The Dance of Legends: Michael Flatley Remembers Michael Jackson
Ah, the tale of two Michaels! When you think of Michael Flatley and Michael Jackson, you might picture a surreal combination of Riverdance meets moonwalking. And yet, here we are — an epic friendship that even the most outlandish sitcom writers would say, “Too far.” But alas, this isn’t a sitcom; it’s real life, and it’s as entertaining as a pint of Guinness with a side of Irish luck!
The Manor and the King
Recently, Michael Flatley took a trip down memory lane, recalling the time the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson, graced Castlehyde Manor in Fermoy, Ireland. It was 2006, and let’s just say the stars collided in a way that would have made a lesser man faint.
The two Michaels first met back in ’96. Picture it: Jackson on tour, an electric performance, and meanwhile, Flatley was busy defying gravity with his own brand of footwork. A match made in heaven? More like a dance-off waiting to happen!
A Hospitality Fit for a King
Now, this encounter wasn’t just about two pioneers of entertainment hanging out. Oh no! Flatley recounted how Jackson visited Co Cork with his children, eyeing the rolling hills for inspiration—probably trying to figure out how to incorporate Riverdance into his next hit. “I loved Michael,” Flatley said. And who wouldn’t? Especially after trying a bit of Guinness! Michael Jackson, the man in a sequined glove, downing pints like a local. Can you imagine? The headlines would write themselves!
But alas, it wasn’t all pint-pulling and costume-trying. Flatley had some serious thoughts on Jackson’s career. “It was hard for me to watch what was happening in his career… they were taking advantage,” he mused, probably shaking his head, wishing he could serenade the King back to sanity.
The Proposal
As destiny would have it, both Michaels were hitting the big 5-0 at the same time. So Flatley, being the maestro of spontaneous creativity, threw out an idea: “Why don’t we do something for one of the music award shows? Call it 50:50?” Imagine the audience—fainting from shock and awe!
90-seconds of pure, unadulterated entertainment—two icons coming together to create a magic moment. But alas, the world was deprived of this legendary collaboration. What a missed opportunity! Perhaps they could have had Jackson moonwalking while Flatley dazzled with some Irish jig. Now that’s worth the price of admission! But who would choose the costumes? The midnight sequined gloves vs. the ornate Riverdance tapestries? Decisions, decisions!
Dance Partners in Crime
Speaking of costumes, we find that although Flatley didn’t teach Jackson any Irish dancing, Jackson was open to the idea of donning one of Flatley’s Riverdance outfits. “Just imagine him in a Bolero coat!” Flatley chuckled. The fashion world would have exploded!
So there we have it! A nostalgic blend of two artistic giants, each navigating their own journey while bumping into each other in the land of shamrocks and dreams. And while we may not see them share the stage, the thought of their camaraderie sparks joy and laughter. It’s all a bit like the perfect dance: sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow, but always you’re moving to the beat of friendship!
So raise a glass to the two Michaels—the night they shared in Castlehyde might just be the most wholesome anecdote Ireland has ever produced, proving once again that even the brightest stars can sometimes share a stage!
And who knows? Perhaps there’s still time for 50:50 to make a comeback. A sequel, if you will. After all, life is too short not to dance, especially in a Bolero!
Michael Flatley recently revisited cherished memories, recalling a remarkable occasion when the legendary King of Pop, Michael Jackson, graced his exquisite manor, Castlehyde, nestled in the scenic Fermoy.
The friendship between the two Michaels blossomed in 1996, during Jackson’s prominent History World Tour concert, a period filled with groundbreaking performances and unforgettable music.
Speaking candidly with Nicky Byrne on his popular podcast, Michael Flatley shared the delightful experience of hosting Jackson and his children amidst the serene backdrop of County Cork.
In 2006, during a quest for creative inspiration in Ireland, Jackson found himself immersed in the rich culture of the Emerald Isle, seeking new muses for his music. Flatley expressed deep admiration for Jackson, stating, ‘I loved Michael. I thought he was a special guy. To be honest, I think the business people around him hadn’t his best interest at heart and I really felt bad about that.’
