Being the slightly obsessed Archie that I am, one of my first thoughts upon hearing of the death of Michael Jackson was concern for David. How would he manage having to be onstage just hours after learning of the death of one of his icons, a primary source of his own musical inspiration? I was gratified to see, this morning, that David not only powered through his performance last night, but also shared a moment of tribute to Michael and sympathy for his family. I also got to thinking that Michael probably represented for David considerably more than musical inspiration alone, significant as that might be. Even if it was subconscious, I suspect there was a strong sense of identification with Michael on David’s part, due to some unique and undeniable similarities between them.
The shared experiences of Michael Jackson and David Archuleta go well beyond a prodigal talent that was capitalized at a young age. Both soulful pop princes with an obsession for the music charts, they have each expressed a deep sympathy for children and a predilection for childish indulgences. David has confessed to being reclusive and remote at certain points in his young life, a trait that Michael Jackson cultivated into an art. Even an association with controversial religions is a shared aspect. Like David, Michael had a gentle, soft demeanor that was associated with both feminization and ambiguous sexuality. In Michael’s case, he augmented that impression with a perpetual evolution toward physical androgyny. And both artists shared the experience of selfish, severe fathers who were at once responsible for their sons’ musical opportunity, and the cause of much of their emotional turmoil.
In later years, Michael (as well as a number of his siblings) was candid about the impact of his father’s behavior on his life, and much has been revealed through biographical investigations. The always incisive and occasionally controversial Andrew Sullivan summed it up this way:
There are two things to say about him. He was a musical genius; and he was an abused child. By abuse, I do not mean sexual abuse; I mean he was used brutally and callously for money, and clearly imprisoned by a tyrannical father. He had no real childhood and spent much of his later life struggling to get one. He was spiritually and psychologically raped at a very early age – and never recovered. Watching him change his race, his age, and almost his gender, you saw a tortured soul seeking what the rest of us take for granted: a normal life.
But he had no compass to find one; no real friends to support and advise him; and money and fame imprisoned him in the delusions of narcissism and self-indulgence. Of course, he bears responsibility for his bizarre life. But the damage done to him by his own family and then by all those motivated more by money and power than by faith and love was irreparable in the end.
The circumstances of Michael Jackson are ultimately tragic, even as he brought joy to more people at one time on the planet than perhaps any other performer in history. Reading about his life at the end of his life made me sad for Michael, but heartened for David. For even in light of some unusual similarities, the fundamental differences are, I believe, more profound.
The fact that David was not an international superstar by the age of eleven confers enormous advantages upon him. David was nearly an adult by the time his star truly began to rise, and even though his childhood was by all indications far from ideal, at least he had one. Whether because of its early seduction in his life or because of some innate character trait, fame and its trappings were an opiate for Michael Jackson. Maureen Orth, author of the infamous Vanity Fair article on Jackson, reported last night that he spent considerable resources seeking to be accorded lifetime achievement awards all over the world. That kind of behavior is about as antithetical to the nature of David Archuleta as one can possibly get. Can you imagine David actually seeking accolades? He can barely endure the ones he already gets.
David has taken a host of similar challenges and opportunities, traits and circumstances, and appears to be molding them in a fundamentally different direction than did Michael Jackson. In stark contrast to his idol, I imagine that David would be perfectly content if all the fame and money (such as it is), disappeared tomorrow. While Jackson’s burning desires were as much about renown and power as they were about music, David’s values are decidedly more focused and grounded. And because, unlike Michael, David is not the type to be seduced by sycophants wielding all manner of ego fertilizer, I am optimistic that the control he exerts over his own fates and fortunes will increase rather than falter as time goes on, and that his focus and his values will remain grounded, even as he soars to greater and greater heights of artistic and professional achievement.
–Rascal
Had a blast tonight at the Philly concert that I attended with Archiesfan4life and also had the pleasure to meet up with TOfan, Happy and Refnaf!! Will write more tomorrow because I can hardly keep my eyes open, but may I just say that I was GOBSMACKED by David’s performance!! It’s been a few months since last seeing him on his solo tour, and I was DUMBSTRUCK by how much he has grown as a performer. Watching the posted videos and reading all the recent reviews, as impressive as they are, did not prepare me for what I witnessed tonight. David’s raw energy and passion on that stage was electrifying. The texture of his voice seems richer (how can that even be possible?). The way he continues to bring surprises in his interpretation of each and every song. His command of the stage….holy moly, HE OWNS THAT STAGE!!
