Michael Jackson's Brother Reveals Ireland Was King of Pop's Sanctuary
Jermaine Jackson says his brother considered Ireland his "getaway" place.
Sept. 27, 2009— -- Michael Jackson's older brother Jermaine made a pit stop in Dublin on Friday en route from Vienna to appear on the "Late Late Show," where he revealed to host Ryan Tubridy that Ireland was Michael's "getaway" place to escape from all the madness in his ultimately tragic life.
Michael, said Jermaine, "loved it here very much, and I love it here too. He spent a lot of time in Cork in the castles. It's just so peaceful. It's green and beautiful. This is why we come."
Michael's shocking death shook the world when it happened in June, and the Irish were as wracked with grief as anyone – we know this for fact because we were in County Kerry when news of his murder broke. (Doctors irresponsibly prescribing cocktails of drugs that were bound to kill sooner or later? Yep, we'd call that murder.)
Michael spent large chunks of time in Ireland during the past few years, including an extended stint in 2006 when he stayed at Grouse Lodge in County Westmeath to record some new music with will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.
"Ireland has inspired me to make a great album. I have never given up on making music," he told Billy Bush of "Access Hollywood." Bush traveled to Ireland for a sit-down interview with Jackson, which turned out to be Michael's last time taking questions from a TV interviewer.
The tranquility of Ireland was a calming influence for Michael, Jermaine affirmed.
"This was his getaway place, to get away from all the craziness," he added.
Jermaine is still working away on plans for a big tribute concert for his brother, which is set to take place next June at Wembley Stadium in London after plans for a show in Vienna this month fell through.
Undoubtedly a galaxy of stars will participate, and Jermaine thinks that U2 would be a standout act.
"It would be great if U2 were to come along to the Michael tribute. Everyone wants to get on board," he said.