JARVIS COCKER vs MICHAEL JACKSON: The Battle Of The Brits '96 

Even without the allegations, that is a super weird cringe performance. Also, why is it at the Brit awards? Jackson is an American.

Wasn’t aware of 98% of this story... my recollections of the event are of Jarvis getting on stage and that was it. Such a lot I wasn’t aware of.

Watched this the other day James, and ‘cause it’s The Brits this evening thought I’d share a few memories here. My wife and I attended the Brit Awards 1996. For context, I wasn’t particularly fussed about Oasis at the time. I was overjoyed however, because the Pet Shop Boys were there performing with David Bowie. I was a big fan of PSB, and by extension also loved their collaborations with Sumner and Marr in Electronic, so was further pleased when I learned Owen Morris was there. I loved (still do) all the Factory records stuff, so you can imagine our delight when we found ourselves sitting at the guest table, right next to Black Grape! Some of my fondest memories of that evening, were talking to Shaun Ryder, who was sat right next to me at the next table. This is where the Oasis memories come in. I didn’t know much, other than they, Oasis, hailed from Manchester, but soon connected the dots when Liam, and to a possibly lesser extent Noel, spent much of the evening coming over to yap with Shaun and the Black Grape lot. As I said, I wasn’t particularly bothered at first, not being into Oasis, but my wife kept smiling and saying hello to Liam, so as the evening ran on, I became more relaxed, especially ‘cause I was quite yappy with Shaun, so started to relax and warm to Liam. I’d only ever really heard the cliched tabloid bolleaux, tittle tattle and news bits and bobs that seemed to follow Liam at that point, but as we relaxed around each other, I started to see him in a more natural light. By the end of the actual pre show dinner and actual awards ceremony, which I seem to remember going on for ages, I saw Liam and Noel in a totally different way. Like them, I grew up on an estate, brought up by my mum. Liam and Noel just reminded me of the people I grew up with (as did Shaun and Bez), Utterly down to Earth, very warm and real and bursting with friendly, jovial, matey personalities. In the space of those few hours, I totally changed my mind. As I said, I never followed their music particularly, but ever since then I’ve always had a soft spot for them as people, especially Liam, who was just such a lovely, approachable chap that night. Amongst the throng of industry bigwigs and slightly stale music artists, they stood out that night, in a great, refreshing way. My wife and I have met countless, and if I’m honest, disappointing “”famous”” people, but Liam and Noel were just great. In hindsight, I find it very amusing that I was quite shy, and mildly star struck around Owen Morris! As a budding musician and producer myself at that time, I was a little intimidated and in awe of Owen, as I knew he’d helped record and produce some of my favourite Electronic/Pet Shop Boys songs. I wish I’d spoke to him in hindsight, as I’m sure he would’ve been just as friendly as Liam and Noel and the Black Grape lot. As you’ve said in many of your videos, Owen is the keystone to so many quality productions. As for the legendary Jarvis Cocker/Michael Jackson thing, my wife and I didn’t even know anything about it until the next morning when we saw the news or read a headline in SoHo. My wife quite liked Pulp at the time, and was no doubt a bit crestfallen not to have met Jarvis. Obviously that next morning, we realised why we’d not seen Mr Cocker at the aftershow doo! Funny. We also went to the aftershow party, during which we spotted Noel sitting on a sofa on his own. We said hello again, and chatted briefly. To my own joy, we got to hang out with all manner of interesting people at the party like Neil Tennant, Midge Ure, Thom Yorke and Tricky, The Chemical Brothers, and even Terry Christian, who amusingly kept complaining about having to pay for his ticket! A night my wife and I still remember so fondly. Whenever we watch The Brits on telly these days, it always pails in comparison to that memorable night way back in February 96. Keep up the great videos James.

Great video again mate. Remember all that stuff all too well. Utter fiasco and shows the lengths that these record labels will go to to try and protect their assets... Glad Jarvis walked away relatively unscathed but as you say it's a shame that it affected his future releases somewhat. But big up to Bob Mortimer and Chris Evans and to David Bowie for supporting him and turning the tide... It could have ended very badly for him...

Excellent video as always!

For someone born in 2001 it's insane to think that I didn't know this, thanks for the video James!

Amazing video!

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="527">8:47</a> bjork goes bonkers in bangkok, Jarvis managed to keep that story small for her

You should do a video on Noel v Michael Hutchence at the Brits. Most people don't realise Hutchence provoked oasis by threatening to beat up Liam beforehand. And INXS fans basically blame Noel for his suicide!??

Another beautifully made documentary. Fabulous xxx

James Hargreaves guitar... class, event 👏 well done Jarvis, and thanks for the upload 👍

I’ve already given this a 👍🏻 because I know it will be another great vid!

James, your channel is gold! Playing a bit of guitar myself, I enjoyed your deconstruction of Oasis' music, and this shift to 90s social commentary shows how a RU-vid channel can grow and develop. I remember this incident well, but have heard a few new things about it. Ah, but it makes me miss those times...

Jarvis was like the child in the story of The Emperors New Clothes. It needed someone to simply show the ridiculousness of the act. MJ is not a holy man saving the world of our sins. And Jarvis did it in such a childish and Hilarious way.