It was a take all prisoners, leave no survivors performance. Not a one. The crowd went absolutely nuts for him.
I am here to tell ya, with all the concerns for marketing stragies, performance venues, who he’s touring with, family issues, his choice of dress, his interviewing skills, what the next album will be like…IT DON’T MATTER FOLKS. If David wants it, HE IS DESTINED FOR SUPERSTARDOM!!!
Okay, now I’m really pooped. Just one more comment…loved, Loved, LOVED THE BAND!!
So glad to see your report, Zoe!
And I DEFINITELY agree with ya. We’re a bunch of worrywarts here at TDC. 😛 Paula had it right from the beginning. 🙂
Yes indeed, Ronaldsf!
In the city of brotherly love, there was MAJOR love for David tonight!
Glad you had so much fun tonight, Zoe. You are making me even more excited for the show I’m going to!!
Guys, PHILLY PAGE up already!
https://www.thedavidchronicles.com/2009/05/philadelphia-pa-june-27-2009/
We have TMH, WFY, You Can, WFM, ZG. Vids are coming in fast 🙂
dawn65-- thanks for sharing your ‘oops’--I read it (and laughed out loud) by myself, then shared it with my husband and could hardly get thru it I was laughing so hard. He was laughing just as hard. It’s so good to know that dumb things happen to good people!! Luv ya for sharing. You’re the best!!
Rascal’s post and the comments have been very interesting. It’s caused me to do alot of thinking. Although I’ve not been a real MJ fan (buying his albums), I have always appreciated his talents and his concerns for others. He truly was a good person.
Marlie7, #87. I wanted to address your “interesting” in the comment. What I do to watch in full screen without getting a continuous buffering, is I first click the youtube logo on the video that is embedded here, then it takes me to youtube. There is a red arrow that takes you to a new window. That is the way I can see these wonderful David vids up-close-and-personal. I’m sure there are plenty of you who already know that, but I thought I was pretty “cool” for finding that option!
P.S. maybe this is an answer to SF’s question way back when, when she asked if watching the vids from here(TDC) helped on how many times the vid was viewed.
OK, I just read this back…I rambled. I hope you catch-my-drift?
continuing…So…I tried to embed the full screen video. That’s what happened. Now you know…The-Rest-of-the-Story!!! LOL
marlie7 #145, Wow -- WHAT was that at 1:08? He slinks like a cat and curls around with a shoulder roll!?
MEEOOW!
Randomness on:
beebee’s obsession with patchwork madras and psychic powers
Memories of 1964. Madras plaid shirts were all the rage. Bleeding madras was every mothers laundry nightmare!
I had planned to gift a vest to David and bring it to the last show in NH. So, I look at the Buckle online store. I find the perfect open front (no side laces, ewww) semi-sporty vest. I looked at the “name” of it as I was checking the cost, Manchester! This kind of thing happens to me all the time. Those who know me realize this kind of thing happens to me all the time. I am psychic or precognitive, pick one.
Recently, I have become interested in making short videos about David for youtube. Along the way, I discovered that the song is the most vital component to getting a successful upload. Working for hours on a project only to have the sound disabled is not the least bit amusing. I now use the back door approach. i make a blank loking movie with only the song track, then upload it. If it sticks I am good to go on the video portion.
All that to say this…
A month ago I ran across am IDF picture thread that had only images of David waving. Hi, goodbye, what have you. I was inspired right away! I would make the video! I uploaded the song to youtube. It was not disabled, I was on a roll. A few days later I was ready to produce. My song was still up there and all I needed was to collect pictures. DISASTER struck. I couldn’t find the silly thread again on IDF. I will continue to look ( anyone know the thread I am looking for? ) and will make that video. I am going to make a few changes to my original plan, though. What was this song, you ask? Were my psychic powers kicking in?
Michael Jackson’s “Never Can Say Goodbye”.
Now I will make a whole different video. Maybe David waving with some Micheal waving as he bids this world goodbye.
