It’s been long and eventful journey for The Jacksons. Having grown up in the world of showbiz and faced decisions and complications that most people wouldn’t dream of, the tight knit group have dealt with all kinds of success and controversy. Most recently, of course, the siblings had to mourn the loss of their star performer, Michael.
It’s been four years now since Michael passed and even longer since the brothers performed together, so clearly both the band and fans felt it was time for a reunion. Embarking on their first Australian tour in over two decades, The Jacksons played Brisbane’s Riverstage to much curiosity and anticipation.
On an evening when a menacing storm front approached the Brisbane CBD, people queued anxiously outside the venue to gain a good spot for the show. As the gates opened up, the crowd flooded into the grounds like rushing water. However, this preliminary surge was short lived.
Soon enough the storm front hit the Riverstage with powerful winds and heavy rain, prompting people to run for cover or leave the venue all together. Doubts as to whether or not the show would go on shrouded the grounds, but eventually word spread that The Jacksons would still play – storm or no storm.
Finally at almost 8pm, with no support act having appeared, the lights dimmed, smoke filled the stage and silence fell upon the setting. Suddenly people realised what was happening and the crowd roared as one by one The Jacksons arrived on stage with grand opener “Can You Feel It”.
The sound was massive, the atmosphere electric and the brothers were on fire from the first moment. Fans who always wanted to see these incredible performers must have experienced immediate and overwhelming feelings of joy, as well as a profound sadness at missing the presence of Michael.
With emotion out of the way, it was time to enjoy a set containing such classics as “Blame It On The Boogie” and Michael hit “Rock With You”. “Let Me Show You The Way To Go” saw the band split the crowd into sections to sing lyrics with various members of the group, much to everyone’s delight.
While the brothers were in fine form, their large backing band drove the show with brilliant musicianship. Guitars, bass, keys, drums, percussion and backup singers provided a solid backdrop for the harmonious four up front.
It was only a matter of time before the night got emotional again, this time with the remaining Jacksons paying tribute to their late brother via “Gone Too Soon” and a stream of projected photos. For a few moments the sadness was felt all around the venue, but applause and cheers soon erupted after the fitting tribute.
Doing it like they did back on the Ed Sullivan show, the brothers broke into a medley of classics including “I Want You Back”, “ABC” and “The Love You Save”, all keeping the crowd moving. “I’ll Be There” slowed things down before more Michael songs in “Wanna Be Starting Something” and “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough”.
But all good things must come to an end and the set eventually wrapped with the crowd moving to “Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)”. The final song had everyone dancing and singing along, making for a perfect end to the night.
The show proved to be sensational and emotional, although unfortunately witnessed by only half of the Riverstage’s capacity, if that, due to the weather. Here’s hoping The Jacksons can come back to do it again.
