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Valmais Owens interviewed "Big Al Scanlan", a former employee of Michael Jackson's neverland ranch. From 1990 to 2005, Big Al Scanlan worked at Neverland Ranch as a maintenance director. He was responsible for overseeing the gardens and numerous attractions,
Valmais Owens interviewed "Big Al Scanlan", a former employee of Michael Jackson's neverland ranch. From 1990 to 2005, Big Al Scanlan worked at Neverland Ranch as a maintenance director. He was responsible for overseeing the gardens and numerous attractions,
@michaeljackson
including the theater, rides and trains. He also became a close personal friend of Michael. In the interview, Big Al answers questions asked by some of our team members and volunteers, giving us a rare insight into his time dele at
including the theater, rides and trains. He also became a close personal friend of Michael. In the interview, Big Al answers questions asked by some of our team members and volunteers, giving us a rare insight into his time dele at
@michaeljackson
Neverland and his relationship dele with Michael.
Valmai: Big Al, how did you apply for a job at Neverland?
Big Al: I got involved in the entertainment business right after high school. Most of that time was at the end of securing and
Neverland and his relationship dele with Michael.
Valmai: Big Al, how did you apply for a job at Neverland?
Big Al: I got involved in the entertainment business right after high school. Most of that time was at the end of securing and
@michaeljackson
maintaining the business. When Mr. Jackson bought the ranch, I was working for a risk management consulting firm that specializes in amusement rides. This company was recommended to MJ representatives by the amusement tour broker, with regard to how to
maintaining the business. When Mr. Jackson bought the ranch, I was working for a risk management consulting firm that specializes in amusement rides. This company was recommended to MJ representatives by the amusement tour broker, with regard to how to
@michaeljackson
take care of the equipment. I would visit Neverland two or three times a year, for a safety inspection or to address maintenance issues. During the first two years that Neverland was in operation, I developed a great professional relationship with Neverland, in
take care of the equipment. I would visit Neverland two or three times a year, for a safety inspection or to address maintenance issues. During the first two years that Neverland was in operation, I developed a great professional relationship with Neverland, in
@michaeljackson
addition to a good friendship with the farm manager. During one of my closing meetings, I informed the ranch manager that he was getting tired of all the trips [300 days a year] and was thinking about looking for a job at an amusement
![@michaeljackson addition to a good friendship with the farm manager. During one of my closing meetings, I informed the ranch manager that he was getting tired of all the trips [300 days a year] and was thinking about looking for a job at an amusement](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E0JIJ2wXoAAWPjr.jpg "@michaeljackson addition to a good friendship with the farm manager. During one of my closing meetings, I informed the ranch manager that he was getting tired of all the trips [300 days a year] and was thinking about looking for a job at an amusement")
addition to a good friendship with the farm manager. During one of my closing meetings, I informed the ranch manager that he was getting tired of all the trips [300 days a year] and was thinking about looking for a job at an amusement
@michaeljackson
park. So I told him about two parks that I was interested in. His answer dele shocked me. He said, "What do you think about working here?"
Right now, I had no idea what was going on at Neverland with regard to all the charity work. I thought this
park. So I told him about two parks that I was interested in. His answer dele shocked me. He said, "What do you think about working here?"
Right now, I had no idea what was going on at Neverland with regard to all the charity work. I thought this
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was just a place for Mr. Jackson to have fun. I wasn't a fan of Michael Jackson, but I liked music enough to know that he was an incredibly talented artist. I had seen enough of Neverland to know that this place had a serious class, but I really
was just a place for Mr. Jackson to have fun. I wasn't a fan of Michael Jackson, but I liked music enough to know that he was an incredibly talented artist. I had seen enough of Neverland to know that this place had a serious class, but I really
@michaeljackson
thought that working there would be ... well ... boring. I decided that I should listen to what the MJ people had to say about my possible job at Neverland. This turned out to be a very wise decision on my part.
Valmai: What was a typical day
thought that working there would be ... well ... boring. I decided that I should listen to what the MJ people had to say about my possible job at Neverland. This turned out to be a very wise decision on my part.
Valmai: What was a typical day
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like when Michael was home?
Big Al: When Mr. Jackson was home or if we had guests, my day would start around 5 am with the alarm going off. I arrived at the clock at 7 am and headed for the steam train. There were only two of us at the ranch who could start and
like when Michael was home?