Abrra the random rambler
Good Morning folks ~ it’s my house cleaning time ~ so I haven’t had a chance to watch Philly last night ~ but I indeed will.
To all those happy with my mini meltdown ~ I’m glad you enjoyed it 8). It was definately a moment I’ll never forget, but hope David does before the end of August. For the first time EVER I’m glad I have some time between shows.
HOWEVER ~ what I should say, because as funny as the story is, David is truly the kindest, patient, and most compassionate man…I’ve ever made a fool of myself in front of. I’ve never felt more committed to stand by him and do my part in supporting his climb to the top.
It’s going to be a long summer of late night vids ~ reviews ~ recaps and sharing. So I MUST attend to some stuff today or my house will be taken over by dustbunnies that could inhale my granchildren.
Much Love
D
Ok Dawn So, Did I summon you yet again? LMAO
Abrra
Rascal~~another insightful post. Thank you! I’m optimistic too that as David soars, his focus will remain grounded.
“While I’m really sad to hear that he has passed, I hope that the people will now appreciate the amazing work he did and not focus on the hardships he faced.” ~ David Archuleta
That is as quote of an eighteen year old who is wise beyond his years. With no time to prepare what to say onstage, he said those words only minutes after learning of the death of one of his idols. He could teach people twice and three times his age a thing or two about humility and tact.
For {{{Dawn65}}}: I met you at Newark and it was LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. I always knew that at the basis of your posts was your love for David. We all express ourselves differently here but let’s not forget that the thread that weaves all of us together, is our love for one mighty fine artist. Sharing ideas and learning from each other is what makes blogging fun. But at the end of the day, it all comes back to tie that binds us. Please stay; you’re one of our guiding lights!
Dawn, you said it so well here and I applaud you:
“I sincerely hope ~ young and old ~ have an opportunity to really understand that David’s support ~ is not only about buying, supporting, voting, and believing in him, but it’s also respecting him AS a person, understanding the sacrifices he makes on a daily basis to pursue his love of music and to share it with us ~ earns him the right to be HUMAN. I hope someday .. David can find a way in this industry ~ to become a legend ~ through not only his music ~ but through his ability to remain REAL.”
Abrra #85 Oh my!! Never heard that Michael Jackson song before (“Speechless”)! Leave it to Abrra Cadabra to find another gem of a song!
Bebe — I love words “mighty” and “fine” together to describe David. Nicely done.
Just now having some down time to catch up. Love your story, Dawn. You get a second chance to redeem yourself, so forgive me for not feeling your humiliation! 😛
Just kidding! 🙂
Good afternoon!
I figure our boy is in Atlanta by now, perhaps in “Our Hotel” ahem! My most cherished memory (so far) on this marvelous journey I’m on with David.
David will most likely meet up with relatives there and with his brother Daniel who is there having a great time with cousin Vanessa, if his twitters are any indication. That boy, Daniel does not, cannot sleep. I was thinking maybe Daniel will join David on this leg of the tour on to California? Would be nice if Daniel could get some of David’s influence. IMO, he desperately needs it. Being around David and seeing how hard he works at his craft and for his fans, I think would do wonders for Daniel. What a great experience it would be for both brothers, who I think really NEED each other now. JMO of course.
In any case, David will be very happy to see his brother and the rest, I’m sure. He took them to his hotel after the concert last year just to spend some alone time in his room with them. He is definitely a MIGHTY FINE man in so many ways!
I’m in agreement with Rascal that although there are many similarities between MJ and David that he will remain grounded and, for the sake of my own sanity, I’m going to cling to that belief.
I was up til the wee hours of the morning watching programs on the life of Michael Jackson. There was a point in his career, after the mega success of his Thriller album, that you could begin to see the joy being sucked out of his life force. I’m sure it had to do with many things including the self imposed pressure of trying to outdo himself coupled with dealing with the tabloids and media. As the pressure mounted, the themes of his music and videos became more angry and violent in nature, an outlet I suppose for his mounting frustrations. It was sad to see him become so withdrawn and reclusive trying to cope. Sad too was the fact that even though he was surrounded by adoring fans professing their love for him and his craft it wasn’t enough to save him from his downward spiral.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m am mourning the loss of MJ, but when I contemplated anything remotely similar happening to David that would lead to his early demise it made me sick to my stomach and totally freaked me out. He has become like a family member to me and such a huge part of my life. With the tools of the internet we get to see and talk to him almost every day and I was struck by how profound and personal my sorrow and sense of loss would be if something happened to him.
