can trust with his career. So how the hell he was gonna listen to some fans over his own self who was in the bussiness since a child to guide his career whether they where right or wrong that wouldn't make any sense?

And Frank clearly in many occasions was the source for Friedman that's why till this day his does major ass kissing when it comes to the Cascio's for good or bad!

His manger during the History era had a record of shady business deals. His record was so apparent that even simple fans knew about it. Michael could had easily done his own background check and saw this, which I think he did given his strong business sense. So, it is perfectly comparable since you always do your research before you go into business with anyone, but for whatever reason Michael trusted this person.

How about him keeping Randy as his manger even after the entire thing with MJSource? You would think after he and his friends ripped off fans that he wouldn't want anyone Randy hired paying his bills. The same with Karen. She said herself she was fired several times before everything in 2005, but Michael kept rehiring her again. He still talked to his mother and she was also surrounding with leeches just like everyone else in that family.

My point being is that I doubt Michael would cut someone he knew since they were child just because they know or associate with a shady person, especially when Michael himself had a similar history of not hanging out with the best people in the world. Also, did Michael even know Friedman or what he wrote?

 

[bluetopez]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I'm not even talking about cutting off people which he eventually did with many. But, just simply acknowledging that Many saw MJ as star before a person and took advantage of those circumstances for their own gain and that's what really got him into alot of the ish he went through. Eventually he learned his lesson but, being who he was it was hard to know and trust everyone in his circle, so he obviously got it wrong and sometimes right. But, that doesn't take away the fact that some did and are and will continue to sell their stories about him and how wrong it is. So his circumstances are far different then any ol friend or old bussiness associate to compare to him in my opinion.

 

[PaceMioDolceCuore]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

^^Ah thanks, I just watched it. Annoying show but you're right, the reward is the exterior and interior shots of that amazing townhouse. My goodness, 14000 sq ft. My one bedroom apartment is 714 sq ft lol. Oh well, I'm lucky to have that.

Yeah, us mere mortals... won't tell you the specs of my former digs in Boston...pitiful. :wacko::wild: Renting an average hotel room in NYC means having half the bathroom next to your bed, hehehe. Aaaaaaah, the lovers of the city life.

Half of the show doesn't even to have anything to do with Michael, the restaurant kitchen shots etc. Talk about producing a 30 minutes show or something like-that - and it virtually does not contain any Michael- yet supposedly is about Michael. :rofl:

Michael sure knew how to pick a beautiful home to live in.

 

[Ramona122003]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I'm not even talking about cutting off people which he eventually did with many. But, just simply acknowledging that Many saw MJ as star before a person and took advantage of those circumstances for their own gain and that's what really got him into alot of the ish he went through. Eventually he learned his lesson but, being who he was it was hard to know and trust everyone in his circle, so he obviously got it wrong and sometimes right. But, that doesn't take away the fact that some did and are and will continue to sell their stories about him and how wrong it is. So his circumstances are far different then any ol friend or old bussiness associate to compare to him in my opinion.

The original topic was a poster stating that Michael could had cut off Frank over Friedman. I then asked did Michael even know Friedman to begin with or how Michael didn't cut off people over shady associating since he was equally guilty of this.

I don't know what stories Frank did or did not sell, but my point was I doubt Michael would cut off a life long friend over it. From all indications, Michael cut off Frank because he thought Frank refused to testify. That is what T3 and Karen have both hinted at as well. No one have said Frank was cut off because he talked to such and such.

I also not going to go after Frank over stories he sold to Friedman since Michael obviously forgave him since they were back in contact until he died.

 

[ivy]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

While Friedman has his sources I don't think he bought or paid for his stories. TMZ and such operate a lot different than UK tabloids.

 

[Ingelief]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

bluetopez like you said Yourself! michael had people around who he trusted with his career. you said this yourself remember? Now Frank was in his life. All the time, only for 1 absence for miscommunication after the trial, they made up, cried and where very happy to be together again!

So yes frank is trusten by michael till the end. He shared alot gave frank alot of room to work with, and frank could trust michael..

So stop all of you hating frank and saying he betrayed michael. the true is: Some fans betray michael!

 

[suzynyc]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Yeah, us mere mortals... won't tell you the specs of my former digs in Boston...pitiful. :wacko::wild: Renting an average hotel room in NYC means having half the bathroom next to your bed, hehehe. Aaaaaaah, the lovers of the city life.

