Earth Song – BRIT Awards 1996

"Earth Song" is the third single from Michael Jackson's album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. It is a ballad that incorporates elements of blues, gospel and opera. Jackson had a long-standing history of releasing socially conscious material such as "We Are the World", "Man in the Mirror" and "Heal the World". However, "Earth Song" was the first that overtly dealt with the environment and animal welfare.

In 1996, Jackson performed "Earth Song" at the BRIT Awards, he was also there to collect a special "Artist of a Generation" award. Jackson sang while dangling off the edge of a high rise crane lift. Below, a chorus of people joined the performance and many of them began to physically embrace Jackson upon his descent. In response to the performance, an intoxicated Jarvis Cocker jumped onto the stage, without permission, and began to swear at Jackson with the use of fingers. Jarvis had to be physically removed from the stage by security guards and in the process three children were injured. Jarvis explained that he found the performance offensive, that Jackson portrayed himself as Christ-like and could do as he pleased because of his immense wealth and power.

Commentator John Street, in his published piece Politics and Popular Culture, stated "But to read popular culture as a straight forward text is to take a very narrow view of its meaning, and hence of its political message. As we have noted, the text's meaning will depend on how it is heard and read. Michael Jackson may have intended his 'Earth Song' to be an exercise in compassion; others–like Jarvis Cocker–saw it quite differently. One reason these alternative readings emerge is because of the way the performance of popular culture engages more than a literal text, it employs gestures and symbols, tones of voice, looks and glances, all of which might tell a different story".

 

One Response to “Earth Song – BRIT Awards 1996”

1. gregoria says:

   August 29, 2009 at 11:06 am

   I cant believe that someone like him “JARVIS COCKER” an artist too??, could make such kind of unprofessional moves against to his own co artist.Very dissaponting especially to all the fans who could watch that video…I admire most of the foreign artist, but its hard to admire someone who dont have any respect to himself.Hope you able to realised what have you done…That is not the right manner/way of showing your protest.Do it in a professional way.You are a good looking person but the most important is the attitude towards life.Maybe that the reason why Michael love by his fans all over the world no matter what his color and whatever bad intrigues that other/haters may say to him …he works hard for his craft, he became as what he is now, its becoz of his effort..thats why he became a KING OF POP….