I’ve always been a big fan of Michael James Jackson’s work with Kiss Albums, especially Lick it Up, which is one of my favourites.
I was walking with my then girlfriend on the Kiss Kruise in the evening and I saw Michael with his partner. I introduced myself and told him how much of a big fan I was with his work, especially with the Lick It Up album. He smiled, thanked me and was surprised that I recognized him. Michael didn’t seem to understand how much Kiss fans appreciated his work and history with the band Then I told him I always wanted to hear his story but he never gave Interviews anywhere or hasn’t even wrote a book. I asked him why. He was taken aback and responded that he never thought anyone would really care. I told him I was excited to see him, hopefully would hear more from him and maybe even he should produce the next Kiss lp. He laughed but said that was out of his hands. Then his wife said I should tell Kiss that!
After a few minutes I asked for a picture which I posted here and I’m still very proud of. Probably my proudest moment on the cruise! I could tell that Michael was a kind, gentle person with no ego trips whatsoever. He will be missed by everyone.
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Met Michael on the KISS Kruise. Asked him to sign my KISStory book as he was such a huge and important part of KISS’ success. I let him know how much I loved the drum sound he got on Creatures of the Night. He was genuinely thankful to hear that although must’ve heard it a 1000 times before. A very down to earth and genuine person and glad I was able to shake his hand. God bless him and his surviving family.
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Michael helped soundtrack so many childhoods and his impact will outlive us all. In 1982, he and Eric Carr had the ludicrously brilliant idea of recording Eric's drum tracks for KISS' Creatures of the Night album in the restroom of an abandoned train or bus station. Because of the booming echo. The result is still heralded as one of the fullest and most amazing drum sound ever captured on audio. Then Jackson oversaw production of KISS' first non make-up album, Lick It Up, and thus began the 'comeback' of rock's greatest band. A comeback and keeps on coming. Thank you, Michael James Jackson. I never met you, but I hear you. And I'm still listening.
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We bumped into each other in the art gallery on the ship and it turned into a 45 minute conversation about music, the arts, family and so many things. It was a treat to discuss your work and your processes. It felt like sharing a chat with an old friend. Your time here was far too brief but your work will last for centuries. Rest In Peace....
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My condolences go out to the entire family.
As a KISS fan, Michael was an absolute historical person in the history of the band.
Producing the three most important albums that brought KISS back from obscurity, I.e., Creatures of the Night, Lick It Up, and Animalize, Michael’s brilliance shines through.
Without his leadership, the band that millions love, most likely would have ceased to exist.
Though I never met him, I have read and watched his interviews. He comes across as kind, loyal, and committed. The type of guy you would definitely want as a friend and/or family member.
RIP Michael. You brought much happiness to the KISS Army, and for that…we will all be grateful.
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I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Mr. Jackson in 2018 at an Indianapolis expo.
It was apparent he loved what he did professionally, and I was struck by how he seemed to genuinely appreciate knowing the impact his production talents had on me.
My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace.
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Hi. My name is Terri Bey from Lexington, KY. I had the pleasure of meeting Michael at the 2018 Indianapolis KISS Expo and he was a very nice man. We briefly talked about his work with KISS and he answered a question I had about recording a song that fades out vs one that ends on a chord. He was a very knowledgeable man and a kind man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and music colleagues at this time.
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Michael was a guest a couple times on my KISS podcast, sharing so many amazing stories and memories of his time working with the band. He was so nice and so happy to discuss all of his work. Michael’s work with KISS will live forever.
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I met Michael my first year of high school. We were the same age and shared similar interests..surfing and tennis.
It was a magical time..gas was 30 cents a gallon allowing us to explore every surf break between Rincon and La Jolla. We did this before wetsuits, surf reports and leashes.
Far fewer surfers which generated a camaraderie in the water at surf breaks that at the time carried a mystique and Michael and I got to know the guys who surfed there regularly.
We started working in totally different areas but kept in touch on an attenuated basis. More recently we would talk regularly resetting our friendship more closely. It’s these regular conversations I will miss and for which I am eternally grateful.
Duane King
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2016, Todos Santos, BCS, Mexico
Front of Hotel California
— with
Michael Jackson and Cathey Paine
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