Musical Interlude: Beat It (1982-3)

"Beat It" was the third single from Michael Jackson's 1982 album, "Thriller", released just a month after "Billie Jean" had hit the charts.

While the video pays homage to classic films such as "West Side Story" and the more contemporary "The Warriors", Jackson's message is more about non-violence, hence the epic dance sequence at the end. Not seen is guest guitarist Eddie Van Halen. Choreographer Michael Peters, who also appeared in "Billie Jean", plays one of the gang leaders.



I chose this video because there have been threats of violence of late between youths in Troy & Albany.

This began with rumors of a rumble during the Troy-Green Tech football game on September 27, leading to a post-game fracas at a nearby restaurant involving some 70 Troy students, but zero from Albany.

Three weeks later, with Albany High next on the home schedule, Troy officials decided to move the game 18 hours from Friday night to Saturday afternoon. Troy won handily, and there were no incidents off the field.

However, 24 hours later, there was an exchange of threats on social media aimed at both schools. The indication from the Troy side was that not only was the high school targeted, but so was the middle school next door. Following is the Troy district's official statement on the matter:



As of press time, there was not a similar statement issued by Albany High.

A school monitor I spoke to on Saturday said that Troy is hoping to appeal to the Suburban Council to reschedule basketball games between Troy and both Albany and Schenectady, the latter because of past issues, from Friday dates to Tuesdays when hoops season starts in December. In all probability, the league will deny the request, and Troy will have to have extra security for those home games. Stay tuned.

Updated, 3:55 pm (ET): A 17 year old Albany High student was arrested earlier this morning after posting a threat to his school claiming he'd be involved in a shooting. No updates yet from Troy.

Update, 4:20 pm (ET): Here is Albany High's official statement, obtained via WTEN:



Update, 10:20 pm (ET): The Troy School District has uploaded this message from Superintendent John Carmello:



Pray that cooler, wiser heads prevail in the long run.