There are a lot of people that would probably think I’m Looney Tunes for feeling like this. I remember when Elvis died thinking how ridiculous his fans were for getting so worked up over a virtual stranger.
My apologies to Elvis fans.
Joner <======== This is me, eating crow.
Michael may you R.I.P.
And David, on Twitter alone you currently have over 108,000 followers, many of which are nuturing, maternal females. If you even THINK about going off course, you had better be prepared to get chirped at. We’re looking out for you. It’s what we do.
Not quite back to earth after a spontaneously insane yet magical weekend spent with Refnaf, Happy and what’shisname … haven’t caught up so maybe this is old news but the Philadelphia concert was spec-tac-ular.
David’s voice has NEVER sounded better. I wanted to sit back and listen to him sing every song ever written … like always, I guess, lol.
He held nothing back and the acoustics of the open-air amphitheatre were flawless, every note full and rich and clear and ahhhhhhhh. The band ROCKS!!! Showcasing David’s voice and energy.
Great meeting Zoe & archiefan4life *waves!* … Happy 4 Prez!!!
#167 -- Oops…meant “nurturing”.
Saw this on Twitter:
A beautiful thank you to the fans from David’s Abuelita http://archuletafanscene.com/
Philly Tour page finally complete 🙂
https://www.thedavidchronicles.com/2009/05/philadelphia-pa-june-27-2009/
David sounded mighty fine in this tour. GAH!
FREO -- OMG, Abuelita posted her mailing address. She will have her hands and eyes full from hereon for all the letters that she will receive! LOL
Enjoy the rest of the day angels!
I am back home after David’s FANTASTIC concert in Philly, but like TOfan, I am still not back on earth – that may take some time:).
David was – oh, there are no words! He is just amazing! I agree with zoe and the others who commented on David’s band – they were rockin’ it last night!
I want to say a huge thank you to zoe for making last night possible of me – there is no limit to the kindness David’s fans show to one another!
This past year and a half has been an answer to my prayers – following David from the beginning of AI and then becoming a part of this online community, and making friends off line with some, has been such a blessing to me. I have no doubt that we will continue these friendships for many years to come. On my drive home a sudden sadness overcame me – it couldn’t be over already:(. I think I could see David in concert everyday and it would not be enough.
I am thrilled that zoe and I got to meet TOfan, Refnaf and Happy – so nice to finally put faces to the names.
Now – off to watch videos and reminisce about last night.
Abuelita may not realize this but the post office in Phoenix is going to have to add more OT mail handlers and carriers just to take care of the deluge of mail coming her way. 😀
She posted an address for David’s fans to write and tell her how David has affected our lives.
Good way to keep the US Postal Service afloat. My daughter who works for the US PO should send her a thank you card!
Abuelita is a lovely lady with a big heart, like her beautiful grandson. Now I’m off to write her a letter.
My fave tweet the other day was “If David’s voice were a food it would be honey or that really expensive maple syrup,” (from a Boston VIP ticket holder when listening to Barriers sound check.)
To all you lucky Philly concert-goers, from everything i have watched/heard on YouTube, and heard from you all… David was F.I.E.R.C.E. Personified! He OWNED the Mann Center last nite…every stick of it. (Puzzlingly off-season and surely sweltering pull-over vest and ALL! lol) This ride is beyond thrilling to me. And I am only watching YouTube!
How’s about a little “Arm swingin’, archu_stompin’, stand back bcz I own this place and am WAAAAAY comfortable in my own bad self skin, yo, and I shall buh-low out the ending here simply bcz i can and I’m in a good mood *waves & smiles* then *mini-growls*, take-no-prisoners” Philly WFM, hm?
OH, you GO wif yo bad self, David. Fierce. *thud!*
Speaking of wardrobe, I got a kick out of a post at the Philippine fansite. They got all excited when David was jumping around and his shirt flipped up in back. They thought this would be their opportunity to see some “skin” and it turns out he had on an undershirt! Bwaahhahahahaha!!!
