The man who knew Michael Jackson

Adrian Grant was a born Michael Jackson devotee.

Almost 25 years ago, he started the first Michael Jackson fanzine “Off the Wall” with the blessing of Sony and MJJ Productions.

Two years later Grant was given a privileged inside look into Neverland Ranch and wrote the first feature story ever about the infamous ranch, which was later published in “Smash Hits" magazine.

Both were a first, in terms of journalist access. The rest, as they say, is history.

Grant went on to travel and work with Jackson, writing three books about him -- including “Michael Jackson – A Visual Documentary, Tribute Edition” -- and also produce a successful annual tribute show.

A second tribute show “Thriller Live” followed in 2006 and after having toured 22 countries and been staged in London’s West End, it will be making its run in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands from May 3 to 15.

CNNGo: Did Michael see “Thriller Live?”

Adrian Grant: He was due to see it in 2009 when he was going to be in London for the “This is It” concert. He was planning to come in disguise so he wouldn’t be mobbed … but his plans were unfortunately cut short by his death (in June 2009).

CNNGo: How did the idea for “Thriller Live” come to you?

Grant: In 2001, Michael came to my annual tribute show for him [in London].

We had to build him a tent on the side of the stage, from where he watched the show. But then after the show he came out and spoke to all the fans and said the show was incredible and beautiful.

From that moment on, I thought this show could be a production that appeals to the general public as well his fans, and that’s when I had the idea for “Thriller Live.”

CNNGo: How much of a gap is there between the real Michael and the man you see in the media?

Grant: There’s a big gap.

I was fortunate to get to see a side of him that most people don’t and understand that he was a genuine person, a regular everyday person who would joke and laugh a lot.

He was a big kid at heart. The public saw him as a genius in the studio, as a performer and a showman but underneath that all that was a vulnerable, kind, sincere man who was humble about the work he did.

He was very giving and I think it’s a shame that he got persecuted and ridiculed so much while he was alive.

CNNGo: Do share with us some of your best personal experiences with Michael …

Grant: I met Michael for the first time in 1995, when he took me over to Los Angeles where he was recording his “Dangerous” album.

He was warm and welcoming, invited me back to his ranch in Neverland, which is incredible, and said to come back anytime.

Neverland wasn’t just there for his own benefit -- the funfair and the arcades, they were for disadvantaged children whom he used to have over every single week -- Michael used to think about everyone, not just himself.

Even his relationship with Lisa Marie Presley, which people thought was just a scam, was genuine and loving. It may not have worked out as they intended, but he used to laugh around with her and the children and was just a regular person.

CNNGo: Did you meet his family?

Grant: I’ve met them several times. His children are adorable and you can see that he’s brought them up well. His brothers, Jackie, Tito and Marlin, came to see the show last year and they loved it.

CNNGo: Tell us more about the show ...

Grant: It is the journey of Michael’s career, right from the early stuff through to the later stuff, like “They Don’t Care About Us.”

A personal favorite is the “Off the Wall” album, so I love the section where you have “Rock with You” and “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough.”

Some of the West End cast are coming over here straight from London, who are some of the best performers we’ve got. New cast members are rehearsing already. The show will be as it was in the West End, with Gary Lloyd the director here too. I think they’re going to have a fantastic time.

CNNGo: By the time Michael died, “Thriller Live” had been running for three years. How did his death impact the show?

Grant: The show was doing well before he had passed away, and I think what it’s done now is continue his legacy.

There are a lot of people who come to see the show to pay their respects to Michael or see what he was about.

If they had never seen Michael Jackson before on stage, this show gives them a chance to get a taste. The show hasn’t changed as such after his death but it’s definitely more a celebration of his music now.