Big Al: When Mr. Jackson was home or if we had guests, my day would start around 5 am with the alarm going off. I arrived at the clock at 7 am and headed for the steam train. There were only two of us at the ranch who could start and
@michaeljackson
operate the steam train. One of us arrived early to shoot, and the other arrived around two in the afternoon and stayed until closing.
Once the steam train was full of steam, I cleaned and put on my formal uniform for the rest of the
operate the steam train. One of us arrived early to shoot, and the other arrived around two in the afternoon and stayed until closing.
Once the steam train was full of steam, I cleaned and put on my formal uniform for the rest of the
@michaeljackson
day. After that, I was on standby and listened to the radio in search of any train travel request, on any train. I usually spun back and forth between trains, running from one end of the valley to the other and blowing the whistle from time to
day. After that, I was on standby and listened to the radio in search of any train travel request, on any train. I usually spun back and forth between trains, running from one end of the valley to the other and blowing the whistle from time to
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time. Mr. Jackson liked the atmosphere that the movement of the train and the sound of the whistle added to the magic of Neverland.
Valmai: We know that Michael loved playing games with people for fun. Has he ever touched you? What
time. Mr. Jackson liked the atmosphere that the movement of the train and the sound of the whistle added to the magic of Neverland.
Valmai: We know that Michael loved playing games with people for fun. Has he ever touched you? What
@michaeljackson
were some of his funniest pranks dele?
Big Al: I was only working at Neverland for a few weeks. It was a very hot day. I was in my costume [and thinking to myself that it was a little hot to be wearing a suit], standing and near the front of the
![@michaeljackson were some of his funniest pranks dele? Big Al: I was only working at Neverland for a few weeks. It was a very hot day. I was in my costume [and thinking to myself that it was a little hot to be wearing a suit], standing and near the front of the](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E0JLzRrWEAQ-cOY.jpg "@michaeljackson were some of his funniest pranks dele? Big Al: I was only working at Neverland for a few weeks. It was a very hot day. I was in my costume [and thinking to myself that it was a little hot to be wearing a suit], standing and near the front of the")
were some of his funniest pranks dele?
Big Al: I was only working at Neverland for a few weeks. It was a very hot day. I was in my costume [and thinking to myself that it was a little hot to be wearing a suit], standing and near the front of the
@michaeljackson
amusement park, grinding ice for the snow cone machine, with my back to the road that runs in front of the park.
I see a golf cart full of people out of the corner of my eye; the golf cart stops just behind me. I keep grinding ice and I hear, "Of course
amusement park, grinding ice for the snow cone machine, with my back to the road that runs in front of the park.
I see a golf cart full of people out of the corner of my eye; the golf cart stops just behind me. I keep grinding ice and I hear, "Of course
@michaeljackson
it's hot today, isn't it?"
I slowly turn around and agree, then go back to grinding ice. So ... WHAM, a water balloon hits me in the middle of the back. As the golf cart speeds up, I hear Mr. Jackson say, "It wasn't me."
I realized I was feeling a lot nicer
it's hot today, isn't it?"
I slowly turn around and agree, then go back to grinding ice. So ... WHAM, a water balloon hits me in the middle of the back. As the golf cart speeds up, I hear Mr. Jackson say, "It wasn't me."
I realized I was feeling a lot nicer
@michaeljackson
and a thought crossed my mind: "I never had a boss throw a water balloon at me. ''
This incident really stands out in my mind because I had only been working at Neverland for a few weeks and had not yet had any contact with Mr. Jackson, other
and a thought crossed my mind: "I never had a boss throw a water balloon at me. ''
This incident really stands out in my mind because I had only been working at Neverland for a few weeks and had not yet had any contact with Mr. Jackson, other
@michaeljackson
than taking some tours for him.
Valmai: In addition to your work in the entertainment field, what did Michael most like to do during his free time?
Big Al: The only free time I can comment on is his time dele at Neverland. I believe he liked
than taking some tours for him.
Valmai: In addition to your work in the entertainment field, what did Michael most like to do during his free time?
Big Al: The only free time I can comment on is his time dele at Neverland. I believe he liked
@michaeljackson
everything about Neverland; riding on rides, watching movies, visiting the zoo and without a doubt, the water balloon fights!
Neverland gave Mr. Jackson, as well as all of his guests dele, a chance to relax, a chance to escape
everything about Neverland; riding on rides, watching movies, visiting the zoo and without a doubt, the water balloon fights!
Neverland gave Mr. Jackson, as well as all of his guests dele, a chance to relax, a chance to escape
@michaeljackson
the daily stress that life gives us. Even if he was on tour or in the studio, he would like to hear all about the day the guests had at Neverland. It was very important to him that they have his life span dele.
