The image of Michael Jackson that graces the cover of Q magazine's August 2009 issue, which coincidentally went to press shortly before Jackson's tragic death, has been widely circulated as the last authorized photograph of the singer. While that remains likely to be true, photographer John Wright tells the Music Mix that the photo shoot in question actually took place several years ago, in approximately 2007. Guinness World Records hired Wright at the time to photograph Jackson at the company's central London office, where the star was accepting an award for his history-making album sales. "I got a call, 'Do you want to shoot Michael Jackson next week?'" Wright recalls. "I said, 'Yeah, sure.' I was extremely relaxed about it, because I was absolutely certain he would never show up. But about 2 p.m. in the afternoon, he walked in."
Jackson was joined by "a fairly large entourage" including bodyguards, management, and a few lucky fans — but no makeup artist or stylist. "It was extremely underplayed," says Wright. "The thing that excited me was it was an opportunity to do a really, really honest portrait of that face." Jackson spent about an hour meeting and greeting Guinness officials before Wright got a three-minute window to shoot him. "What struck me was his shyness. He carried himself really quite humbly, I thought. I've shot a lot of celebrities, and was pleasantly taken with the fact that Michael Jackson went out of his way to introduce himself and shake hands with everybody on my crew, which was about four people on the day — even crossing the room to shake hands with one of my assistants, which was unnecessary, but he obviously felt compelled to out of a sense of grace and politeness." Adds Wright, "I want to make it clear: He was attentive, he was focused, he was having fun. That wasn't an ill man who was in the room with me."
After photographing Jackson for about 90 seconds in total, Wright had three usable head shots, one of which he eventually sold to Q earlier this year when the magazine put together its August 2009 cover story on the King of Pop's planned London comeback concerts. Now, as it becomes clear that the Guinness shoot may have been Jackson's last, Wright says he's been approached by a number of outlets looking to print the other two photos. While he provided one to a German tribute publication, he's proceeding with caution. "It really depends on the context of what they're doing. It will always be the picture that it is, and it's looking like it could be the last official portrait that was shot of him. I've got no need to exploit the situation." (When contacted by EW, Jackson's reps were unable to confirm at this time whether this was his final photo shoot.)
More from EW's Music Mix:
Joe Jackson says he sees performer potential in Michael's kids; sweet, or kind of gross?
Rumor Patrol: Ashlee Simpson is NOT making Michael Jackson covers album
Michael Jackson memorial: Who was that singing "Heal the World"?
Michael Jackson memorial: Which performance moved you most?
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How can I get a copy of this magazine?
Oh my god, what did MJ do to himself? Why???? I read somewhere that he was bald (that is a wig he’s wearing) and his face is all sunken. Why did he do that to himself (sob).
kudos to the photographer for not selling those out to just whoever. Nice change of pace.
MJ was too fine for words in the Thriller video and pre-1985 (well all throughout the 80s), and also in the 3 part unauthorized interview of him on YouTube. When I see him at that time I can’t help but swoon, he was BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
This is the real MJ without all the makeup. Though his cheeks do appear to be sunken, that happens with very thin people over time. Thought I’m sure the surgeries didn’t help. As far as the wig goes, after his scalp got burned during the filming of the Pepsi commercial, he was unable to grow much hair. He had to resort to wigs or hair pieces in the later years. I especially love the pics he did for Ebony mag. The one picture of that shoot is on the cover of a tribute magazine on news stands now. Don’t know who distributed it but it’s a good tribute.
That moon walk he did was amazing. A great showman and especially a one of a kind dancer.
Q magazine is British, but is usually sold at large Borders or Barnes & Nobles with the enormous magazine sections. Borders Express would likely NOT carry it. it used to be carried at most Tower Records when they were still in business.
It’s a really poor choice of sunglasses. They look like the typical “alien eyes”. Also, the reflection in the lenses is distracting. I’m hoping these aren’t his final “official” portraits, because sadly they are not very flattering.
well, first of all he was 50 years old and he looked it second… if you’ve seen any photo of Michael within the last few years of his life you wouldve noticed that was a Lace front wig he was wearing. duh
An amazing talented gentleman.A person whom, tho went thru many physical and emotional changes throughout his 1/2 a century here with us, gave of himself unselfishly and unforgetably to the world. Treat his memory likewise. Many generations will miss him a very long time to come.
what you no a but m.j i love you for the heart and you or miss from indianaplois in
tell me some thing about M.J
That is not his last photo shoot. His last shoot was for TIME magazine, and i’ve seen it, sent from the US actually too. It’s a way better picture than that one there.
he was the best every singer who ever lived he was amazing……………..!
people loved him when he lived and will love him also …………….
Whether or not it was the last photoshoot, what is important here is that the photographer notes that Michael was humble and respectful – something that the papers seem to be ignoring. I am pleased that the photographer is more interested in what potential buyers would use the pics for, rather than just making a quick buck. Bravo John Wright. I’m sick of hearing made up stories about MJ. What I would like to see is more of the folk that actually knew him joining forces to put the rumours to rest, perhaps we’ll hear more of that after the initial mourning. Michael will always be remembered by his fans, whatever lies or truths are reported about him. He was one of a kind and some of us will never forget that.
