Digitally restored and remastered from the original 1988 broadcast, this rare Michael Jackson “Bad” Tour press conference captures Quincy Jones in deep, candid form — reflecting on creativity, technology, trust, and one of the most important artist–producer partnerships in music history.
Speaking to international press during the Bad world tour, Quincy Jones offers remarkable insight into Michael Jackson’s evolution since Off the Wall and Thriller: not just as a singer and performer, but as a thinker, collaborator, and businessman. From embracing new technology and drum machines, to refusing to repeat past formulas, Quincy explains how Bad was shaped by paying attention to the present moment — not chasing trends, but absorbing the world as it changed.
Jones also addresses the often-misunderstood balance between art and commerce. He speaks frankly about why Michael was determined to control his business affairs, particularly in light of how previous generations of Black artists were exploited, and why financial independence was essential to protecting creative freedom. Throughout, Quincy emphasises trust, mutual respect, and love as the foundation of their long-running collaboration — conditions he describes as rare, fragile, and vital.
This press conference reveals a side of the Bad era that often gets overlooked: not spectacle, but process; not myth, but method.
🎤 Highlights include:
• Quincy Jones on why Bad could never sound like Thriller
• How Michael Jackson stayed “modern” without chasing trends
• The role of technology, drum machines, and evolving studio tools
• Why MJ was determined to control his business and legacy
• Quincy on trust, respect, and creative chemistry with Michael
• “Balancing the soul and the science” of music-making
📼 Recorded during the 1988 Bad world tour, this press conference offers rare, thoughtful insight into the mindset behind one of the biggest eras in pop history.
🎧 Restored and presented by Sunset & Vinyl — unlocking unfiltered moments from the golden age of music television.