Hmmmmmm . . . could it be:

A psychotically dysfunctional family?

Having more money than God at an age when most kids are trying to convince Dad to let them borrow the car Friday night?

Being surrounded by the usual legion of showbiz ass-kissers, all of them taking great pains to insulate him from what ordinary mortals would call reality?

Or a psychotically dysfunctional family?

Any way you slice it, it's sad. Even though I'm not that into his music, I do acknowledge that he was -- and potentially still is -- an extraordinarily talented guy.

I'm sure, dude. Fallen Idols is the oldest story in the book, but it's really something that three of the most prominent celebs of my childhood crashed and burned in such spectacular fashion.

ABC, it's easy as 123!

He was at the world music awards in London this week and, after an 11 year absence, performed half of one song and then naffed off, leaving a load of fans somewhat miffed.

As an aside, my brother also went to the awards, but until turning up, didn't really understand the "world music" bit until turning up.

The J5 was my very first concert EVER! I was about 4 years old and they played at a summer festival at the Pocono 500 Raceway. Now, whenever I hear the J5 my memories throw me right back to 1972 every single time. Good times!

*puts on ABC and asks quonsar to dance*

I liked Tito

I love this song! Thanks, Jon.

We listen to the J5 at work sometimes and I always ask the same question.

It's interesting - makes you realize that being supremely talented will cause people to forgive you of almost anything. Almost.

I watched The Wiz with my daughter this weekend. She's 11, so Michael has always been this really weird celebrity to her. She was amazed that he'd been a good dancer and singer--that legacy has been completely squandered.