Jackson Subway Tribute Blocked
By WENNTuesday, August 25, 2009
Transport chiefs in New York have blocked plans to rename the site of MICHAEL JACKSON’s iconic BAD promo in honour of the star.
Jackson teamed up with director Martin Scorsese to shoot the film at Hoyt-Schermerhorn subway station, Brooklyn, in 1987.
Fans have called for the transport hub to be renamed after Jackson and for a plaque to be put up on a platform in tribute to the singer.
But officials at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority have blocked the plan - because they fear travellers will be confused by the name-change.
New York City Councilwoman Letitia James, who is leading the campaign, tells the New York Post, “Having Michael Jackson visit and moonwalk at this station was a huge deal not only for Brooklyn, but all of New York in the ’80s. And renaming this station in his honour would put it on the map and help ensure that people don’t forget.”
MTA spokesman Kevin Ortiz said plaques are prohibited at stations.
The 16-minute Bad video featured Jackson dancing with pals, and also starred a young, then-unknown Wesley Snipes.
