When WGA saved the Jackson Five

July 2009

Michael Jackson’s death may have sent shockwaves throughout the world but the passing of the King of Pop resonated more deeply than most with one Wicklow town resident.

WGA Scott’s one and only encounter with Michael Jackson occurred in 1971 when the then youngster was still a member of the Jackson Five.

He was the Police Unit Commander for Albany Street in London at the time and The Jackson Five were marooned inside a Rolls Royce and surrounded by around 1,000 fans who were all going mad.

Once WGA reached the studio he witnessed scenes of complete pandemonium.

‘Everyone seemed to have completely lost hold of their sense. Luckily I was about 6’4 and, I make no bones about this, I just bulled through the crowd and charged people out of the way in order to reach the Rolls Royce.’

Having successfully barged through the crowd and back on four occasions, Mr Scott returned to the Rolls to remove the remaining passenger, Michael. However, the commotion caused the youngster to panic and he tried to run away from the car, only to be grabbed by a rather large, and overly-enthusiastic fan.

‘I guess he must have gotten scared and a big girl had her arm across his windpipe. She was hysterical and actually screaming ‘I got one, I got one.’ By this stage Michael was going grey.’

In the end the rescuer had no choice but to take some drastic action.

‘I jabbed her in the ribs and winded her. She immediately loosened her grip on Michael so I grabbed him and made a dash for the studio.’