It's a show day for the Alice Cooper band and we are in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. My alarm clock went off at 7:30 a.m. so I could grab breakfast and hopefully find a treadmill for about an hour. As has been customary over here, I try and call my family in the morning as it's generally close to bedtime for them back home in the states.

Lynda told me the news about Michael Jackson. Shortly afterwards I had breakfast with Alice, Toby, and Alice's bodyguard, Andy. We made the same comparisons of the death of Michael to the other icons that most everyone else is certainly discussing today: Elvis, John Lennon, Princess Di. With no gym at this hotel and several hours to kill before going to the gig, I've been absorbed with the CNN coverage (it's the only English speaking channel over here). I feel the same unity with everyone else that is gathered in L.A., New York, on Larry King's talk show, and in living rooms around the world that are shocked, saddened, reflective, and respectful.

Side-stepping the tabloid drama of the past 10 years, I cannot wrap my intelligent brain around the absolute outer-worldly, "once in ten lifetimes" level of talent, charisma and gifts Michael Jackson possessed. He truly deserves the title of "genius".

Everyone will discuss every facet of his life and career ad nauseam for the next year. On his passing, I am inspired to share a personal story. I went through some real challenges in my life around the time of my divorce in late '99 and early 2000. Things were a mess. Let's just say I had become someone or something that needed to make some changes. Was driving my car one day during that time period and "Man In The Mirror" came on the radio. Thankfully, I was in a frame of mind to actually pay attention...

I'm gonna make a change
For once in my life
It's gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right

I'm startin' with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
No message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and make that change

Unexpectedly, I began to weep. There was an exit off the interstate and I pulled over and attempted to collect myself. You couldn't say it any better or simpler than the words to this song. It was, sorry for the cliche, a lightbulb moment for me. Ever since that day, whenever I drive past that exit, I think back to that day, to that feeling, and to that incredible piece of music.

Michael didn't write "Man In The Mirror". But like any great singer, he certainly sang it like he did.

I've got so much to be grateful for. That day was important as I started working hard to become a better husband, father, and friend.

"Be the change that you want to be in the world" - Gandhi

R.I.P. Michael Jackson