22/04/2026
Jay D's ( #2)
🎙 Artist - Michael Jackson
💿 Track - Speed Demon
Time for another 'forgotten gem' my wonderful people.... & being this is the very week the much anticipated biopic 'Michael' hits our cinema screens i thought it only right to to this belter...!
Now i could literally pick a whole host of tracks from the (& believe me it was tough enough to pick one of them 😉) but I've gone for one from his 1987 album.
"Speed Demon" was released as the third track from Jacksons Bad album as a single on September 4, 1989.
Jackson wrote this after being stopped by police whilst driving & receiving a ticket.
Legendary producer Quincy Jones told Jackson to write about his frustration, (wouldn't we all..), which he absolutely did! 👌🏻
The track started its fantastic production as a demo on 19th May 1986. On April 17, 1987, the track continued production & was ultimately completed in the same year.
Understandably, its largely remembered more due to its lengthy & famous video that featured in Jacksons earlier foray into the cinematic world via of which I fondly remember & still love to this day.
Directed by Will Vinton and Jerry Kramer, (filmed in March 1988 at Warner Bros. Studios) it starts with Jackson trying to escape from his own fans. He disguises himself as 'Spike', though as his alter ego, he goads the fans into chasing him. After finally losing the mob he bursts into the brilliant 'Speed Demon'.
The tempo, the beat, the backing vocals of this track showed just how Jackson really was at the top of the music world at that very time.
Nearing the end of the track, he removes 'Spike the rabbit costume', which then proceeds to come to life & challenges him to a dance-off.
As the two finish dancing, a police officer approaches & indicates a "No Dancing" sign 🚫
Jackson tries to explain the situation, but Spike has vanished. The officer sarcastically indicates that he needs Jackson's "autograph" on his ticket.
Talk about writing from past experiences... 😉