Oh the 90’s , miss those days , look how many legends in that room place in one night . B4 the internet , before Twatter etc , Jarvis is a legend, I recall the newspaper frenzy the days following but no one believed it. Great days of youth and adventure and nights like this . Keep yo your good work

Excellent video as usual James. I remember it all so well, Jarvis is a proper ledge!

At the end that Vic and Bob earth song was just fantastic

I remember this very well. I was only 16 at the time so I didn't quite understand just how bad it was for Jarvis but I do remember the stories in the papers. Me and everybody at school thought it was hilarious what he did. Man I miss the 90's so much! Feels like it was all a dream.

Another great video. I was also never aware of Bob Mortimer or David Bowie’s involvement in this. This is Hardcore happens to be my favourite Pulp record.

Fun trivia: Before Jarvis went up there Mushroom was circling Jackos forehead with a laserpen lol, great to be taken back to a time when pretence was frowned upon rather than celebrated and encouraged as it is now

Jarvis Cocker, Bob Mortimer, and David Bowie - the Trifecta of British Greatness.

I never knew that Bob Mortimer was a solicitor. What an overreaction to a relatively minor incident. Good on David Bowie as well.

Jarvis Cocker is a National Treasure

There is a clip here on yt with Brian Eno from some news show at that time. He talks about what happend and stands Up for Jarvis as well.

me entretengo bastante con tus videos la música y en especial la británica me gustan mucho ✌🏼

Excellent post love it 👍👍

watching it live back then..

Great one James, I totally forgot about this, although I only caught it whilst reading magazines back them..team Jarvis all the way✌🏼💙

I've seen that Canadian/asian host before in part 2 of an interview flashing NG in 95. Thanx yt

Nice one Jarvis. 👍

yea, Jackson never invented the moon walk, that was another black proformer, MJ just made it famous

Cracking video mate liked and subscribed 👍👍

Subbed

These documentaries your doing are brilliant 👏 👌

Vic and bob at the end was the best bit.

The 90s was awesome

I didn't know anything about this. Although I was only 1 year old so no surprise. I think I'll go and give Pulp's albums a listen. Fair play to Jarvis.

The despicable British press in lockstep, a bit like now.

What a fascinating and revealing story ... good old UK Media banding together as usual .... and still are ...

Amazing stuff! Never realised Jarvis went through all that shit tho

WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS? ME??? HAHAHAH

TFI Friday was brilliant needs a reboot

Do you have any more INXS clips ?

Michael Jackson did not invent the moonwalk, he learnt it from Jeffrey Daniels from Shalamar

I don't think MJJ was dressed as Jesus! If Jesus was dressed like that then I don't think the uploader of this video really knows who Jesus is. For one both Muslims and Jehovah's Witnesses don't believe Jesus was crucified! So it's Christians like JC and the uploader of this video who have a problem with MJJ'S performance. I personal believe MJJ was set up to look like something less than Jesus.

Best thing to happen in music in the 90s. "Tricky and Mushroom were stopped by security...only Jarvis made it through" - lots of racism about in the 90s, LOLZ.

jackson's ego grew to epic proportions during that time,it took a bloke from sheffield to put him in his place.well done jarvis or as bob mortimer refered to him "the weed in tweed". that was a time when the brit awards actualy mattered.

This is hardcore is an amazing album and he is a hero

Well, in comparison to Jarvis Crocker, Michael Jackson is for sure the messiah

I was 10 at the time this happened and was really annoyed at Jarvis doing his thing on stage while Michael Jackson was performing. At the time I was a big Michael Jackson fan and was looking forward to his performance. As the years rolled on and I got older, as much as I admire Michael's music and performances, Jarvis was right about what he said about Michael performance at the Brits. I don't agree with his on stage protest but agree that Michael's performance was way overboard and self-indulgent.

Wow... Modern 'artists' are well trained now.

I'm getting the word...

I remember hearing Bob Mortimer bailed Jarvis cocker out, that just made it seem so much weirder

I think that non-Brits need some context as to why Vic and Bob are singing like that. Non-Brits just need Shooting Stars in their lives.

Never work with children or animals.

5 star video

Back in those times nobody was defending MJ

Sorry Jarvis. Michael Jackson didn't invent the moonwalk lol

Bob Mortimer, another story for his ‘Would I lie to you’. Legend.

TBH, I prefer my rock/film stars to be untouchable, detached, mythical weirdos with the ego the size of Jupiter, so I still dig MJ going to the Brit Awards to pretend to be the saviour of the world lol

This is only one side of the story Michael did not think of himself as a god he thought he was godlike

I had no idea Bob Mortimer was involved (because the internet does inform us better today) - good for him! And Bowie! A love this story, it shows how artists can see through the BS and reveal the truth, even against the huge conglomerate power of the music industry. Jarvis is a folk hero, but he wasn’t alone in this.

Damn, Jarvis must’ve been in a tizzy about Kanye.

Mate, your videos are exceptional! Seriously good work!!