Half of the show doesn't even to have anything to do with Michael, the restaurant kitchen shots etc. Talk about producing a 30 minutes show or something like-that - and it virtually does not contain any Michael- yet supposedly is about Michael. :rofl:

Michael sure knew how to pick a beautiful home to live in.

Haha where I live now is a mansion compared to where I lived before so I am very happy...although I could get lost in a 14,000 sq ft apartment which would be really fun.

I would have advised Michael to try a place downtown NY (Soho, West Village, etc). Why didn't he ever live downtown, I wonder curiously...

 

[bluetopez]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

bluetopez like you said Yourself! michael had people around who he trusted with his career. you said this yourself remember? Now Frank was in his life. All the time, only for 1 absence for miscommunication after the trial, they made up, cried and where very happy to be together again!

So yes frank is trusten by michael till the end. He shared alot gave frank alot of room to work with, and frank could trust michael..

So stop all of you hating frank and saying he betrayed michael. the true is: Some fans betray michael!

:smilerolleyes: Excuse u and spare me the mellow drama. U need to tune it down a bit and stop exaggerating! Stop taking what I say about Frank and his book so damn personal cause I ain't even talkin about u. If I have a issue with any Friend of MJs selling or just telling for whatever reason personal stories about MJ in a book or to the media I will say that I do whether u or anyone else here don't like it. If u love the book so much good for u but, don't try to shove it down my throat like it's the ultimate truth and the only truth. I ain't that dumb to sit here and believe every thing he says is a damn fact or think that his story is where all the answers are. I never said the book nor Frank are all bad and never called him evil. What I did do was point out things that were not all accurate or even more confusing that he was trying to clear up but, IMO made worse. And I also pointed out certain people he still associated or is friends with like Friedman that leaves me uncomfortable about Frank. Sure MJ at times had people in his life aswell that were suspicious too but, the circumstances were different for MJ because he was the star and many used him for that purpose only, his reason for being friends with them however were because he really wanted friends and wanted to do big things in his career so his reasons were obviously different. So I can't compare MJ to any of his friends that sold stories or simply can't keep their mouth shut for whatever reason.

 

[Ingelief]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

The last wasnt for you bluetopez cleary, only the first sentence

 

[bluetopez]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Yea sure If u say so....

 

[MoeJack]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Just finished reading the book. I have to say it was quite an interesting and enlightening read. I had no idea the Cascios and especially Frank were such a big part of Michael's life. It really seems like Frank was one of the closest people to Michael over the last 25 years of his life. It was definitely a great read, but I couldn't help feeling a bit sad at the end, realizing that Michael was in fact gone and that all those wonderful stories were reduced to distant memories of a life that once was .

 

[maral]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

just finished reading the book. I have to say it was quite an interesting and enlightening read. I had no idea the cascios and especially frank were such a big part of michael's life. It really seems like frank was one of the closest people to michael over the last 25 years of his life. It was definitely a great read, but i couldn't help feeling a bit sad at the end, realizing that michael was in fact gone and that all those wonderful stories were reduced to distant memories of a life that once was ..

so sad

 

[mthalen]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Read about 200 pages right now. Wasn't sure what to make of it, but I think it's an honest story so far.
After reading some things (about Frank being present at the Invincible signing and Frank and his brother being in the Prince Michaelm painting) I figured those things could be checked, so I googled some pics
And sure enough, there are photo's showing MJ with Cascio from different stages in life:

5 jaar oud, met MJ:

7-8:

Age 12(?):

Age 15(?):

Age 15-16?

2001

2001, Invincible:

Prince painting, Cascio broertjes links en rechts:

2003:

2005?

2007:

 

[serendipity]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Could be, but Michael let him back into his life, that is a fact, so it really couldn't be that. Also, did Michael even know about Friedman?

We'll never know what MJ knew, he's not here to tell us and that's my point. He did let Frank back, but it seems they weren't as close as they used to be and it seems MJ stuck mostly with the other family members.

Also, Michael is really the last person he should judge people for hanging out with shady characters, given he had a manger who fans tried to warn him about his shady business deals. I find it hard to believe that Michael knew nothing about them. Plus, he worked in the music business where no one is a saint.

That is true, but if he suspected something fishy that was not in his best interest, who's to say what he would have done or felt especially when it involved a long time close friend whom he trusted for so many years? Betrayal by a friend hurts a lot more than some manager. Besides MJ's crap business deals didn't hurt anybody else, but himself. There's no comparison IMO.

