(Alan Zanger), (Originally published by the Daily News on Jan. 28, 1984.). ", As he described the accident, he wrote: " bombs went off on either side of my head, and the sparks set my hair on fire. Describing Jacksons autopsy, Detective Dan Myers, also of the LAPD, said: Blood is drawn and then that blood is sent to a toxicology unit. Victory Tour. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The then 25-year-old Jackson was taken by ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Just two years later, they announced an unprecedented $15 million advertising deal. Hardly any hair at all on the sides. With Catherine Duskin, Jackie Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson. "There was nothing out of the ordinary that he did," Brando said. Their relationship paved the way for Pepsi's ongoing association with pop stars on world tours, including Beyonc and Britney Spears. Jackson, 25, was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where a spokesman said Jackson was "fine" despite the burns. To what he had looked like in public with the flowing hair, that was a bit different. Lewis first met Jackson on the set of his "Thriller" music video in 1983. He was later transferred by ambulance to Brotman memorial Hospital Burn Center. Michael Jackson had a fire accident on 27 January 1984 when he was shooting a Pepsi commercial, with which the Jackson 5 signed a lucrative deal for 5 million dollars. ", Jackson's reported drug addiction, Brando said, is "their opinion, not my opinion.". Marc Schaffel, a former associate of Jackson, however, said it was not a spider bite but a problem caused by a broken IV needle. [INFO]Is Michael Jackson the best selling artist of all time? Around 35 million copies of his albums were sold within the first 12 months after his death. He caused a media stir months later, when he dangled the baby off the third floor balcony of a Berlin Hotel in an effort to show the child off to fans. A vintage video of Michael Jackson's hair catching on fire during the third take of a 1983 Pepsi commercial was played for . July 15, 2009 -- Never-before-seen footage of a 1984 commercial shoot shows Michael Jackson's hair accidentally catching fire, an incident that would lead to a decades-long addiction to sedatives . Seal Beach police seeking hit-and-run driver in crash that injured . Jackson suffered second degree burns in 1984 after his hair caught while filming an advert for Pepsi, with whom he and his brothers had signed a record-breaking 4million contract. "It wasn't a spider bite. Brando said he took Jackson to his doctors' appointments and said the singer did what he was told during his recovery. His jacket also caught on fire. Unfortunately Michael Jackson suffered permanent damage to his scalp as a result of a Pepsi commercial accident where his hair caught on fire so he started wearing wigs from that point on. (Getty) "All his hair was . It is also alleged that the medication used to treat the pain on his head began a lifelong drug dependency. The coroner would not name the other doctors who his office has subpoenaed. "Dr. Klein has been and is continuing to cooperate with Mr. Winter's office and their investigation into the death of Michael Jackson," Boyer said. "Within two weeks of the fire, Michael was back on his feet and in good spirits," Jay Coleman, the agent who repped Jackson when he cut the deal with Pepsi, told ABC News.com. He was known to wear wigs in public after the mishap. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. I was dancing down this ramp and turning around, spinning, not knowing I was on fire. According to BT,Jackson danced too close to the stage pyrotechnics, which ignited his hair, full of product, including the highly flammable pomade. His hair never grew back properly either, which reportedly led to Jackson wearing wigs. "Michael is quite shocked. . It is because of this event that the star began wearing black wigs in later life. The autopsy held on Jacksons body after he died on July 25, 2009, later confirmed he still had bald parts on his head. It was this video that helped "Thriller" become the biggest selling album of all time. Pomade used in Jackson's hair appeared to catch fire, said Angela Bennett, an extra who was backstage when the accident occurred. Aragons; ; ; Azrbaycanca; Boarisch; ; Banjar; ; Bosanski; Catal; etina; Cymraeg; Dansk . The raw footage shot for a Pepsi commercial on Jan. 27, 1984 at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium and obtained by Us Magazine, shows Jackson descending a flight of stairs when the pyrotechnics on stage go off early and engulf the singer's head in flames. But Brando said he never once saw the evidence of drug abuse that many have pointed to in the two weeks since Jackson died, including track marks on his arms and legs, reportedly from intravenous prescription drug use. Detective Scott Smith, a detective at the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), told the film: The thing that was odd that I found myself periodically looking at was his head, his scalp. A long check list: Microphones, wires, wardrobe changes, towels, song list, ice, Gatorade, fans, grease paints, powder. The singer continued performing for some seconds before being tackled to the ground by stagehands and fellow members of The Jacksons, who were also on stage at the time, and the flames were beaten out. Authorities confirmed they are questioning several physicians who treated Jackson in the past, including Murray, the cardiologist who was in Jackson's home when he died. Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. A short deliberation followed, before Pepsi compensated the singer with $1.5 million. "He was just an extraordinary human being.". Days after the disaster, Michaels good friend Miko Brando confirmed what Michael later wrote in his 1988 autobiography, Moon Walk, that he was told to wait by Giraldi and noted that other aspects of the disastrous take were different than previous times. It is believed to be the real Michael Jackson, who was injured during this time period. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Michael influenced . Michael Lynn Davis fired the shot that killed Jamea Jonae Harris in a fatal shooting in Tuscaloosa in the early hours of Sunday morning, and was provided the firearm by. Us Weekly, which contains pictures of the incident, hits newsstands Friday. As a strongly private person away from show-business, not many people could . Michael Jackson, Michael Bush and myself were using the last minutes to take care some details in the dressing room, just stage right. The group performed 55 concerts to an audience of approximately 2 million. The performer's image was dealt a severe blow when he was accused of abusing Jordy Chandler at his Neverland ranch in 1993. Yes, he took medicine. More info. It was just supposed to be a routine commercial shoot:Michael Jackson, just 25 years old, was the biggest star in the world, his 1982Thrilleralbum having logged the better part of a year at #1. DON'T MISSMichael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley: When did they marry? Jackson suffered second- and third-degree burns to his scalp and the back of his head, prompting him to begin using and then abusing painkillers, he would later admit. Michael Jackson: Pepsi New Generation: Directed by Bob Giraldi. Latest news, government notices, sports and entertainment website. Jackson's spokesperson Ramone Bain said: "Michael Jackson feels that Eminem has crossed the line. He was set ablaze by the fireworks, suffering second-degree burns to his scalp and losing some of his hair. Still photos of the accident have been seen before, but the new video on Us Weekly's Web site shows the moment Jackson's hair caught on fire and the top of his head became engulfed in flames. NEW YORK -- Us Weekly magazine has obtained video it says shows never-before-seen footage of Michael Jackson's head catching on fire during filming of his 1984 Pepsi commercial. "Yes, it was an accident. Click here to upload yours. "He handled it extremely well," she said. The video below shows two takes - in the first the explosion . He had become hooked on the drugs after a being burned in a 1984 accident Credit: AP:Associated Press. Inside sick Honeytrap plot that left man dead after women seduced and drugged him to steal his Rolex watches, Man had sex with his wife on bollard after fuming neighbour placed it in cul-de-sac in protest during parking row, Man, 42, killed after being hit by digger as driver arrested for gross negligence manslaughter, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). His body was found covered in track marks consistent with intravenous drug use. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. More than 50 fans were waiting outside the facility, and some of them broke into tears as Jackson was wheeled into the emergency room. Shortly after the accident Jackson and Pepsi entered into compensation talks. People on the set tackle him to extinguish the fire, and his brother Jermaine Jackson, playing the guitar in front of him and oblivious to the commotion, turns around. On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Corner subpoenaed Jackson's medical records from Klein and said they were questioning several other physicians as well. It was later reported that the pain Jackson suffered on his scalp from the burns was prolonged and led to his prescription pill addiction. Yes, he took medicine. During his years as a child prodigy in the Jackson 5, Michael rocked a full Afro with pride. Funeral services will be held at Saint Andrew United Methodist Church in Jackso Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009), also commonly known as MJ, was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. "We have no information about this being a homicide investigation," she added. Michael realized it was an accident and had no ill will towards anyone including Pepsi, Coleman told Access. At the time, Jackson was just 25-years-old, and was already a solo star, but returned to his family roots on this occasion. Hoefflin is now retired and could not be reached by ABC News.com. "As far as Michael Jackson was concerned, 27 January 1984 was the beginning of the end," Richards and Langthorne write, referring to the day Jackson suffered third-degree burns on his scalp . It is part of a huge sponsorship deal the singer agreed last year. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. He's fortunate that there were no injuries to his face," Dr. Steve Hoefflin told reporters at the time of the accident. Donester said the hair products Jackson was wearing might have actually slowed the burning. Later, he would go on to win a record breaking eight Grammy awards in February. Although the public was shown Jackson after being burned, what we had seen, was a clone version of him. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Some absolutely atrocious accidents have befallen musicians over the years, including Jackson. ", How Michael Jackson Was Injured During One Of His Shows. The clip shows . Despite the accident, Jackson remained a spokesperson for Pepsi until 1993. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). The terrible events happened on January 27, in 1984, at a studio in California, Jackson suffered these burns on his scalp and face, leaving him permanently scarred. Copyright 2022 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. In the video, he's still dancing as the flames are on his head. Suddenly I felt my hands reflexively go to my head in an attempt to smother the flames.". Backup dancer Daryl Maze, who also can be seen in the raw footage coming to Jackson's aid said others saw Jackson's hair catch fire before the singer knew what had happened. As speculation and rumor mounts about Jackson's final days, Brando said he hopes his friend will be remembered for his caring spirit and his devotion to his friends and family. Over a four-decade career, his contributions to music, dance, and fashion made him a global figure in popular culture. He also was taking Flurazepam, for his pain which was later marketed as Dalmane. I have been undergoing treatment for dependency on pain medication. Michael Jackson was at the height of his fame in the 1980s as he released some of his biggest and best-selling albums - including Thriller, and Bad. Jacksons brothers quickly helped to extinguish the flames and Michael seen by his fans with his scalp glowing and smoke billowing from his head. And while addictive behavior is common to people who, like Jackson, lived through childhood trauma, it is possible to identify the times of great physical pain when the singer may have unfortunately gotten hooked. 'Overtaken', Michael Jacksons Neverland Ranch sells for $78M below asking price, Riley Keough: How Michael Jackson had impact on Elvis's granddaughter, Michael Jackson's revenge on Eminem after 'demeaning' video. "It wasn't a spider bite. Michael then donated this to the Brotman Medical Centre, which helped treat him. The drugs that were meant to help him instead abruptly ended his life and, on the eve of a hugely anticipated return to live performance, shocked the singer's millions of devoted fans around the world. The year of Jackson's death was his most successful. The magazine has not said how it obtained the Pepsi footage. Former LA City Fire Department Capt. It has been widely reported that in addition to Demerol and OxyContin, Jackson also abused the anti-anxiety drug Xanax and the antidepressant Zoloft in the months before his death. Murray, who said he had been trying to wean Jackson off the drugs at the time of his death, served two years of a four-year sentence. Following the incident, Jacksonhis head bandaged and seen smiling even as he was in painwas rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Starting with his tragic upbringing and ending with the unfortunate circumstances of his untimely death, Jackson's time in the public eye was characterized by eccentric behavior that challenged the loyalty of his fan base to its very core. The burns and hair loss associated with the accident have been cited as the beginning of Jackson's painkiller addiction. When Michael Jackson emerges from the pile of people trying to help him, the top of his head is bald. Michael Jackson is wheeled into Brotman Merorial Hospital after he was burned filming a soft drink commercial featuring fireworks, which set his jacket and hair . He reassured people even as he was being taken away on a stretcher", she said. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Yes, the doctors gave him medicine," but told the interviewer that to say this incident alone was the cause of what came later was not justified. When Michael Jackson's hair accidentally caught on fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial in early 1984, the resulting 2nd and 3rd degree burns foreve. Subsequently, you know, catching his hair on fire, Donester told Access Hollywood on Friday. Yes, the doctors gave him medicine.". It has been widely reported that in addition to Demerol and OxyContin, Jackson also abused the anti-anxiety drug Xanax and the antidepressant Zoloft in the months before his death. Three thousand fans saw a firework display erupt behind the superstar, showering him in sparks and setting light to his hair. The needle broke off.". But in 1984, his hair and scalp caught fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial, causing the celebrity to have permanent hair loss. The 25-year-old entertainer was singing his hit "Billie Jean" for a Pepsi Cola commercial in Los Angeles when the special effects went wrong. Instar. Nothing much that you [would] be shocked a 50-year-old body would have. The magazine also suggests that the accident kicked off Jackson's obsession with plastic surgery. Amazingly, there were no hard feelings between Jackson and Pepsi. "He didn't know that his hair was on fire," he told "Good Morning America," " but I looked back and I saw it and that's why I ran back to go to him.". During the sixth take, some pyrotechnics went off bigger than expected, launching embers into Jacksons hair and face, leaving his head engulfed in flame. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. The video was the last video filmed for Jackson's album of the same name. Speaking for a new documentary, police told of the scars and lack of hair on his body, but added: This isnt a man who should have died.". but that's not when the accident happened. In this video still image released by Us Weekly on July 16, 2009, pop star Michael Jackson, unaware his hair is on fire, films a Pepsi commercial at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on January 27, 1984. Jan 27, 2016 at 11:02 am. Dubbed the trial of the century, it lasted four months and ended in June 2005 when Michael Jackson was cleared of all charges. Also, certain Michael Jackson fanzines that were published in the . In the video, one can easily observe a large red bald spot in the center of Jackson's head after the flames have been extinguished. As the fireball grows around his head, he is set upon by members of the crew who tamp out the flames. "At this time I don't think skin grafts are necessary.". During the sixth take a firework went off too early and set his hair on . This was how he looked during the 1990s (circa 91 - 93). How long have Keir Starmer and Sue Gray been secretly cooking up their plot? Murray was eventually convicted of involuntary manslaughter in relation to Jackson's June 25, 2009 death. 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Michael Jackson's hair briefly caught fire during filming for the Pepsi commercial. Brando appears on the never-been-released footage of the Pepsi accident, obtained by Us Weekly, rushing to Jackson's aid several seconds after the pyrotechnics were fired and engulfed the singer. Express. Michael Jackson's Head On Fire: 1984 Pepsi Accident Video Found Jackson, who was photographed in an ambulance with a bandage on his head and his trademark sequined white glove on his right hand, required several surgeries and needed skin grafts to treat the injury. Speaking to ABC News,Jackson's close friend Miko Brando claimed: "Yes, it was an accident. Copyright 2023 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved. In this Jan. 27, 1984 file photo, singer Michael Jackson looks out from an ambulance as he arrives at Brotman Memorial Hospital in Culver City, after suffering second-degree burns on his scalp . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. The explosion was set off sooner than ever before. He won eight Grammy awards in 1984 but then stories about his bizarre lifestyle began to circulate. The magazine, which has not said how it obtained the Pepsi commercial footage, suggested that the accident kicked off Jackson's obsession with plastic surgery. "We are not investigating the doctors. Jackson rose to fame in 1966 when he joined his brothers' pop band, The Jackson 5. (-/AFP/Getty Images), "He had something on his head, it wasn't a bandage, but there was something wrapped around," Paul Cottrell, a parking lot attendant, said. It was later determined that the pomade Jackson used in his hair was the culprit, catching fire when he neared the fireworks. Without explaining how the footage was obtained, Us labeled the video: "How Michael Jackson's Pill Addiction Began: The harrowing, never-before-seen footage of the singer's 1984 Pepsi commercial . Four years later, the superstar married nurse Debbie Rowe. MJ was born on August 29, 1958, and died on June 25, 2009. At a concert in Munich in 1999, a suspended plinth on which Jackson was performing fell unexpectedly "three to four stories" to the ground, and, while Jackson appeared unhurt in the surviving footage and continued to perform, witnesses claim that he then collapsed backstage, left with lifelong back pain, according to Los Angeles Times. It didnt go well: At the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, in front of an audience of 3,000, assembled to create the concert environment, Michael was dancing to his hit Billie Jean. During the sixth take for the commercial, he apparently veered too close to a pyrotechnics display, which had gone off a bit too early. The harrowing, never-before-seen footage of the singer's 1984 Pepsi commercial accident. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Michael Jackson's Career Earnings, Year-By-Year View All. View our online Press Pack. Coleman was not at the shoot but said the accident made front-page news, and the ads were run on the television news weeks before they officially ran as paid spots beginning in February 1984. In the same year, Jackson married Lisa-Marie Presley but they divorced 19 months later. On January 27, 1984, Michael and his brothers were doing just that. Singed they may be, but strands of pop icon Michael Jackson's hair 12, to be exact are a still a precious piece of the King of Pop. The multimillionaire's album "Thriller" has just entered the Guinness book of records as the best selling LP of all time. Following the incident, Jackson began to suffer intolerable migraines, which, according to the Los Angeles Times,would continue to plague the singer for the rest of his life. The pop star was then hurried to the back of the set and treated by stage hands and his brothers. Michael Jackson has received hospital treatment for serious burns to his head after his hair caught light during a freak filming accident. Some studio audience members said he was so calm, they thought the incident was part of the act. Adjusted for inflation: $205 million. Police have confirmed that several doctors who treated Jackson and are believed to have prescribed him drugs are being questioned or will be questioned. But there are still innumerable stories about the great Michael Jackson 's life and history that keep coming to light after his untimely passing. His body was found covered in track marks consistent with intravenous drug use. When footage of the incident emerged following Jackson's death in 2009, however, not everyone was convinced that the moment in question was the direct cause of the drug dependency that would eventually kill him. Michael Jackson is wheeled into Brotman Merorial Hospital after he was burned filming a soft drink commercial featuring fireworks, which set his jacket and hair on fire. Jackson can be seen on the shoot's sixth take, descending a flight of stairs when the pyrotechnics on stage go off early and engulf the singer's head in flames. In ultimate secrecy, Jackson was switched with his clone. As a result of the accident, Pepsi gave Jackson $1.5 million, which he donated to a burn center named after him. Elvis bedroom: Graceland upstairs SECRETS shared by Linda Thompson, Elvis Presley final years pictures shared by Linda Thompson, Michael Jackson suffered second and third degree burns during a commercial, Michael Jackson suffered the burns during filming, Elvis Presleys 86th birthday celebrated by Linda Thompson, Michael Jackson was at his most famous during the 1980s, Elvis and Priscilla: Sex games, role play, threesomes and polaroids, One Direction: Niall Horan announces he is writing 'lots' of music. Still, regardless of the cause, Jackson underwent treatment to hide the scars and had his third nose job shortly thereafter. While Michael Jackson was whisked away to detox treatment, the star's lawyers fought a desperate battle to protect him from facing the sexual-abuse charges brought by his 13-year-old accuser. . "It will take a few weeks to determine the hair loss.". Im not defending his use of prescription medicine by any means, but when you experience something like that it kind of opens up the door for painkillers and whatever else that may lead to.. As a child, Michael Jackson had worn his hair in an afro, making him look taller. It was the only tour with all six Jackson brothers, even though Jackie was injured for some of it. In 1984, Jackson was burned while singing for a Pepsi-Cola commercial in Los Angeles, when a . Jackson suffered permanent hair loss when his scalp caught fire while he was taping a Pepsi commercial in 1984. Coleman was not at the shoot, but said the accident made front-page news and the ads were run on the television news weeks before they officially ran as paid spots beginning in February 1984. They had a son and daughter together then divorced in 1999. Michael Jackson is wheeled into Brotman Merorial Hospital after he was burned filming a soft drink commercial featuring fireworks, which set his jacket and hair on fire. "This medication was initially prescribed to treat excruciating pain I suffered after recent reconstructive surgery on my scalp," he said in 1993. He's fortunate that there were no injuries to his face," Dr. Steve Hoefflin told reporters at the time of the accident. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century.Over a four-decade career, his contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture. Friends and family "were very, very scared about these things and we talked together how can we take care of this, but it was very complicated," said Deiter Wiesner, Jackson's former business manager. Jackson suffered severe burns after a pyrotechnics mishap caused his hair and scalp to catch afire. Former LA City Fire Department Capt. One recent incident that has had some light shed on it, is a near-fatal accident whilst MJ was on tour promoting Dangerous. 1967: Three astronauts die in Apollo 1 tragedy, 1944: Leningrad siege ends after 900 days. Usmagazine.com has exclusive, never-before-seen footage of Michael Jackson's Pepsi commercial accident, filmed in L.A.'s Shrine Auditorium on Jan. 27, 1984.. WATCH THE PEPSI VIDEO. Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . Michael Jackson, standing behind one of his brothers, at the moment his hair caught on fire (Photo via YouTube). However, tragedy struck in 1984 during a $5 . His personal physician, Conrad Murray, was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter for having administered anaesthetic drugs without being qualified to do so. But it was also made up of unfortunate events that were, quite frankly, out of Jackson's personal control, and which, some have argued, would shape the course of his life.