Gotta love the fangirls!
beebee, “How’s about a little “Arm swingin’, archu_stompin’, stand back bcz I own this place and am WAAAAAY comfortable in my own bad self skin, yo, and I shall buh-low out the ending here simply bcz i can and I’m in a good mood *waves & smiles* then *mini-growls*, take-no-prisoners” Philly WFM, hm?” ROTFLMAO … are you sure you weren’t there, beebee? ’Cause that about sums it up! 😆
Off to JR’s Philly Tour page, crossing fingers, toes and pretty much every other body part for My Hands … it was smOOOOOkin’ last night. Good thing the place was open air.
Archiesfan4life: {{{{{HUGS}}}}}
Can’t wait to plan our next rendezvousie! Maybe in a few years we’ll do a road trip a la SF. You can drive, haha!!
Tofan, you’re so right about My Hands! Man o man, David knocked that one right outa Fairmount Park!!
Hm, I’m thinkin’ that link (174) didn’t embed bcz it was from a youtube channel with the new (beta) YouTube format. What-evah.
random:
Abbra )#164) … welcome to beebee’s psychic network. *straightens madras turban* … how may I fleece you today? lol I see travel. LOTS of travel. The money, she will flow (out of your pocket, but thankfully into David’s so it’s all good.) You shall mysteriously feel and appear decades younger…and your heart will ultimately burst wide open. Death by joy. In a GOOD way. :p
(I love a good bleeding madras. It was all the rage. I still think it’s cool. In appropriate doses. lol)
Joner, that reminds me of back when the behind the scenes “making of the Crush Video” video was going around and, like Xeno and MC were all…woooo… he wore shorts! (SHORTS? I say??) We saw his SKIN!! LOL. What a riot. I SCRUTINIZED that vid and GRILLED those girls doggedly until I finally found what they were talking about. THIS was IT. (Hilarious) (THOSE are SHORTS?) Love those silly fangirls.
http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l347/beebeepix/David%20Archuleta/ankle_calf_sighting.jpg
Got news for ya girls, we got the big SKIN payola with *drum roll*
G.u.i.t.a.r..H.e.r.o..
(David’s fearlessness has always floored me. Nice thighs, too. :p)
This is from a Philly concert review posted at Snarkies from a conversation the fan had with David’s VIP program person who travels on the bus with him:
She told us that every night David sits on the floor of the tour bus going through every gift, letter and card individually.
I can just picture him doing this. Gah!!! Could he GET any sweeter!
Tofan -- you are so right about “My Hands”. I was hoping for a whole video and now there is one available. I don’t know but in every performance the stars align for one song to stand out above the rest and last night it was “My Hands”.
Zoe -- now that I found my way to your house, I am ready to take us anywhere David has a concert!!!
Here’s muldur99’s My Hands:
… she will soon upload Apologize.
I got the feeling David was reveling in the amazing acoustics as much as we were, if that makes sense. Holding some sweet notes longer, playing with the soft ones, gah, stop me now!
The structure was lined with beautiful wood and the notes sounded so rich and full. What a special venue, relaxed and open yet fine-tuned for music appreciation. Nice.
OMG, Muldur’s got VIDS! Yay!
aaahhhh, last minute trips to see David FTW!!! An awesome experience once again hearing David in Philly. I agree “My Hands” was incredible, and except for the legion of 8-10 year olds the evening was perfect, (my apologies to the 8-10 yr olds, but their giggling, texting inattention to the Voice drives me). His rendition of “Apologize” had me moist eyed….the venue was gorgeous, the weather lovely.
I have had a crazy busy week, with my son graduating high school, and my last minute trip to Philly, that I am still in denial about MJ…it has not sunk in yet.
TOfan…#182…My Hands…An incredible arrangement…simple words made into a fantastic song.
David is driving us into a frenzy! 😆
He is doing what is impossible for other artists..he’s getting better & better with each concert, making some of us go crazy checking on the availability of tickets, flights, hotels in order to attend one more, then another, then just one more concert on this tour! This tour some of us were so against, including me. I was not looking forward to sitting in an audience with little Demi fans, but that doesn’t even matter anymore. Only seeing David LIVE matters! We just cannot get enough! This is crazy, and WONDERFUL! Will Demi be able to complete the tour? This is a legitimate question. Did she realize how hard it would be? Did she realize she would be following the best live performer out there today?…OK, to us he is THE BEST. David is THE VOICE. Does she hear him, does she dare? If I were her, I would have already given up. I say this because I tried to watch a couple of videos of her tour performances…sad…I feel for her. But the kids love her! Kids who aren’t old enough to appreciate The Voice, but their mom’s are! 😀
Good night all. And for David..
