Michael Jackson was alive in spirit tonight. Four of the King of Pop’s brothers – Jermaine, Marlon, Jackie and Tito – recently re-formed as “The Jacksons” in a bid to stage a tour for their fans around the world. I was privileged to be one of those fans, attending the final Australian-leg concert of their “Unity Tour” at Brisbane’s Riverstage.
It almost wasn’t to be! At 6pm, less than two hours before the concert was scheduled to kick off, a vicious tropical storm hit Brisbane. Strong winds, heavy rain and relentless thunder and lightning forced promotors to consider the devastating possibility that they may have to cancel the show. Normally a storm wouldn’t affect the evening’s proceedings as for most of their tour The Jacksons have performed at indoor venues and theatres. However Riverstage, located in the heart of Brisbane, is an outdoor venue offering audience members absolutely no protection against the weather.
Luckily for fans the storm quickly disappeared. It was as if Michael had pulled some strings from above to allow the concert to take place. By 7.30pm you’d never have known there was anything to be concerned about in the first place. And so, the show went on…
At 8pm the lights went down and the crowd erupted as The Jacksons appeared on stage. From the opening number, their 1981 anthem “Can You Feel It”, to the funk-tastic finale, 1978’s “Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)”, the brothers were in control, delivering a performance that had the audience on their feet, singing and dancing for the duration of the concert.
Despite the nasty weather before the show, the house was packed with people of all ages from across Queensland. I attended the show with my partner – both of us in our mid-20s. To our left was an elderly woman and to our right was a young couple with their newborn baby, proving the widespread impact the Jacksons have made on all demographics.
The brothers were in top form all night long. Vocally they were outstanding. Their harmonies were as tight as ever and their solo spots, especially Jermaine’s, were flawless. Marlon’s dancing was also impressive, busting out all kinds of funky moves – many of which were made famous in the 1960s by “Godfather of Soul” James Brown, whom the group idolized growing up.
The show, backed by a brilliant 9-piece band including Michael’s “This Is It” guitarist Tommy Organ, featured a plethora of popular titles from the Jackson 5 (“ABC”, “I Want You Back”, “The Love You Save”, “Never Can Say Goodbye”), The Jacksons (“Lovely One”, “Blame It On The Boogie”, “This Place Hotel”), Michael Jackson (“Rock With You”, “Wanna Be Starting Something”, “Don’t Stop Till Ya Get Enough) and even Jermaine Jackson (“Let’s Get Serious”).
For the more hardcore Jackson-enthusiast there were a number of lesser-known gems in there, too, including the Jackson 5’s “Looking Through The Windows”, The Jacksons’ “Show You the Way to Go” and Michael’s “Can’t Let Her Get Away”, from his 1991 solo album “Dangerous”. The atmosphere in the venue during “Can’t Let Her Get Away”, which was used to introduce the band and backing singers to the audience, was electric.
I was pleasantly surprised when the brothers performed “Man of War” – a personal favourite of mine. Another noteworthy moment comes during “I’ll Be There”. If Michael was there, he’d have asked us all to “look around” to see thousands upon thousands of fans swaying back and forth as one. “It’s beautiful!” he’d say – and it was.
But perhaps the most touching moment of the evening was Jermaine’s tear-jerking solo performance of “Gone Too Soon”, which he sang while a montage of footage and images of Michael played on the video screen behind him. We’ve all seen that moment in videos on Youtube, but it’s a whole different experience seeing it live. The way Jermaine emotes during that performance will break your heart all over again.
Notable exclusions for me were “Dancing Machine”, “Things I Do For You” and “Who’s Loving You” – all of which I’d hoped and expected the brothers would perform. Another track I’d love to have seen them do live is “Destiny”, one of my favourite songs from their 1978 album of the same name.
Overall, The Jacksons hit it out of the park, far exceeding everyone’s expectations. They managed to compensate for the loss of their lead singer with absolute class. The vocals were equally shared among the brothers, with Tito and Jermaine rocking their guitars throughout. Michael and his message of love was ever-present – his legacy honored with respect and dignity.