Valmai: Have you had any
the daily stress that life gives us. Even if he was on tour or in the studio, he would like to hear all about the day the guests had at Neverland. It was very important to him that they have his life span dele.
Valmai: Have you had any
@michaeljackson
personal interactions with some of Michael's most famous friends, like Elizabeth Taylor or Lisa Marie?
Big Al: During my years at Neverland, I believe I know everyone. Who really stands out is Gregory Peck. He was in the park with a part of his family dele. He
personal interactions with some of Michael's most famous friends, like Elizabeth Taylor or Lisa Marie?
Big Al: During my years at Neverland, I believe I know everyone. Who really stands out is Gregory Peck. He was in the park with a part of his family dele. He
@michaeljackson
and I were sitting under a large oak tree, watching his family dele riding.
Mr. Peck asked me how I started at Neverland, and for the next half hour or so, I told my life story. When he got up to leave, he thanked me and told me that I was a fascinating
and I were sitting under a large oak tree, watching his family dele riding.
Mr. Peck asked me how I started at Neverland, and for the next half hour or so, I told my life story. When he got up to leave, he thanked me and told me that I was a fascinating
@michaeljackson
person. He said this with a level of sincerity that I will never forget. I was saying to myself, "Here is a guy who is an absolute icon ... a legend ... and he is fascinated by my life as a Carny ... WOW!"
Valmai: Can you talk about the
person. He said this with a level of sincerity that I will never forget. I was saying to myself, "Here is a guy who is an absolute icon ... a legend ... and he is fascinated by my life as a Carny ... WOW!"
Valmai: Can you talk about the
@michaeljackson
impact that one day at Neverland had on the children who visited there? Did you witness something like a miracle?
Big Al: It is difficult to explain the huge impact that one day had at Neverland would have on children in the countryside and on children
impact that one day at Neverland had on the children who visited there? Did you witness something like a miracle?
Big Al: It is difficult to explain the huge impact that one day had at Neverland would have on children in the countryside and on children
@michaeljackson
who fight life-threatening illnesses. You would almost need to hear it from them. I know that we received letters from doctors, nurses, counselors and family members that absolutely made me cry. Some of those kids were so sick; I think it
who fight life-threatening illnesses. You would almost need to hear it from them. I know that we received letters from doctors, nurses, counselors and family members that absolutely made me cry. Some of those kids were so sick; I think it
@michaeljackson
was a miracle, even for a day, that they would forget about the disease. And for the children in the city center, some who had never left their neighborhood, the miracle was that they could see that there is hope.
Valmai: Did Michael seem to be a
was a miracle, even for a day, that they would forget about the disease. And for the children in the city center, some who had never left their neighborhood, the miracle was that they could see that there is hope.
Valmai: Did Michael seem to be a
@michaeljackson
happy person at Neverland?
Big Al: Extremely!
Valmai: What was one of Michael's happiest moments?
Big Al: I can't answer that. I believe that seeing sick and downtown kids having the time of their lives in Neverland made him very happy.
happy person at Neverland?
Big Al: Extremely!
Valmai: What was one of Michael's happiest moments?
Big Al: I can't answer that. I believe that seeing sick and downtown kids having the time of their lives in Neverland made him very happy.
@michaeljackson
Valmai: When you look at the time spent at Neverland and with Michael, which you will never forget; which memory stands out most in your mind?
Big Al: This is a difficult question; There are so many incredibly happy memories. I think if I had to choose
Valmai: When you look at the time spent at Neverland and with Michael, which you will never forget; which memory stands out most in your mind?
Big Al: This is a difficult question; There are so many incredibly happy memories. I think if I had to choose
@michaeljackson
one, it would be the time that I made Mr. Jackson laugh more. Note: I managed to make him laugh several times.
Do I have to stop here and ask if you can remember the video Speed Demon, at the opening when Michael runs into the two fat twins
one, it would be the time that I made Mr. Jackson laugh more. Note: I managed to make him laugh several times.
Do I have to stop here and ask if you can remember the video Speed Demon, at the opening when Michael runs into the two fat twins
@michaeljackson
on motorcycles? If not, stop reading and go watch.
Ok, are you back? I'm in the amusement park area when I get a radio call: “Mr. Jackson would like to have two scooters in the park within minutes. ''
I grabbed Dan, and we jumped on
on motorcycles? If not, stop reading and go watch.
