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“Nobody says anything about that”
Around the World with Michael ~ Spain pictured with music producer Pino Sagliocco who arranged Michael’s concerts in Spain pictured with Michael backstage on the Dangerous Tour. Pino felt he had a special relationship with Michael and was interviewed in 2009. He talks of Neverland, of Michael’s love of Lladro figures and the reason the collaboration statue was cancelled, of a special surprise for one lucky fan and the media’s treatment of Michael. Pino is a staunch supporter of Michael.
What did you think of the controversy and media frenzy caused by the death of Michael Jackson?
Pino: I have read and heard these days many people speak, write and comment on the figure of Michael Jackson and I have the impression that we often want to find explanations for events that are so simple and so great that speak for themselves. Michael Jackson was the greatest artist of the XX and XXI centuries. His music will survive for future generations and will continue permeating the spirit of love and hope to the children of the future. The spirit of Peter Pan is more alive than ever.
You have had the privilege of meeting the artist closely …
Pino: I agree to discuss this issue with the thought of getting the message of a clean and beautiful soul that I had the honor and privilege of knowing closely. From the first moment I met Michael, I had the feeling of being with Peter Pan, the boy who never wanted to grow, and always conveyed that the only people who could clean to look into the eyes without any hint of fear or interest, were children. This idea led him to commit and fight for them.
His idea of fighting for children was not well understood.
Pino: The first time I was in Neverland I felt my commitment I had with young Michael. He offered his ranch for years, it become the dream of all, Neverland, the needy and the sick so they could enjoy that dream and have a moment of happiness and hope, never giving publicity, as theirs was pure and total commitment to the youngest. In our many conversations always stressed his desire to make something for the rights of children and create a social consciousness for a better world for them.
Michael had a special relationship with Spain in recent years.
Pino: Michael was very friendly with Spain and always kept in a special place. Proof of this are the concerts given here. Besides the 1992 that were part of his European tour, in Madrid, Barcelona and Oviedo, Spain gave a special place from 1993. His only concerts in Europe in 1993, 1996 and 1997 were in Tenerife, Zaragoza and Valladolid.
He was a collector of Lladro sculptures and even tried to have one with her figure …
Pino: In one of these tells me about the sensibility that transmitted these porcelain figurines , which he collected, and asked me to see if there was any chance of meeting the owner family to capture one of his figures and create a sculpture to represent their commitment to children. They accepted enthusiastically and cried genuine collaboration.
Does your sculpture never saw the light?
Pino: The idea was to give the sculpture next to the universal declaration of the rights of children to rulers and opinion leaders of the world to create a global awareness of the situation of children. It succeeded, Michael Jackson came to Spain privately and went to the factory and there witnessed the finishing touches to the figure that was designed. I was so excited about the project that still get excited when remembering his passion, but after allegations of pedophilia the project was canceled.
Tell me some personal anecdotes lived with the artist in his role as promoter.
Pino: I remember one in particular. Valladolid concert program organized with with Isabel genius ‘Surprise, Surprise’ an encounter with a boy whose dream was to meet the artist. The surprise was double both for Michael and for the lucky boy. I was intrigued at the time the simplicity and beauty with a famous artist of this young man was inaccessible. I Reacted with great joy because I knew this guy was happy. Another artist of his fame perhaps would had not given much importance.
Also have had a difficult time in their relationship.
Pino: In Zaragoza, Michael sat on the terrace of the hotel with his feet dangling in the void, I grabbed him from behind with a strong fear that that he collapsed. In Barcelona he was sneaking out to buy records and toys stores in the capital, to the surprise of the employees, who doubted whether it was Michael Jackson in person. He enjoyed the anonymity displaying a naive smile to see how people wondered if it was really him.
What about the accusations of pedophilia that have pursued in the last stage of his life?
Pino: I remember with sadness when after the Tenerife concert he told me he had been charged in the United States as a child molester. It was a devastating blow for him. From that moment began the ordeal of accusations and injustices that led Michael to a long ordeal of years. Front pages of newspapers, television, news openings and almost all media destroyed all he stood for what he had fought for.
Do you think other musical geniuses, Michael has been a misunderstood artist and no justice has been done?
Pino: I have been very sad these years to see the injustice that was living. I have argued in private, in public and in every possible forum. I did not understand how it could stain the name of one of the greatest, an artist who has been an inspiration for youth, an unwavering fighter for children and their rights. If we could learn to appreciate, love and protect great artists when they are alive and not just when they are no longer with us. The man is dead but his spirit and his music will survive forever. Dead King. Long live the king!
Translated and edited
http://www.diariodeibiza.es/diario-verano/2009/07/07/espiritu-peter-pan/342616.html
via UK Loves MJ
So that’s who Annie is…
