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The Ultimate Thriller “The Tribute to Michael Jackson” Featuring E’Cassanova, Hard Rock Live, Sept. 1, 2012

For many music fans there is no other pop star in the world that has generated a bigger frenzy and real adoration than Michael Jackson. He filled stadiums, won dozens of awards and was at the top of the charts for years. His groundbreaking album ‘Thriller,’ is the biggest selling record in music history according to Billboard Magazine. He has sold more than 750 million albums worldwide, charted 14 number one songs in the U.S. He has also won 18 Grammys, and countless American Music Awards. His fashion sense also became a phenomenon. Everyone remembers the red leather jacket, the sequined glove and socks. The man had style, dance moves that seemed impossible, and songs that the world joined in and sang together. To millions he was the ultimate idol. Three years after his untimely passing Jackson’s fans are as devoted as ever. Many of the audience members this evening were dressed in their own “MJ,” garb. Red leather jackets, sequined gloves and his famous fedora; young and old got into the true spirit of the evening.

Four decades of music The Ultimate Thriller “The Tribute to Michael Jackson” show commemorates the 25^th Anniversary of his “BAD,” release and tour. Hard to believe it’s been a ¼ of a century doesn’t it? This show combines parts of two of Jackson’s tours: the ‘Bad World Tour,’ (1987) and his ‘Dangerous World Tour,’ (1992). Of course other Jackson favorites are performed. If you’re going to the show expecting to see an entertainer singing and dancing to pre-recorded tracks I’ve got great news for you: it’s all live. There is a live band, backup singers and of course dancers. All the vocals are true to Jackson’s music and legacy. The sound, video screen, choreography, lights and costumes are mind blowing. There wasn’t one aspect of Jackson’s performance and appearance that was overlooked. There is something magical in the air tonight.

E’Cassanova is undoubtedly the most incredible Jackson performer I have ever seen. I was fortunate to see Michael and the Jackson live during their ‘Victory Tour,’ way back when. E’Cassanova has every move, mannerism, and nuance of Jackson down to a science. His entrance this evening at Hard Rock Live was in true Michael style. He appeared in a puff of smoke to the booming song “Jam,” upon the center stage platform and included Michael’s famous long pause defiant stance staring at the audience. It really is eerie. It was truly like watching Michael himself dance, sing, and glide across the Hard Rock stage. Flanked by dancers dressed in black military suits they kicked into “Wanna Be Startin’ Something.

“Smooth Criminal,” brought the infamous video to life on stage. Dancers dressed as mobsters in zoot suits, E’Cassanova wearing the signature white jacket and hat ended the crowd favorite amongst the sound of machine gun fire and strobing white spotlights. The Jackson 5 medley brought the entire arena to their feet as camera phone lights illuminated the floor seats. This high energy set included many of the groups famous dance moves and of course great harmonies. Four of the shows dancers represented the other four brothers of the original group (Jermaine, Tito, Marlon, and Jackie). In great 70’s fashion bell bottom pants and fringe vests were in order and a great kickback to my favorite era. Included were the classics “I Want You Back,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There.” The last song of this set was a rousing “Rock With You,” which segwayed into Janet Jackson’s smash song (played as an instrumental) “Black Cat.

Dancers appearing as street gang members dressed in black leather jackets re-joined E’Cassanova for “Bad.” Possibly the loudest screams from the audience (whom were yelling Michael’s name most of the evening) came with E’Cassanova dressed in a red leather jacket as “Beat It,” boomed from the stage. Knife fight and incredible dancing in tact the band’s performance was perfect. Breaking character only once E’Cassanova announced that MJ would have turned 54 this week. He requested the audience sing Happy Birthday to the King of Pop which ended with a round of wild applause. It was a bitter sweet moment to say the least.

I had a couple favorite moments of the evening. Sequined glove, black fedora in place E’Cassanova ripped into “Billie Jean.” His rendition of the song 100% mirrored Jackson’s ‘Motown 25’s,’ legendary appearance, including the amazing moonwalk and high speed spins. The encore was exactly what I expected. Hang on to your seats South Florida the zombies are in the house. Fog covered the stage as Vincent Price’s unmistakable voice and rap from the infamous “Thriller,” began the transformation. The un-dead rose from two coffins that were strategically placed on the sides of the stage as E’Cassanova slyly walked between; simulating a grave yard. The zombie dance with EC was nothing short of amazing and awe inspiring. Oh yeah, it was fun too. It may not be Halloween yet but it was definitely a treat. An instrumental version of “We Are the World,” brought us to an unprecedented inspirational moment. “Man in the Mirror,” was the perfect song to end this very special show.

Many of the performers of this show personally worked with Jackson. Michael Prince worked with Jackson for over 20 years as his sound engineer on all of Jackson’s concert tours. LaVelle Smith was the choreographer and principal dancer for Michael’s ‘Dangerous,’ ‘Bad,’ and ‘History Tours.’ Mic Thompson, was also a principle dancer for Michael for 8 years and appears in the videos ‘Dangerous,’ and ‘Ghosts.’ It’s obvious all 11 performers of this show are Jackson fans and take the stage and their performances very seriously. This is a top notch show that pulls out all the stops. The Ultimate Thriller “The Tribute to Michael Jackson” is a first for the Hard Rock. They have co-produced this spectacular with WMJX FM, Majic 102.7, 101.5 Lite FM and 790 The Ticket. The show was sponsored by Gunther KIA and the Catholic Health Services and presented by Air Around The Clock. If you are a Michael Jackson fan is one show you just can’t miss. Two hours of non-stop hits, memories and good times. It is a show I’m sure Michael himself would be proud of.