Janet Jackson: Performing ‘Scream’ reminds me of what Michael ‘was going through’
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Janet Jackson shares that she continues to feel moved when singing "Scream", the collaboration she recorded with her brother Michael Jackson before his passing.
The song from Michael's ninth album, HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, was created in response to the way the media talked about the child abuse accusations made against him in 1993. Even though he wasn't found guilty, he chose to resolve the case outside of court.
The lyrics say: "I am weary of unfairness, tired of deceit/ Your dishonesty is revolting/ So, what does it all mean, for goodness sake?/ Knocking me down, I need to stand up/ It may sound extreme/ The entire system is terrible, for goodness sake."
Janet Jackson has included the song in her setlist for her global tour, which will be coming to the UK in September. During her performance, she sings along with a video of her brother who has passed away.
Talking to the BBC, the American celebrity confessed that it still stirs up emotions for them to listen to Michael Jackson every night. They find it touching to see him and reminisce about their time together.
"I remember when Mike and I composed that song in New York, at his place," she reminisced. "Listening to him sing it now, I can't help but revisit that entire experience and remember what he was going through back then."
"And as his younger sister, I have always been there for him, standing by his side and serving as his pillar of support. It has always been my responsibility to fulfill this role."
Janet's tour in Europe will begin in Paris on 25 September and then go to Birmingham, London, and Glasgow. The last show will be at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester on 1 October.
"I'm really excited to see all of you, I miss you a lot. We've had a great time with this show, and I'm looking forward to bringing some of that enjoyment to all of you," she mentioned in a video post about the upcoming tour.
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Michael Jackson passed away in 2009 due to a heart attack, which was brought on by a dangerous mixture of sedatives and propofol.
In June, legal papers showed that the famous singer had debts exceeding $500 million to different lenders when he passed away.
The documents submitted to the Los Angeles county superior court revealed that the pop star was facing serious financial difficulties as he was getting ready for his This Is It concert tour.
Even though Michael's finances were not in a good shape, he reportedly still had a carefree attitude and indulged in a lavish lifestyle. He spent money on expensive jewelry, new cars, artwork, furniture, and gifts, while also racking up monthly expenses of approximately $2 million.
