It’s surprising that people aren’t referring to Michael Jackson’s music as ‘retro stuff’. Especially for people just under 20, the best music that the ‘King of Pop’ made, is easily older than most of them.
And yet, there are very few nights at up and swinging clubs in the city, when a napkin with Beat It’scrawled on it, doesn’t make its way to the DJ’s console. It is truly a toast to the controversial singer’s success, who would have turned 53 today.
“You’d be very surprised at the number of requests I still get for Michael Jackson music,” says DJ Mike, who plays at Havana, the nightclub at Raintree.
Mike says that regardless of what theme night it is, he invariably gets a few requests for MJ songs every night. Though he has to turn down a few, especially if they are made on desi or ‘salsa’ nights, he’s more than happy to oblige on the weekends and rock nights. However, he states firmly that the MJ requests come mostly from those in the 30-plus age group. But, none of the teeny-boppers seem to mind and dance along as if it’s electronic music.
“It’s really good dance music, you have to admite,” says DJ Bala to City Express, “Songs like 'Beat it' and 'Thriller' will always have people excited on the dance floor because it had some great dance moves to it and also because most of them know the song by heart,” he adds.
The DJ who is synonymous with 10 Downing Street, lists Michael Jackson requests up along with any dance music that’s trending at the moment, “They’re classics!” he ripostes easily.
Needless to say, Michael Jackson’s hummable hits like 'Human nature' and 'Man in the mirror' are hot draws at karaoke nights, as well.
Meanwhile, the radio waves may not be all too keen on playing Michael Jackson’s music these days, but that hasn’t stopped the postal requests from trickling in. “Any time there’s a request show or a SMS request for a song, trust me, at least one person will ask for Bad or Billie Jean,” reveals a radio producer with a city-based radio station.
So considering it’s his birth anniversary today, send in an SMS or ask the next DJ you see, to play an MJ song. Rest assured, they won’t give you weird looks or call you a relic.