Reflecting on the highs and lows of Jackson’s illustrious career, Flatley commented, ‘It was hard for me to watch what was happening in his career and to watch how they were taking advantage. Which is my point of view. I could be wrong but that’s how I saw it.’
During Jackson’s stay in Ireland, Flatley ensured a delightful experience, filled with laughter and camaraderie. ‘When he came to our house he had a great time and tried a little bit of Guinness. He was fascinated by the archive room. We had all our costumes and shoes, and he tried on a few of my Bolero coats,’ Michael reminisced.
Coincidentally celebrating their 50th birthdays around the same time, Flatley proposed a creative collaboration to Jackson, envisioning a spectacular performance at a music award show, aptly named ’50:50.’ He excitedly suggested, ‘We will just do 90 seconds flat out, do something special.’
Responding to questions about whether he had taught Jackson some Irish dance steps, Flatley revealed that while he didn’t formally teach him, Jackson was indeed intrigued by the idea of collaborating, even expressing interest in donning one of his iconic Riverdance costumes. Just imagine the electrifying performance that could have unfolded!
**Interview: Michael Flatley Reflects on His Friendship with Michael Jackson**
**Host:** Welcome back, everyone! Today, I’m thrilled to have the legendary Michael Flatley with us. Michael, your recent memories about your friendship with Michael Jackson have captivated audiences. Can you take us back to that unforgettable time in 2006 when the King of Pop visited Castlehyde Manor?
**Michael Flatley:** It was truly a surreal experience! Having Michael Jackson in my home was like a dream come true. He came to Ireland with his kids, and we had such a wonderful time exploring the beautiful landscapes of County Cork. The energy was electric, and there was this unspoken connection between us as artists.
**Host:** You met Michael for the first time back in ‘96 during his History World Tour. What were your initial thoughts during that first encounter?
**Michael Flatley:** Oh, I remember it vividly. I was performing at the time, dancing to my own rhythms, and then suddenly, there he was—this unbelievable talent with a magnetic presence. It felt like a match made in heaven. Can you imagine a dance-off between us? It would have been epic!
**Host:** Speaking of epic, you mentioned a creative proposal for a collaboration around the time both of you turned 50. What inspired that idea?
**Michael Flatley:** Well, I thought, why not bring two legends together for a grand performance—call it “50:50”? The idea of Michael moonwalking while I threw in some Riverdance moves was too good to pass up! Unfortunately, it never came to fruition, but just thinking about it brings a smile to my face.
**Host:** You also shared some heartfelt thoughts about Jackson’s struggles later in his career. How did that affect you personally?
**Michael Flatley:** It was tough to watch a friend go through such turmoil. I loved Michael, and I genuinely believed he was a special guy. It hurt to see how some around him didn’t have his best interests at heart. I wanted to help in any way I could, but the business side of showbiz can be challenging.
**Host:** Your memories encapsulate a warm camaraderie between you both. In hindsight, what stands out the most from those moments you shared?
**Michael Flatley:** Oh, definitely the laughter and joy! The idea of Michael trying on Riverdance costumes still makes me chuckle. Just imagining him in one of my outfits—it could have changed the fashion game altogether! More than anything, it’s about the friendship and the shared love for dance and creativity.
**Host:** do you think there’s still hope for “50:50” to happen, perhaps as a tribute to both of your legacies?
**Michael Flatley:** You never know! Life is unpredictable, and who wouldn’t want to see those two worlds collide? As I always say, it’s never too late to dance, especially in style!
**Host:** Thank you, Michael, for sharing these wonderful memories with us today! It’s heartwarming to see the bond you had with Michael Jackson, and it truly reminds us how powerful friendship can be in the world of entertainment.
**Michael Flatley:** My pleasure! Let’s raise a glass to friendship and the magic of dance!