 

[MoeJack]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

We'll never know what MJ knew, he's not here to tell us and that's my point. He did let Frank back, but it seems they weren't as close as they used to be and it seems MJ stuck mostly with the other family members.

True, but in my opinion, Michael wanted everybody out of his life after the trial ended. He just took his children and left the country. Alot of people had no idea what he was up to or where he was during that time (2005-2006). He just wanted to get away from it all. But honestly, I feel that Frank and Michael really were true and very close friends. It's impossible for them not to be, I mean he literally raised him like Frank pointed out so many times in the book. All those times Michael used to stop by their place and spend time with them, and the dozens of trips around the world that he and his brother went on with Michael. Not to mention that road trip they took, they were like two companions. I mean who else can we say has had that much access to Michael on a personal level other than his children. He traveled with him and spent so much time with him in Neverland and went up to the mountains with him and stayed in hotels with him. I was honestly surprised at just how much time they had spent together over their years. I felt that Michael wasn't always as lonely as I had thought he was, relatively speaking ofcourse- and that's a great thing. So it's hard to imagine that either of them could ever stay mad at the other for any reason. During the trial Michael was just extremely paranoid, and rightfully so. So I don't blame him. But it truly seems that their friendship was a very special one. The most intriguing thing for me was just how long they had been such close friends. There's almost like no people that I can think of that were friends with Michael during the duration of his lifetime as the Cascios were. Many of his older friendships from the 80s disipated in the 90s and many from the 90s disappeared in the 00s. So it's rare to see a friendship that lasted as long as theirs did. All I can say is that, when Frank talked about how he just couldnt last very long without Michael in his life, I really felt that I understood what he meant. He had grown up with Michael throughout his childhood and traveled with him all over the world. He didn't know any other life but life on the road with Michael, his companion. I'm sure it must've been devastating when he learned of his passing..

 

[Ingelief]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Yea sure If u say so....

 

[suzynyc]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Just finished reading the book. I have to say it was quite an interesting and enlightening read. I had no idea the Cascios and especially Frank were such a big part of Michael's life. It really seems like Frank was one of the closest people to Michael over the last 25 years of his life. It was definitely a great read, but I couldn't help feeling a bit sad at the end, realizing that Michael was in fact gone and that all those wonderful stories were reduced to distant memories of a life that once was .

I know. I haven't finished the book yet. I'm just over halfway through, as I'm taking my time. I'm kind of dreading reaching the end.

Frank takes us through his journey with Michael and it's pretty amazing.

 

[Ramona122003]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

We'll never know what MJ knew, he's not here to tell us and that's my point. He did let Frank back, but it seems they weren't as close as they used to be and it seems MJ stuck mostly with the other family members.



That is true, but if he suspected something fishy that was not in his best interest, who's to say what he would have done or felt especially when it involved a long time close friend whom he trusted for so many years? Betrayal by a friend hurts a lot more than some manager. Besides MJ's crap business deals didn't hurt anybody else, but himself. There's no comparison IMO.

I see where you are coming from, but I don't think their distance after they made up was caused by what you are implying.

They were most likely not as close because of what just happened. If I was Frank, I would feel kind of resentful that a person I knew almost my entire life would cut me off without even talking to me over what someone else supposedly said about me. Especially since people in Michael's life were known for lying to Michael about certain people to gain more power like Brance. I know Michael hated direct confrontation and he had every right to think the worst of people after the trial, but it was still a pretty cold thing to do. In Frank's case, I can imagine it taking some time before you can get over something like that, despite whatever he writes.

As for the second paragraph, I would be more incline to believe that if Michael had a history of cutting off other people with shady connections. From what I've seen, Michael cut people off because they personally hurt him, betray his trust, stole from him, or a misunderstanding. I've seen no one say or imply they were cut off because they knew or talked to such and such. I also have seen no evident of Michael even knowing Friedman from any other reporter. I mean, T-Mez talked to Nancy Grace after the trial and Michael didn't seem to hold it against him.

I would also have to slightly disagree with your statement that his bad business deals only hurt himself. His bad business deal hurt his entire family, namely his kids. But, that's my opinion.

 

[twinklEE]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

This pic shows Michael's sincere love for children, and how comfortable he was around children, it's an atrocity that some tried to hold this innocent, pure and honest affection he had for kids against him.

