Michael Jackson memorial: John Mayer performs 'Human Nature'

Pop & Hiss brings you quick thoughts on some of the main performances at today's Michael Jackson memorial.

What: John Mayer's 'Human Nature.'

Ann Powers is inside the Staples Center, and her first thought at Mayer's performance: "I don't know why John Mayer is here. Was Slash not available?"

Mayer went for a stylish guitar interpretation. It was vocal-less until about halfway through, when a choir sang the lyrics above a whisper. It's easy to take a jab at Mayer here, with his exaggerated, pained expressions and Sunday brunch-safe interpretation, but in this setting it was soft and respectable. Although there's no need to hear it beyond Tuesday afternoon.

Powers is a bit more kind, noting that the take is "reasonably tasteful," although she adds that the crowd singalong that organizers may have hoped for didn't develop.

— Ann Powers and Todd Martens

Photo credit: EPA

Comments

[carcass2000]

Seriously, WTF is John Mayer doing performing at the Michael Jackson memorial, first off I doubt Mr. Mayer has ever done more than shake Michael Jackson's, and more so, he is so UNTALENTED that it is an insult to Michael's legacy to have him performing. I'm pretty disgusted with the amount of "celebrities" who are just using this opportunity to feel important and exploit the death of a genius so they can get their faces on tv and pretend like they actually cared about Michael. I think Elizabeth Taylor had it right, staying away from the hoopla, because it's no longer about a tragic death, but which Hollywood Douches have decided to show up...

[carcass2000]

Seriously, WTF is John Mayer doing performing at the Michael Jackson memorial, first off I doubt Mr. Mayer has ever done more than shake Michael Jackson's, and more so, he is so UNTALENTED that it is an insult to Michael's legacy to have him performing. I'm pretty disgusted with the amount of "celebrities" who are just using this opportunity to feel important and exploit the death of a genius so they can get their faces on tv and pretend like they actually cared about Michael. I think Elizabeth Taylor had it right, staying away from the hoopla, because it's no longer about a tragic death, but which Hollywood Douches have decided to show up...

[Sharon]

I thought John Mayer gave a very souful performance with his guitar. It was delicate yet riveting. Well done Mr. Mayer!...

[bob lowe]

what in good gods name have you, ann powers and todd martens, ever done in this world to be so judgmental and tactless towards a person who delivered a truly moving and from the heart homage. you clearly have no emotional spark. i would like to see either of you get on stage and honor a friend and not be overcome. did you just tune into the memorial to put down the efforts of others??LAME!!

[Holly]

I thought his interpretation was thoughtful and heartfelt. John Mayer is an amazing guitarist and it was a wonderful tribute. I have watched it a couple of times now and if an album of Michael Jackson's music through the guitar of John Mayer were released I would definitely be in line...

[Eric]

The lack of vocals maybe a message that no body can duplicate the song like MJ? Just trying to make some sense of it. The subtleness of the performance can be appreciated at the funeral setting. And to call Mayer talentless is just ignorant. Listen to him play a Hendrix cover or his music with John Mayer Trio and you will understand why he is being compared to Eric Clapton.

[lennonlegend]

Mr. CarcASS2000-
It seems as though you have no appreciation for music, and that you don't understand why John Mayer was performing. It is apparent that John has been influenced throughout his career by many, many different artists. If you have ever heard his rendition of Ray Charles' "I Don't Need No Doctor," you would understand that his caliber of playing is not just based on the technicalities of musicianship, yet is influenced by greats such as Jackson. Now, I do understand that John does make scrutinizing faces while he plays; his ability to entertain far supersedes his uncomfortable facial contorts. My question to you is this: Why do people like Lionel Richie and Usher get your blessing to play at the memorial service, and John does not? I myself am not a fan of Richie or Usher, however understand their place in music and how playing at Jackson's memorial could allow them to give them the fortunate opportunity to create memories for themselves and others. John was presented such an opportunity, and he took it. I applaud him for it as well. My last and final statement: the day that you can outplay, outsell, and out-entertain John Mayer, for whatever case, purpose, or event, is the day that I will respect you enough as a human being. Your ignorance amazes me, and it's people like you that create the negativity that this world doesn't need.

[JC]

BEAUTIFUL PERFORMANCE!!! John Mayer's performance should be downloadable and play on the radiowaves!!! EXCELLENT AND LOVELY!!! THANK YOU JM!!!

[Jeremy]

First of all, John Mayer isn't untalented. There's a lot of depth that can't really be seen from what little of his music that is played on the radio. He's a pretty damned good guitarist, which is something that most people don't realize, having only heard 'Daughters' and 'Your Body Is A Wonderland.'

Secondly, he was invited by the Jackson family. Why else would he be there? Do you think he just showed up without permission in order to bask in the limelight? No, he didn't. He stated that he wanted to "contribute" to and not "perform" at the memorial. His performance was very subtle. He didn't sing. He didn't speak. He just played guitar in the background.

