Some people seem to think they're HUGE fans now, but only since he died, really, and they played his songs on the radio constantly.
I've always been a fan, he certainly was a talented man. I have a lot of respect for people who write all their own songs. And he also choreographed all of the dances in his videos, which were phenomenal.
His songs have stood the test of time, and I think that's brilliant. I haven't heard any songs that are 'classic' material in years. Songs just aren't the same anymore. And the ones that really deserve to get noticed get overshadowed by all this trance/dance crap, or bands where people can't sing or play guitar to save their lives -coughLadyhawkecough- -coughLaRouxcough- etc..
It's a shame that, later on in his life, he did those things that, I have to say, mean that people really shouldn't worship him they way some do.. They were really awful, and, although it doesn't take away from his musical talent, at all, makes him a sick man..
Still, RIP, you deserve it Michael. You were an awesome artist, and it's going to take someone really special to take the King of Pop crown from you.