June 25, 2009 10:00PM EDT
RIP, Michael Jackson

MJ, Jacko, the King of Pop, or the pint-sized frontman of the Jackson 5: however you choose to remember Michael Jackson, he's just a memory now, albeit it a media-saturated, permanent-record kind of memory. His sudden death on Thursday came as a shock, as the world was instantly forced to reconcile memories of an incredible performer with a wariness about the man he had become in recent years.
As the 24-hour news channels scramble to pull together tributes to the global icon—and dissenting voices dredge up the sordid trials and allegations—we at Tribeca remember a very special night at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival. On the 25th anniversary of the best-selling album of all time, Thriller, the Tribeca Drive-In hosted the world's largest zombie disco, complete with a Michael Jackson lookalike contest and face-painting for all. (Browse photos of the event.)
John Landis, the director of the seminal "Thriller" video, was on hand to ghoul out with the enthusiastic crowd that night (see the video below). Landis has released this statement: "I was lucky enough to know and work with Michael Jackson in his prime. Michael was an extraordinary talent and a truly great international star. He had a troubled and complicated life and despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure. My wife Deborah and I will always have great affection for him."
RIP, Michael. You made us dance.
Log in to My Tribeca and share your memories of Michael below.
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