[casey]

I thought John Mayer's performance was the best of the day. I would love to get a copy of his performance. Obviously someone questioning Mayer's talent does not have the slightest understanding of guitar. As someone who has played and studied guitar for years I find it laughable that some would question his ability. I'm not a huge fan of his, but he has true talent on guitar and his version was beautiful. Put the judging aside for at least a day people, at least do it for Michael.
RIP MJ

[Josh]

Mayer claimed in his Twitter posts already that Jackson cannot be covered. It makes sense he would not add vocals as it would conflict with his views on the greatness of the man.

[John]

seriously??? why would John Mayer of all musicians be asked to perform at MJ's memorial. That does not make aaaaany sense. John Mayer over this girl http://tinyurl.com/kknq2f ??? Not cool.

[Joeri]

Eventhough I don't know this Ann Powers person I do feel after reading her comment about John Mayers that she is a very inconsiderate person that doesn't know what she's talking about.
Everyone has got his ways of expressing themselves and clearly John Mayer does this through his facial expressions.
To me they are nor exeggareted nor pained, they show me that John Mayer is putting a lot of soul in whatever he is playing, and such he did this afternoon (evening for myself) at Michael Jackson's memorial service.

This morning was about remembering Michael Jackson and with John Mayer's instrumental version of Human Nature I couldn't do anything *but* remember Michael Jackson as he was.
Soulful, inspired and most of all entertaining.
This performance by John Mayer is definitely one that will be played after tuesday, as it should be.

[Nicole M.]

I thought John Mayer did an excellent interpretation of "Human Nature". There could only be one Micheal Jackson, but he paid is respects so humbly. Bravo! John Mayer.

[Martin]

John Mayer's interpretation left space for the memory that I have of Michael Jackson's vocal on the original recording to blend with his exquisite and evocative guitar playing. I'm sure that was a deliberate and respectful arrangement decision.

Personally I look to John Mayer as someone to be inspired by and learn from rather than to criticise.

[duuuuuuuuuuude]

Ann Powers and Todd Martens ........... wooooooooow.... mayer was is one of this generations most popular artist why would he not be able to cover a jackson song to tritube... im sure he listened to michael growing .... why werent you to up there???

and i love this article quotes ann powers and is partly written by ann powers.... cant you get someone else to hate on mayer...?

[Boycott Letterman]

Outstanding guitar work by Mr. Mayer as shown in his exquisite display today of emotion, tone and technique.

Maybe this doesn't' appeal to MJ's brainless audience (as demonstated above by "carcASS"), but to MJ's audience that understands superb musicianship, John Mayer hit it out of the park.

[Arif]

I loathe John Mayer. He is arrogant and detached. But he has a command of his instrument. And thankfully missing his contrived breathy vocals, I think this was the best I've ever seen from him. I really appreciated it. It was musical and rich with a sense of dignity that perhaps only the decorum of death could stir in him.

I agree though, that it was odd to see him there. Who knows, maybe there was a reason we aren't all aware of. On the surface, if having John Mayer as simply a pop draw meant that a new generation of tweens who may have missed out on Thriller would be steered into something more grounded. So be it.

[Bob]

Was Mayer actually playing - or was it more of an air-guitar performance?

[Linda Barrett]

Like Eric Clapton, John Mayer is a fine guitar player but TERRIBLY OVERRATED.

[evan brown]

Why must poeple argue about who should and who should not have performed at the memorial service??? We should all be reminded that this was a memorial sevice and not a concert! The gifted John Mayer simply performed a soulful rendition of a song to tribute a man whom i am sure inspired him in some way.

[Di]

Mr. Mayers performance was soulful and respectful. Not sure what
performance carcass was watching. Perhaps he should listen/watch it with
an unbiased ear/eye. The fact that the beginning of the song was
performed without lyrics proved how beautiful and lovely MJs
Music is.

[Christopher Dart]

I am not a die hard John Mayer fan, but I absolutely loved his take on Human Nature. It was subtle, respectful, soulful and appropriate for the funeral. It caught the gentle and emotional nuances of the song; in the absence of his vocals I heard Michael's sweet tenor instead in my head. Sometimes music can say much more than words can, especially in a moment like that. Sure, Mayer might be a comparatively new kid on the block, but I can't imagine that the King of Pop didn't like him. I live in L.A. (and in fact 3 of my friends were singing in the memorial service's choir) and I pretty much don't know any musician who doesn't like Mayer. He graduated from Berkeley School of Music, for crying out loud! He is an excellent songwriter and musician's musician. Give the guy a break. MJ would have been proud.

[marcie]

Rock on Mayer. I loved Micheal and love Mayer too. I think it was full of soul and let's face it, Mayer grew up listening to micheal just the way we did.

[Gary Brown]

I am nolt a huge fan of Mayer's but then again I was raised on Clapton, Jeff Beck, and John Mayall but he sure kind of got a cold shoulder from the Jackson brothers after his performance. He go half hearted hugs and one of the brothers just stayed in his seat and ignored him.