 

[Ingelief]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

i was thinking about this last night. Michael had video and camerapeople around alot for himself, because he *normal* wasnt able to remmeber it all, i can remember an interview where he couldnt remember some songs he ever song, prob normal because he recorded so many.. so i dont think he knew everyone who he spoke to or what they said after that.

that said i believe michael nor frank were on to some of the interviewers as we fans are obsessed we know stuff,. we know prob more about michael his life then he himself did. We watch every movie interview 1000 times so yes we know. they might didnt.

There for i believe frank talked to some of the reporters we as fans dont like but they didnt know..

 

[Ginger]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I see where you are coming from, but I don't think their distance after they made up was caused by what you are implying.

They were most likely not as close because of what just happened. If I was Frank, I would feel kind of resentful that a person I knew almost my entire life would cut me off without even talking to me over what someone else supposedly said about me. Especially since people in Michael's life were known for lying to Michael about certain people to gain more power like Brance. I know Michael hated direct confrontation and he had every right to think the worst of people after the trial, but it was still a pretty cold thing to do. In Frank's case, I can imagine it taking some time before you can get over something like that, despite whatever he writes.

As for the second paragraph, I would be more incline to believe that if Michael had a history of cutting off other people with shady connections. From what I've seen, Michael cut people off because they personally hurt him, betray his trust, stole from him, or a misunderstanding. I've seen no one say or imply they were cut off because they knew or talked to such and such. I also have seen no evident of Michael even knowing Friedman from any other reporter. I mean, T-Mez talked to Nancy Grace after the trial and Michael didn't seem to hold it against him.

I would also have to slightly disagree with your statement that his bad business deals only hurt himself. His bad business deal hurt his entire family, namely his kids. But, that's my opinion.

Yes, I think a lot of people would feel that way. If a close friend who was like family did that to me, it would take a while for me to get over it. I would constantly be wondering when will the next shoe drop. It's a human emotion that I think most people would have.

 

[Ingelief]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

But why did michael do that to frank? why believe an other person over frank? Also the strange story about frank asked by michael to come to ireland after that and then get a phonecall if you come here you will be arested. Franks dad pissed of called michael and said to the assistent, 25 year of friendship this is onacceptable! michael called the next day back and apoligized, but i never read in the story wethe michael was behind it or not?

 

[KOPV]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Ramona122003 - I'm proud of the bravery it takes to write what you did in this thread.. And yes it would hurt, I was trying to put myself in franks shoes and I have no idea how I would handle it. Michael has always pushed out people that he did not want around. For much understandable and reasonable reasons and others because he simply could and with the power he had did not have to be around people that hit specific nerves.

I remember my whole life wondering if Michael met me, what he would think.. Then when I became an adult I would always wonder if he would asume I would be out to get him and never allow us to be close.. I would think to myself often, if I met Michael what could I do to show that I would just want to be his friend and be there.. So to be actually pushed away by Michael. that would devistate me

 

[serendipity]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

From what I've seen, Michael cut people off because they personally hurt him, betray his trust, stole from him, or a misunderstanding. I've seen no one say or imply they were cut off because they knew or talked to such and such.

Yes, if MJ suspected that Frank gave Friedman stories that personally hurt him, then I can see his trust not being the same anymore. Why is this so hard to believe? Heck anyone would be suspicious if they had a friend who suddenly became friends with someone who constantly writes crap about them. I know I would. We don't know what MJ knew or what was going on in his head.

But why did michael do that to frank? why believe an other person over frank? Also the strange story about frank asked by michael to come to ireland after that and then get a phonecall if you come here you will be arested. Franks dad pissed of called michael and said to the assistent, 25 year of friendship this is onacceptable! michael called the next day back and apoligized, but i never read in the story wethe michael was behind it or not?

You want answers to all these questions, but you won't get them, because you're only getting Frank's side of the story. And that side may not even be completely truthful, yet some people are taking it as the Holy Bible and even place blame on Michael without actually knowing his side of the story.

 

[bouee]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

@ ingelief : I am reading the book at the moment, I started with the last chapters, and started back from the start, adn have not finished yet. About that phone call about his trip to Ireland, he says he suspects the people around Michael at the time, but he doesn't really understand.

I understand Frank's feelings about being turned off by Micheal, and I wuld be hurt too. But, as someone else said, we don't know Michael's side of the story. And about Michael's "paranoia", I think Frank explains it when he explained what Michael had to to through.Frank even feels a little bit the same way during the trial, and when he realised that some people around Michael (Mc Clain) lied about him to Michael.

So, in a way he's hurt, but he also can understand it.