Ok, are you back? I'm in the amusement park area when I get a radio call: “Mr. Jackson would like to have two scooters in the park within minutes. ''
I grabbed Dan, and we jumped on
@michaeljackson
the golf cart and went to the barn where the scooters were. Now, Dan is about six feet tall and weighs about 130 pounds. I, on the other hand, have 6 feet and weigh 320 pounds. So far you can know where this story is going.
Dan and I are going to the park on
the golf cart and went to the barn where the scooters were. Now, Dan is about six feet tall and weighs about 130 pounds. I, on the other hand, have 6 feet and weigh 320 pounds. So far you can know where this story is going.
Dan and I are going to the park on
@michaeljackson
the scooters, and when we were about 60 meters from Mr. Jackson, I notice that he is looking at me and laughing. I pull about 6 inches from his feet dele and the words just come out, "Hey sir, do you want to sign my belly?"
the scooters, and when we were about 60 meters from Mr. Jackson, I notice that he is looking at me and laughing. I pull about 6 inches from his feet dele and the words just come out, "Hey sir, do you want to sign my belly?"
@michaeljackson
He started laughing so hard that I thought he was going to cry.
Valmai: How would you feel about Neverland being reopened as a memorial park similar to Graceland and do you think Michael would have wanted it?
Big Al: Absolutely! I know there
He started laughing so hard that I thought he was going to cry.
Valmai: How would you feel about Neverland being reopened as a memorial park similar to Graceland and do you think Michael would have wanted it?
Big Al: Absolutely! I know there
@michaeljackson
have been conversations, both good and bad, about this possibility. There were reports of Jackson saying that he hated Neverland and would never live there again. Given the actions of the prosecutor, the sheriff and that family, I do not
have been conversations, both good and bad, about this possibility. There were reports of Jackson saying that he hated Neverland and would never live there again. Given the actions of the prosecutor, the sheriff and that family, I do not
@michaeljackson
doubt these reports. I believe Mr. Jackson would have reopened Neverland.
Why do I believe that? During my 15 years at Neverland, sitting at a picnic table under a huge oak tree, I had several long conversations with Mr. Jackson about Neverland.
doubt these reports. I believe Mr. Jackson would have reopened Neverland.
Why do I believe that? During my 15 years at Neverland, sitting at a picnic table under a huge oak tree, I had several long conversations with Mr. Jackson about Neverland.
@michaeljackson
Looking into his eyes dele and hearing his voice dele, there is no doubt that the charity work done at Neverland was one of the most important things in his life dele.
In time, I believe that the importance of those magical days for sick and inner city children
Looking into his eyes dele and hearing his voice dele, there is no doubt that the charity work done at Neverland was one of the most important things in his life dele.
In time, I believe that the importance of those magical days for sick and inner city children
@michaeljackson
would have found their way back into Michael's heart dele. The letters from all the doctors and nurses at children's hospitals, and the letters from parents who stopped in the memory of their son and that trip to Neverland, make it very clear how important Mr.
would have found their way back into Michael's heart dele. The letters from all the doctors and nurses at children's hospitals, and the letters from parents who stopped in the memory of their son and that trip to Neverland, make it very clear how important Mr.
@michaeljackson
Jackson's charity work was through Neverland.
I became very good friends with a child with cystic fibrosis [number 1 cause of death in terms of genetic diseases]. Jeff visited Neverland, once with the Los Angeles Children's Hospital, and twice as my
![@michaeljackson Jackson's charity work was through Neverland. I became very good friends with a child with cystic fibrosis [number 1 cause of death in terms of genetic diseases]. Jeff visited Neverland, once with the Los Angeles Children's Hospital, and twice as my](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E0JTQe5WEBE7G1_.jpg "@michaeljackson Jackson's charity work was through Neverland. I became very good friends with a child with cystic fibrosis [number 1 cause of death in terms of genetic diseases]. Jeff visited Neverland, once with the Los Angeles Children's Hospital, and twice as my")
Jackson's charity work was through Neverland.
I became very good friends with a child with cystic fibrosis [number 1 cause of death in terms of genetic diseases]. Jeff visited Neverland, once with the Los Angeles Children's Hospital, and twice as my
@michaeljackson
guest during the employees' annual family day.
