The only other register we have of Axl saying anything at all about Michael Jackson, good or bad, is him ranking MJ as one of his favorites singers as a response to a Spin article in 2014.
It doesn`t seem like MJ was a relevant presence in Axl`s life in any way at all beyond being someone he listened on the radio, no personal connections or opinions at all. In the Space Ghost quote, doesn`t seem like he had any strong opinions about MJ on a personal level even back then.
https://www.spin.com/2014/05/vocal-range-chart-axl-rose-mariah-carey-prince-thom-yorke/?utm_source=spintwitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=spintwitter
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/axl-rose-responds-to-list-calling-him-worlds-greatest-singer-124867/
Big thanks to all the fans and media for the props reacting to the Spin top vocalists article.
From what I could tell, the original article was for the most part only talking about the professionally recorded vocal range of the singers they compared calling the entire group “The World’s Greatest Singers.” It’s very flattering and humbling to be included in such an illustrious ensemble.
If I had to say who I thought the best singers were, I’d say first that I don’t know there’s a definitive answer as in my opinion it’s subjective, and second that my focus is primarily rock singers.
That said, I enjoy Freddie Mercury, Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, Dan McCafferty, Janice Joplin, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Roger Daltrey, Don Henley, Jeff Lynne, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Scott, Etta James, Fiona Apple, Chrissie Hynde, Stevie Wonder, James Brown and a ton of others (predominantly 70’s rock singers) and would rather hear ANY of them anytime rather than me!
Peace!
Axl