Whether or not it was the last photoshoot, what is important here is that the photographer notes that Michael was humble and respectful – something that the papers seem to be ignoring. I am pleased that the photographer is more interested in what potential buyers would use the pics for, rather than just making a quick buck. Bravo John Wright. I’m sick of hearing made up stories about MJ. What I would like to see is more of the folk that actually knew him joining forces to put the rumours to rest, perhaps we’ll hear more of that after the initial mourning. Michael will always be remembered by his fans, whatever lies or truths are reported about him. He was one of a kind and some of us will never forget that.
Whether or not it was the last photoshoot, what is important here is that the photographer notes that Michael was humble and respectful – something that the papers seem to be ignoring. I am pleased that the photographer is more interested in what potential buyers would use the pics for, rather than just making a quick buck. Bravo John Wright. I’m sick of hearing made up stories about MJ. What I would like to see is more of the folk that actually knew him joining forces to put the rumours to rest, perhaps we’ll hear more of that after the initial mourning. Michael will always be remembered by his fans, whatever lies or truths are reported about him. He was one of a kind and some of us will never forget that.
To Michael Forever: Just hold on, dude, because his nanny is giving a series of interviews on Youtube. Looks like she might have a TV deal in the works or a book deal. Everybody will get a chance to tell their story including his parents who are talking to ABC.
I think the question is why did Michael do this to himself. It is not normal aging. I heard a rumor that he did this because he thought he looked too much like his father. I don’t know. That’s a rumor. Is it important to know? Can we learn from this? A lost soul. Too sad for words.
an amazing picture….the face of man who performed for the whole world for his whole life……lived with lupus and vitiligo, broke records like no other………….the man who was perscuted to his death…..LONG KOP
I still can’t believe Michael Jackson is dead. I didn’t realize how much his music impacted my life, till his passing. What I would like to see is not just celebrities, but real people, that Michael helped. The media is so obsessed with the molestation charges, which by the way I think are totally bogus, they should really take some time to find all of the charities and individuals that really benefited by his extreme generosity.
I thought the Ebony shoot might have been his last, was published in Dec. 2007 with a full interview/article, re. Thriller 25 and all. Anyway this looks like a great and revealing photo, and good info from the photog.
I still can’t believe he’s dead either – I am not over it yet. It’s about his life, not his death, he is very significant to me.
he no JAMES BROWN OR CHUCK BERRY OR MARVIN GAYE .YOU THINK HE MIGHT HAVE GOT HIS DANCE SKILLS FROM THEM.JAMES BROWN GOT A COUPLE OF DAYS IN THE NEW AND JACKO GETS WEEKS .PLEASE.TO ME THE ONLY JACKSON WITH ANY TALENT IS JANET.KING OF POP I DON’T THINK SO.
Michael Jackson was indeed one of the world’s greatest performers. Michael was a victim of racial prejudice in the 60’s when he started out. When Michael hit the seen
Not many people played in the venues that he did. He endured the same of being a black
Man and did not like it. He was also a self critic. And many people are harder on themselves than any body else in the world. I think he was the greatest but hate the sad ending of his life because his own children did not get to see him perform live. Sometimes when we trust in man we are let down. There is no magic in pills and Americans want to make every one believe that a pill for this and a pill for that will make you better, bigger, stronger. Look at the athletes they are taking steroids and all that mess.
Michael like was just like some of the other famous celebrities to think that every thing can be handle by Doctors. The very very sad part is that he trusted these people and they let him down. He was indeed cut down at a much too early age.
He really did love the little people and would give you a chance. A friend of mines did his manicure when he moved to London.
When I was 12 I watched the Billie Jean video..I was mesmerized. Beat it was even better..He was a gorgorous guy..I am sad to say goodbye to my childhood idol..RIP
I just want to add that I wish he hadn’t done all those surgeries bc he was a fine looking man in those videos but he made the choice we all make choices in life right or wrong..The albums he made are not dated at all..Thriller is still the best..The songs are truly amazing to listen to this day..I am grateful for the music..Thank you
yeah i dont think this was he last photo shoot , he did take a christmas photo shoot , which he looked amazing!!, and he made the cover of JET magazine there to he was very very handsome!
indeed, for all the world is and will remain the king of pop, by and for all. mert her so far is the saddest news throughout the year and throughout the 21st century.
aqui en colombia estamos muy,pero muy dolidos con su muerte
indeed, for all the world is and will remain the king of pop, by and for all. mert her so far is the saddest news throughout the year and throughout the 21st century.
MICHAEL DESDE DONDE QUIERA QUE ESTES, EN CIELO, TE AGRADECEMOS TODOS TUS EXITOS Y TU MUSICA, AQUI EN COLOMBIA TE AMAMOS Y TE EXTRAÑAMOS MICHISIMO.
RIP MICHAEL, FOREVER KING OF POP
The man was no saint. He was a good looking man, and turned himself into a freak show. He abused drugs and made poor choices in his later years. Would you let a man that you did not know sleep with your son? Regardless if anything happened or not, poor choices. Where were all these so called friends – when he needed help. If they cared about hi, and did what needed to be done – his kids may still have there Dad.
It seems to me that he was surrounded by people who cared more about the money that he could make for them versus caring for him.
Thriller and Bille Jean great videos and he was a great entertainer at one point in time.
But he is dead and let him rest in peace and his kids have good memories. Now the news is about his drug use and addiction. He chose drug use over his kids.