Dear Lord,
Please take care of David. Watch over him, protect him from all harm. Cloak him with your love and give him the strength to endure all that is thrown in his path. Give David the courage and guidance to say no to those who ask for more than he can reasonably give. Surround David with loving and supportive people who love him UNCONDITIONALLY as we, his Archangels do. Separate David from those who have agendas other than for his well being. Give him rest when he’s weary. Give him the stamina to sustain his hectic pace. Give him assurance when he feels doubt. Give him joy when he feels sad. Cloak him always in your protective arms during this time on his journey. Keep David and and his voice healthy & strong as he fulfills his Destiny which was written in his Book of Life before he was born. And please Lord, give us, David’s forever fans, the wisdom to know when and how to do right by David. Open our eyes and help us in the way we support David so that it’s always in his best interests. May his positive and good Karma continue to attract those with positive and good Karma! May he continue to encounter goodwill and happiness! May he continue to be healthy and strong during this time in the summer tour with Demi. Keep David and his companions safe as they journey across this land of ours. Though we may be unworthy, we humbly pray. Amen
David, hope you have a good night’s sleep & sweet dreams. Keep with you all our love, prayers and warm thoughts! We will always love you madly! If you are ever in need of help, tweet us an SOS and your Archangels will be there in a flash!
Contigo siempre con amor!
Good Night Silverfox…
For everyone still here, speaking of MJ connections…I was watching Larry King tonight and Kenny Ortega was talking about Michael. I had no idea Kenny was Michael’s longtime choreographer for his tours. This is the same Kenny Ortega who directed the High School Musical films and had this to say about David:
🙂
Kenny Ortega knows what he’s talking about. Very smart man! Knows STAR quality when he sees it!
nitey nite SF
LittleM, nice find! 🙂
I am wallowing in muldur’s vids.
Silverfox…exactly!!!!!
Kenny Ortega said our David is stupendous! American Heritage Dictionary breakdown:
Of astounding force, volume, degree, or excellence, marvelous! Certainly sounds like David Archuleta to me! So nice to hear someone of Kenny’s reputation to say so.
P.S.(I can’t stop repeating Mulder99’s, My Hands) Astounding force, indeed! WHEW!
Muldur’s vids -- gah! She always has the clearest videos -- and close! Off to watch!
this just in: Muldur’s Philly Apologize
LittleM-thanks for that, I had totally forgotten what he had said. High praise indeed! Those who are in the know, KNOW!
dawn-your epic failure had gone into my personal archives. THAT is one of the funniest encounters I have ever heard, you had me snorting! The pictures in my mind!!
I didn’t see this posted, merry-go-round of some of David’s expressions singing Barriers, Del Mar.
Too cute.
When the MJ news hit me, I had an initial moment of surprise, but didn’t go through the same agony as other people. I sure was a fan of his, and I grew up in the 80s when he was at his most famous, but it kind of didn’t hit me emotionally.
Well anyway, it’s all starting to hit me now. 🙁 For the past day I’ve been watching him on YouTube, especially when he was a young kid, and then all the dance videos. What a talent!
Realizing that I probably was going through the first stage of grief. Sigh…
TOFan #182, What a great performance of My Hands!
And a Mariah Hand sighting at the 4:33 mark! I am content!
Good morning everyone! Wow! You either get David or you don’t.
Check out this review:
http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2009/06/29/direct_from_the_teen_pop_factory/
He actually thought Demi was better than David?! Sigh.
One consolation: Michael Jackson was once dismissed as “bubble gum pop” too when he was young.
So, obviously, not everyone is equipped to recognize genius when it shows, although the songs David was given on his debut album are nothing earth shattering, at least recognize the talent!
Well, this is the reviewer who thinks Demi is “a junior Kelly Clarkson” -- heh heh. This reviewer needs a career change.
New Post……