The “Unity” show would have to be one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to, if not the best. Granted I never had the opportunity to see Michael Jackson himself perform live, I have seen some other quality acts. As far as live concerts that I’ve personally attended, I’d put The Jacksons up there with Coldplay, whose “Mylo Xyloto” tour is the most spectacular concert experience I’ve ever been part of, and Neil Diamond, one of my all-time favourite artists who I’ve seen multiple times. I’ve also seen the likes of Janet Jackson and Prince live – but in my personal opinion The Jacksons, even without Michael, were better.
I envy those who got to see the entire group, including Michael, live in concert while in their 70s and 80s prime. THAT would truly have been something to behold.
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The concert in Belgium was also great, even my husband who is not a fan of the Jacksons said after the show, when perform again in Belgium that he would be the first to buy tickets. He now is fan of their music
You summarized the evening perfectly. The best performance I have EVER attended. I feel blessed to have experienced the magic of this talented family
You wrote a beautiful review Damien! #blessed #ripmichaeljackson
They got a lot of phkg nerve, dressing AS IF that is their style of dress, it’s MICHAELS and it doesn’t work for them, only Michael could wear that, they are copying off their brother and trying to cash in on Michael’s image and name, SHAME ON THE JACKSONS, it’s clear to everyone why he left them OUT of his will!
You’re a complete fucking moron and a complete fucking disgrace to the Michael Jackson fan community. People like you know absolutely fuck all about Michael Jackson and his legacy.
Tell me again… Michael signed a Will in LA while he was in New York? Tell me how that worked…
I agree, its disgusting to see that they even copied the crown emblem on the front of the drums, that was Michael’s thing, and wearing the same type of clothes really makes me mad. They never wore that kind of style when Michael was here and now they are copying from him, with the jackets and the strip down the pants, disgusting to see they can’t get their own style. Michael would be pissed at how they are still abusing him from the grave trying to get money off his name and image. And, if Michael was here he would in NO WAY be touring with them and we all know it. It was like puling teeth for Katherine to get him to do the 30th with those no good brothers. Not to mention Randy singing inappropriate lyics during a family show. These brothers would be unknowns if it weren’t for Michael. We are sorry Michael, sorry that your family still abusing you, we love you so much!!
‘Those brothers would be unknown if it wasn’t for Michael” – wholly ignorant statement. He wasn’t even in the original Jackson 5! So go and learn something about his legacy before you start spewing Estate-serving bullshit.
I was there and I thought it was good but not great. I didn’t like that they copied michaels style either, but I think that they just don’t know what else to do and are looking to bring michael into the tour in some way. I don’t like that they sang some of michaels own songs, they can’t do his songs justice in my opinion. But like I say they were good but I don’t think I’d see them again. I also noticed the crown emblem and was not happy about that either. They danced ok and the night was a good night out. I have seen Janet and she is good. But there will never be anyone like michael. I give the jacksons credit for at least trying.
Agree
There will never be anyone like Michael? So everyone else in the world should stop performing live?!
I was also at the show, thought it was very good, don’t like that they sang some of Michaels hits, they can’t sing it like him but it was just a tribute. I am not a fan of the Jackson’s just of Michael but thought I would go and see them just once. They sang ok but they don’t have the vocals that Michael did and certainly not the vocal range. They danced alright, all in all I thought it was good but not spectacular. I do like Marlon the best of all. Miss MJ terribly.
Great review !
I saw the show somewhere else and it was amazing considering their last tour was like 30 yrs ago.
I loved the whole set, the J5 and Jacksons gems, Jermaines -when the rain begins to fall -duet and their renditions of Michaels songs, which they did very well. Out of many artists who cover Michaels songs his brothers come closest to the original. They did very deserving tribute to their brother.
A random stranger telling a man he can’t sing his brothers song must suffer from a serious case of inflated ego.
