Jay Brooks reviews Michael Jackson’s appearance on Late Night With Conan O’Brien.
Jay gets it somewhat right when he notes, “Conan and the two previous guests were, I thought, quite rude at times to Michael and the entire segment could be seen as a metaphor for the general ignorance of the public about beer.”
Actually, it seemed that Lucy Liu was mostly putting up with Jon Lovitz, who was a jerk. Conan could have posed better questions but was civil – particularly compared to the audience, which takes us back to the point of the attitude toward beer by the general public. Jackson last appeared on O’Brien’s show more than seven years ago and you wonder how much progress thas been made in the interim.
On the other hand, if it weren’t beer then Jackson likely would not have been there. Correct us if we’re wrong, but do food writers go on this show or wine writers? Jackson was invited because he is a professional beer drinker, and who doesn’t like the sound of that?
Did O’Brien even mention that the Beer Hunter was in town to sign books at Whisky Live New York? Or that Jackson has been nominated for a prestigious James Beard Award for his book Whiskey?
Three books in the world were nominated, but Jackson was on Late Night with five beers in front of him and reminding people to visit BeerHunter.com because of beer. Yes, beer deserves more respect – but it has appeal, and there’s much to be said for that.