All The "Thriller" Freaks Come Out At Night
It’s been 26 years since Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" first hit the airwaves, forever changing our expectations of what a music video could be. It cost a record-setting $500,000, sold over 9 million units (yes, people used to actually buy music videos), and won big at the Grammy and MTV awards shows. But when it debuted on MTV just a few weeks before Christmas 1983, no one knew how lasting an impact it would have on pop culture.
John Landis of Animal House and Blues Brothers fame directed, and movie legend Vincent Price reprised his spooky voice mojo from the album. Despite its comic-book vibe, Jackson, then a Jehovah’s Witness, was concerned about fans thinking he was a devil-worshipper. To keep his conscience clean, he prefaced the video with a disclaimer: "Due to my strong personal convictions, I wish to stress that this film in no way endorses a belief in the occult." Surprisingly, there was no mention of him hanging out with chimps and llamas. One man’s occult is another man’s Bubbles.
Twenty-six years later, Jackson is gone, but "Thriller" still reigns supreme for legions of zombie wannabes who can’t wait to spend each Halloween in a walking-dead line dance. It is arguably the most parodied, copied, and mimicked video of all time. For many, it’s a way of life. All around the world Jackson disciples assemble in larger and larger numbers to lay claim to biggest and best "Thriller" homage. This Halloween week Jacko-crazy-part-time-zombies have been gathering worldwide, attempting to break the Guinness world record for the most people doing the undead dance simultaneously. And they say there's no unity out there.
In honor of MJ and costumed King Of Pop fans everywhere, here are some of the biggest "Thriller" tribute moments.
FRENCH COMMUNITY COLLEGE "THRILLER"
Who says the French are uptight? This video almost makes up for their love of Jerry Lewis.
THE FILIPINO INMATE “THRILLER”
The Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center is a maximum-security prison in the Philippines. In 2007 a security consultant for the facility organized choreographed exercise for the prisoners. A camera caught them in the act, resulting in one of the most popular viral videos ever: over 18 million views and counting. It takes the “Thrilla in Manila” to new heights.
MARCHING BAND "THRILLER"
Central Michigan University’s marching band laid down for a home game. Check the zombie moves at 1:19 in. If only the game were half as good.
LEGO “THRILLER”
The only thing scarier than zombies? LEGO zombies. Oh, and the dude who spends his time making LEGO zombies. I don’t want to meet him.
BOLLYWOOD "THRILLER"
Another fine example of Indian outsourcing.
I do worry about the person who made the Lego homage. You're creative, but disturbed. :)
For those who may have not clicked past the Michigan clip, do so! There is one of a wedding party doing the dance. Now there are some devoted friends and family - to learn this so they could do it at the reception with the bride and groom.
FOR ME: People didn't understand why I loved MJ AND Prince! I said I don't care if they wear makeup, dress up in gaudy outfits, or none at all....They are MUSICAL GENIUSES and THAT is never going to 'go away'. Same can be said for Elton John, Liberaci etc.. so what if they are eccentric. That's part of being a genius! HATS OFF MJ! You are brilliant, and while I do wonder if you would do that to little boys, that is your private life, and I love your Music and I hope you will continue to show your genius, despite what anyone says. My 2 copper.
[:
the way the camera was moving around was
really neat.