As for copying Michaels style, I suggest to watch Jackson and J5 videos. Michael himself made it no secret that he was influenced by artists before him, in his dance, his music and his fashionstyle. Jimi Hendrix , the Beatles, Rollings Stones, James Brown, all wore military and royalty style clothing long before Michael. A bit of historical awareness doesn’t hurt.
http://live.drjays.com/index.php/2010/02/21/bhm-fashion-tribute-jimi-hendrix/
Blah blah blah. Michael never said he was influenced by the rolling stones or jimi hendrix. And, the stones and hendrix never wore military style clothes neither did james brown sweetie. And as for the J5, I watched them since they were on Ed Sullivan and they never wore military style until now, so I think you are the one that better do a little research. Yes the beatles “kinda” wore that style but Michaels was very different if you pay any attention. Those brothers are making their money off mjs name and style not to mention the outragious money they all want in this wrongful death suit. Michael would be pissed at how they have handled everything. I didn’t say the brothers were horrible I said they were good and that’s all they were.
You clearly don’t know fuck all about the Jacksons do you? They didn’t wear military clothes before now? Completely ignorant bullshit.
Nice jacket Marlon (30 years later!)
http://images2.fanpop.com/image/photos/12900000/Motown-25-michael-jackson-12955138-1200-860.jpg
Not to mention copying his crown emblem on their drumset, AS IF they are king of anything except continuing to abuse their brother from the grave. Shame on the Jacksons, so mad they were left out of the Will that they resort to forcing Katherine away from Michaels kids and etc. They are the epitome of greed, asking for 40billion is totally ridiculous and Michael would be so upset, you could feed and cloth millions with that money. No wonder he distanced himself from them. WE LOVE YOU MICHAEL, FOR ALL TIME!!
I feel sorry for you.
Must have been painful to pay for and go all the way through a concert of people you hate.
Not in any pain at all, I never said I hated them, you said that. I feel sorry for you, putting words in other peoples mouth that they didn’t say, just like the tabloids did to Michael, its people like you that keep hate alive. Go get help for that or it will destroy you, seems like its already taken a toll on your life.
‘AS IF they are king of anything except continuing to abuse their brother from the grave. Shame on the Jacksons, SO MAD they were left out of the Will that they resort to forcing Katherine away from Michaels kids and etc. They are the epitome of greed, asking for 40billion is totally ridiculous and Michael would be so upset’
Whos MAD?.
Whos mad?? Who else….the brothers are mad they were left out of Michaels Will. And Joe, and Joe and clan are the ones who likely put katherine up to asking for such an outrageous amount so that the WHOLE bunch is well taken care of. By the way, I am glad you agree with my statement to repost it. Thanks 🙂
I feel sorry for you, must be painful giving you’re money to a (as someone said below) tribute band. lol Michael is the only one that had any talent and lots of it. Jermaine and the rest are copying him. I hope the estate steps in because I doubt they got permission from the estate to sing Michaels songs. Not talking about when he was with J5, talking about Michaels own songs, they should not be singing them without getting permission from the estate. Typical jacksons. Michael was too good for that no good family.
Awesome article, Damien!! I’m glad you had fun, sounds like an amazing experience!! Music Royalty!! :-)!!
WOW!! What a brilliant review and I agree with every word. I too attended the concert in Sydney and I was totally blown away! I guess you could call me a ‘hard core’ Michael Jackson fan, but if I ever had any doubts about the show because Michael wasn’t there, those doubts disappeared as soon as The Jacksons hit the stage. They really did do him proud and I felt Michael there from start to finish! The Jackson magic still lives!
Thank you Damien! 🙂
You’re a “hard core Michael Jackson fan”??? No, you are a Jackson4 fan, Michael would never be touring with them if he was here and real fans know it. They “did him proud”? HAHAHAHA NOT. Michael had real talent, his siblings don’t. Michael is not anywhere in the same ball park as those siblings, so your comment is laughable.
The reason the jackson brothers never made it big is because michael had all the talent. Without michael the brothers would never have been known by anyone and randy would still be working on cars for a living instead of living off michaels name. Randy is a thug, breaking thru the gates at michaels house trying to force him to sign a contract for touring with them and michael didn’t want to do it, that says a lot. I just hope Prince, Paris and Prince Michael II don’t forget to handle their dads charity works and keep his humanitarian efforts alive, keep his legacy alive. As for the jackson bro’s, they are like a tribute band, lol
To: “I Luv MJJ”, “Jacalyn”, “Carrie”, “Miranda”, “Jean” and “Kelly Atkinson”
I have absolutely no problem with you engaging in discussion. You clearly have strong opinions about particular things, and that’s fine. We are all entitled to our own opinion and I am happy for you to express yours. But, I ask that you please pick one name and stick with it when commenting. It’s very confusing when you’re posting and replying to people using a variety of aliases.
