Video: Michael Jackson’s Hair Catches Fire in 1984 Pepsi Commercial

This is the never-before-seen video from the January 27, 1984 Pepsi Commercial where Michael Jackson’s hair caught on fire. This footage was released today, and I’m pretty sure it’s the first time anyone has seen the video footage of the horrific pyrotechnics accident that caused second and third degree burns on Michael Jackson’s head and scalp.

Sources close to Jackson have claimed he was never the same after the 1984 accident.

One said: “His personality totally changed after that incident as drugs began to influence his life.

“He was 25 and full of life before then but after that everything changed. (TheSun.co.uk)

Michael Jackson's Hair Caught Fire During the Filming of a 1984 Pepsi Commercial
Michael Jackson's Hair Caught Fire During the Filming of a 1984 Pepsi Commercial

Apparently this was the event that also led to Michael’s use of painkillers. Of course, after reading many of the news stories from the past few weeks, we all know that painkillers became an addiction for Michael. And that’s a shame. I wonder how the last 25 years would have gone for him if this accident had never happened.

The mystery surrounding Michael’s life, death and use of prescription drugs grows by the day. Here is a link to some exclusive pictures of Michael’s legs in 2002: ABC News. In these photos, you can see a terrible wound on Michael’s lower leg as well as multiple puncture points from IV needles. Jeez. This man had it rough. I’m glad he is in a better place and no longer in pain.

Michael Jackson Funeral Set for Tuesday Morning

Michael Jackson Funeral Poster Signed at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA
Michael Jackson Funeral Poster Signed at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA

The funeral for the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, will take place at the downtown Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA on Tuesday, July 7 at 10:00am. This date and time have been confirmed by the Jackson family’s publicist. AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips has said that tickets will be free, but there is only room for 20,000 in the Staples Center. Furthermore, there are only 11,000 tickets available for fans. And if you wanted to register for tickets, there was a two day registration period. If you wanted a ticket, I hope you registered.

Michael Jackson Funeral Online Registration Successful!
Michael Jackson Funeral Online Registration Successful!

Registration ended Saturday. And guess what? There were over 1.6 million fans who registered for tickets during the 2-day registration process. Only 11,000 of them will get tickets to the funeral at the Staples Center. However, there will be 6,500 tickets given away for the overflow location at the Nokia Theater, which is next door to the Staples Center. I’m not sure how the math adds up here, but apparently 8,750 names will be randomly selected. Each name will be given 2 tickets to the funeral, and they will be notified via email. [Note: Of course they are using a wristband system. It’s crazy to me that in the year 2009, there is nothing more efficient and secure than a wristband system. I hope they are looking out for hackers, scalpers and thiefs.]

Ticket & Wristband from Michael Jackson Memorial Service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA
Ticket & Wristband from Michael Jackson Memorial Service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA

I’m not sure how Los Angeles is planning to brace for the amount of people that will decend upon downtown LA on Tuesday morning. The city anticipates anywhere from 250,000 to 700,000 people will show up at the Staples Center arena on Tuesday. For the fans who do not get into the arena, be aware that there will be no funeral procession through the city, and the funeral ceremony will not be broadcast on the giant screen outside the arena. If you want to watch the funeral ceremony live, your best bet is to watch it on TV at home.

Also, there will be a private ceremony for the family before the public memorial. In an interview with CNN’s Larry King, Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s brother, discussed the private memorial service on Tuesday. He also discussed the family’s desire to have other memorial services around the United States.

And here’s a post about the Michael Jackson fans who were lucky enough to get tickets to the funeral: link

Update (7-6-2009):

  • Michael Jackson to be buried without his brain (mirror.co.uk)
  • Tickets to Jackson memorial being sold for thousands (breitbart.com)