The day after riding the entire ranch, he looked at me and said, "I don't know if I like the 'artist Michael Jackson', [Jeff was a type of boy who liked Lollapalooza] but I'm sure I like the 'person Michael
![@michaeljackson guest during the employees' annual family day. The day after riding the entire ranch, he looked at me and said, "I don't know if I like the 'artist Michael Jackson', [Jeff was a type of boy who liked Lollapalooza] but I'm sure I like the 'person Michael](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E0JThp5X0AQQKar.jpg "@michaeljackson guest during the employees' annual family day. The day after riding the entire ranch, he looked at me and said, \"I don't know if I like the 'artist Michael Jackson', [Jeff was a type of boy who liked Lollapalooza] but I'm sure I like the 'person Michael")
guest during the employees' annual family day.
The day after riding the entire ranch, he looked at me and said, "I don't know if I like the 'artist Michael Jackson', [Jeff was a type of boy who liked Lollapalooza] but I'm sure I like the 'person Michael
@michaeljackson
Jackson.''
Jeff truly understood Michael and the importance of Neverland, and as I write this, and look for these happy memories of Jeff in Neverland, I understand his importance dele. If Neverland were brought back to its 'Heyday' status,
Jackson.''
Jeff truly understood Michael and the importance of Neverland, and as I write this, and look for these happy memories of Jeff in Neverland, I understand his importance dele. If Neverland were brought back to its 'Heyday' status,
@michaeljackson
and opened to the public to support itself, and part of the time for invite-only charity events, it would be a win-win situation.
Valmai: When was the last time you and Michael spoke, and what did you talk about?
Big Al: My last conversation with
and opened to the public to support itself, and part of the time for invite-only charity events, it would be a win-win situation.
Valmai: When was the last time you and Michael spoke, and what did you talk about?
Big Al: My last conversation with
@michaeljackson
Mr. Jackson was during the trial. It wasn't much of a conversation. Sometimes I saw him in the morning before I left or in the afternoon when he came back. The conversation was more about recognizing each other. I hope he saw in my eyes how much I cared
Mr. Jackson was during the trial. It wasn't much of a conversation. Sometimes I saw him in the morning before I left or in the afternoon when he came back. The conversation was more about recognizing each other. I hope he saw in my eyes how much I cared
@michaeljackson
and how much I wanted to know what to do, what to say. This is the first time in a long time that I really remembered the last conversation. I have a multitude of very happy moments that I focus on.
Valmai: What do you think is the
and how much I wanted to know what to do, what to say. This is the first time in a long time that I really remembered the last conversation. I have a multitude of very happy moments that I focus on.
Valmai: What do you think is the
@michaeljackson
greatest gift you received from Michael? How did it change your life?
Big Al: After spending time with Mr. Jackson and getting a better understanding of what he was; I learned to be more charitable, not to judge, to do what I could to help
greatest gift you received from Michael? How did it change your life?
Big Al: After spending time with Mr. Jackson and getting a better understanding of what he was; I learned to be more charitable, not to judge, to do what I could to help
@michaeljackson
people less fortunate than me, and to be more courteous and polite. I am a better person, thanks to my time at Neverland and with Mr. Jackson.
Valmai: What would you say is Michael's most profound legacy dele?
Big Al: I'm sure most people would
people less fortunate than me, and to be more courteous and polite. I am a better person, thanks to my time at Neverland and with Mr. Jackson.
Valmai: What would you say is Michael's most profound legacy dele?
Big Al: I'm sure most people would
@michaeljackson
say about their music career. I, on the other hand, would say that your humanitarian achievements are known and unknown.
Valmai: If you could have another day with Michael, how would you spend it?
Big Al: After reading that question,
say about their music career. I, on the other hand, would say that your humanitarian achievements are known and unknown.
Valmai: If you could have another day with Michael, how would you spend it?
Big Al: After reading that question,
@michaeljackson
it took me a long time to regain my composure. I would spend the day thanking him until he stopped me, so I would do my job, entertaining the "Artist".
Valmai: If you could share something with the world, what would it be?
it took me a long time to regain my composure. I would spend the day thanking him until he stopped me, so I would do my job, entertaining the "Artist".
Valmai: If you could share something with the world, what would it be?
@michaeljackson
Big Al: If I knew how ... I would like to let the world know about the truly genuine person that was Mr. Jackson.
Valmai: Thank you, Big Al, for sharing your special memories with us.
#MJFam #MJInnocent #michaeljacksonfan #applehead #kingofpop #neverlandranch
Big Al: If I knew how ... I would like to let the world know about the truly genuine person that was Mr. Jackson.
Valmai: Thank you, Big Al, for sharing your special memories with us.
#MJFam #MJInnocent #michaeljacksonfan #applehead #kingofpop #neverlandranch