Thank you.
“Randy is a thug, breaking thru the gates at michaels house trying to force him to sign a contract for touring with them and michael didn’t want to do it. That says a lot.”
Yes. It says you’re an absolute liar who will resort to any baseless, criminal allegation in an effort to smear Michael Jackson’s family and prop up the Estate that continues to release shit product after shit product.
“A variety of aliases” – Ouch… busted!
“A variety of aliases” – wheres the proof? just saying!
I don’t love or hate the Jackson brothers. the only ones I really have a problem with is Jermaine after his homophobic comments and after he pretty much accused Michaels kids of lying in the whole “Katherine” scandal last year. and yes Randy is known for very thuggish behaviour. the rest I have no issue with. and that doesn’t make me a “hater” and I despise when people call me that. just because I don’t agree with every thing the Jacksons do don’t make me a “hater” or “bashing” them- to me TRUE LOVE is being able to admit when you disagree or disapprove with someone. I have told Jermaine this to his face, and he agreed with my stance. so no biggie, right?
now as for “making Michael proud” , I don’t know about that, but him “being with them in spirit” in Unity tour I doubt- because fact of the matter is we all know he didn’t want to tour again on his own, let alone with his family. The Jackson brothers can go tour and perform Michaels songs all they like, it don’t bother me, but to say “hes with them in spirit” – im sceptical. lol….. -with the love! 😉 x
Are you asking me about the ‘a variety of aliases’? Ask Damien. The guy who runs the blog. Who obviously knows where each response is coming from. Who mentioned ‘a variety of aliases’.
I see the Estate/Sony supporting goons are out in numbers trying to spew their ignorant bullshit on here. Let me guess, the Cascio’s are Michael’s real family and made wonderful music with him and you all loved the dancing monkey in Immortal? Fans like you deserve to be pissed on by the Estate.
Michael hated his family so much he named his kids after his parents and grandparents. Remember that the next time you’re bitching about those ‘greedy’ Jacksons.
Michael’s last ever concert was with his family. So to the moron who claimed he didn’t want to work with his family – deal with that fact.
Can’t keep quiet, don’t understand all the hate Jacksons get for whatever they do!
I personally won’t be able to hold it together if they had a concert where I am, and if I was there, because whenever I hear MJ song performed by someone else I get all tearful, and seeing brothers without him would make me very sad and I would cry through the entire thing, BUT who else has the right (and ability) to perform those classic songs if not his brothers/sisters? I mean, it better be his brothers, than some “star” of today, who can barely sing, let alone write a worthy song.
Why can’t they perform songs they even wrote together? MJ performed the Jacksons songs on his own, and brothers can’t perform his for some reason? Why is that?
Yeah, Mike was the front singer, eyes were on him, but to say the rest had no talent is a bit… that’s simply so far from true! All the awesome Jacksons songs we love so much, not all of them were written by MJ. It was a team work, and from what I know, MJ was upset when brothers were getting married one after another, he hated to lose his talented co-writers so to say. And what about music? Let’s not forget who played instruments, and did it so well! Still do. I say go Jacksons!
Randy has all my support, so does Janet and Katherine, the brave ones of the family.
I risk to be called “crazy conspiracy theorist” or something, but all I currently see are “plants” bashing the family, hating on everything they do, especially on their success.
Oh, and it was a great review of the show, Thank you.
Sound-wise, the best show I heard were… A-ha. They sounded great, and live vocals were incredible and mighty (you could tell even the singer himself was happy about the way he sounded that day).
If you say Jacksons were better than Prince, wow. The sound too? That means they were real good, bless them.
After I originally left a comment I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the same comment. There has to be a means you are able to remove me from that service? Appreciate it!