CARDIFF:
Tens of thousands of fans rocked on October 8 to Michael Jackson’s hits at a tribute concert, which his brothers hoped would shed a positive light on the late King of Pop after so much controversy. US singer Ne-Yo kicked off the four-hour Jackson extravaganza at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff with the beats of “Billie Jean” before slowing the tempo with “The Lady In My Life”.
“It’s not about the controversy, it’s not about the trial and it’s not about his death. It’s about celebrating his life and his music,” Ne-Yo said while standing on the stage — which was in the shape of a giant glove.
British boy band Jack The Lad Swing (JLS) sang “The Way You Make Me Feel” before being joined by three members of the original band Jackson 5 — Marlon, Tito and Jackie — in a rousing rendition of “Blame it on the Boogie” for their late brother and ex-band member.
The gig has been beset by problems ranging from rebelling fans to unsold tickets and a headline act by hip hop band Black Eyed Peas pulling out at the last minute, but Michael’s older brother, Marlon still wanted the tribute — attended by Jackson’s mother and three children — to spread positive energy.
In addition to the Jacksons, the lineup included Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Jamie Foxx, Gladys Knight and Smokey Robinson and among the British stars were Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke and Diversity.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 11th, 2011.
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