“Has-beens shouldn't be presenting fuckin awards to gonna-bes”

As an American, I never knew about the whole MJ and Jarvis thing until later, when I got into Britpop and 90s alternative music. MJ had been famous for a long time and was probably used to being treated like royalty, untouchable despite his controversies. I don't think he expected Jarvis to rightly take the piss out of his spectacle. Jarvis will always be cool, while you get an icky feeling whenever a MJ song is on the radio.

What about chickens?

Your shoulders slipped off your.... Shoulders...

who is the host at 11.50?

As a Pom living in Australia at the time we heard NOTHING of this and the Britpop phenomena largely passed us by, Australian media seemingly more interested in America than the "mother country" and new home grown talent for some reason... endlessly putting John Cougar Mellencamp and his ilk on radio repeat and promoted tours...God it was boring...but I liked being there and still enjoyed going out hearing club/house music which WAS more varied...

A lot of respect for Jarvis after this

Jerry sadowitz?

Have Michael Jackson's goons and the rags accusing you of things you didn't do? It's okay, *David Bowie* will be there with footage of the event!

Childish of me, but the way you said "adoring children" cracked me up.

I fell in love with jarvis cocker when pulp performed babies on TOTP and he was and stage wiping the sweat away with some pink spotted panties. Pulp played a massive part in the britpop era they stepped in at Glastonbury when the stone Roses didn't turn up

I don't get it. If you don't like don't watch. why would you try to ruin another person performance?

Ironic that Bowie who had relations with children himself came out to defend Jarvis. See Lori Maddox who was 14.

16.00 As a young lad myself, growingup... Which one of those unlucky kiddies was you?

Michael Jackson did not invent the moonwalk

Michael Jackson didn't invent the moonwalk.

One word... PATSY!

Watched this live. Jarvis was an absolute legend!

“Though shalt not upset Michael Jackson” 🙄🙄🙄 Jarvis is a legend for this. Us northerners don’t like people that are too far up themselves.

Watch his performance of this song at the world music awards. He suddenly surprises with sideways moonwalks and walking in slow motion. I didnt like this performance at all. As alot of others in the comments have said it was cringe and i agree it was. the ending was over the top. but the ending of this at the wma wasnt cringe it was goosebumps. But the guy wasnt a peado and it must be life ending experience being accused of it and then being cleared. but anyway Jarvis cocker is not someone id look up to. For me, legends dont need to do that, oasis owned the stage more than mj or jcocker , the whole brit awards ceremony and the entire world those nights back in 96. jarvis clung on to that more than anything and its his claim to shame....sorry fame.. Love the channel mate, your an inspiration to people like me trying to get a wee channel up and running, and just going for it.

WHAT ABOUT PIE???

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 amazing

he was not Dressed as Jesus! lol unless jesus wore trousers.it's all a performance, i'm pretty sure he didn't think he was really a werewolf in that zombie video.

Notice he didit when MJ was in the cherry picker well abo

Wasn't the song about climate change?

Jarvis, what a legend!

just like the power of the BBC! COUGH Jimmy?

Excellent job compiling all this information! I remember when this happened and how ridiculous the media feeding frenzy was, and how completely at odds the reporting was with what actually went down. It's so bizarre to look at how utterly up his own arse Jacko had become at that point, and crazy to think that, with all the allegations against him, his people let him do that extremely distasteful Christ act with kids touching him while he stood with his arms outstretched, just insane! Jarvis was very brave to challenge him publicly, although I don't imagine he knew just how much shit he would be in as a result. It's lucky that Bob was there too! Hats off to Mr Cocker, and Mr Mortimer, and to you Mr Hargreaves for your fine efforts!

That photo of Jackson’s melting face gave me a shiver…

Even though it was bit unfair what happen to Jarvis, I also think that he brought that to himself, he was extremely disrespectul to Michael, especially when he as many people blindly believe everything the media said and continues saying, so not only was he blinded by his ignorance because he obviously didint investigate a bit about Michael allegations, he also was blinded by his ego because he couldnt even stand still respecting a fellow artist, he didnt have to like Michaels presentation, he could even disagree with it, and afterwards comment on it if he liked, but doing what he did just shows how irrationally impulsive he was, I cant even understand how people can clap at this, there were no heroes there, just heavely media manipulated people.

THATS NOT MICHAEL JACKSON THINK PEOPLE WAKE UP! FFS ITS SO EASY TO SEE YOU JUST HAVE TO WAKE UP!!!!!

Of course David Bowie was the guy to save the day. Of course. Well done record of the incident's history. _This Is Hardcore_ is a dark album that's pre-occupied with tension & heavily demystified with the concept & canonization of celebrity ("I'm not Jesus, but I have the same initials"). It makes sense if the aftermath of the MJ stage crash was the thing that finally spoiled the Britpop party for Jarvis. With _TIH,_ the party was clearly over.

I was 41, hated everything about Britpop including its lord and master Tony Blair. That's10 years before the average musician. However I heard an acoustic version of 'Wonderwall' and I was smitten with Oasis.

the way tricky and mushroom were stopped by security but Jarvis got on stage is white privilege )))

"he invented the moonwalk" haha

you want to laugh,... go watch Katt Williams in a green suit, make fun of micheal... i couldnt stop laughing