Written by WhosBad on Jun 05, 2010 at 8:40 am
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25 February, 2010
by Michelle Norris - michelle@theenquirer.co.uk
MICHAEL Jackson fans will be ‘beating it’ to Southend this month, as the electrifying Who’s Bad The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band heads to the seaside town for a glitzy display of music, memorabilia and moonwalking.
Described as ‘the closest you will get now to seeing Michael Jackson Live’, this infectious production comes direct from the US and brings the King of pop’s music back to the stage.
Formed in 2004 by Vamsi Tadepalli, the band have been playing Michael Jackson’s hits, including everything from ABC to You Rock My World, right across America. And now, for the first time ever, the show will be transported to the UK.
Complete with sequinned jackets and glittering gloves, this tribute promises to transport fans of Michael’s music back to the golden days.
“When you listen to Michael when he was singing as a kid, he sounded so soulful and full of life experiences,” says Vamsi Tadepalli, who founded and now plays saxophone in the band.
“You almost forgot he was just a child. He was naturally gifted, which is something that you don’t come across that often.
“As a kid I grew up with Michael Jackson,” continues Vamsi, who lives in North Carolina. “In the 80s his music was everywhere. But now as a music maker I almost listen to his albums with different ears, so I really respect everything he did. And I just thought that someone should pay tribute to him and that person should be me.”
So that’s exactly what he did. After putting the band together, Vamsi then had the mission of finding the perfect singer to play Michael.
“I’ve got to admit that when I first started looking for our Michael I was being a bit of a music snob,” laughs Vamsi. “Because I knew that it would be really hard for someone to pull off the vocals and the mannerisms of Michael without being cheesy, especially considering the vocal range that Michael had.”
Indeed, well known for his unique voice and dance moves, Vamsi was determined that the show should reproduce an accurate Michael Jackson performance.
“I don’t think that there is another band out there that have got a closer sound or visual to a live Michael Jackson show,” says 29-year-old Vamsi. “At the moment we’ve actually got two Michael’s played by the very talented Taalib York and Joseph Bell. We have both guys performing in each show because it’s a very high-paced, fast production that doesn’t have much time for costume changes.
So it made sense to have two Michael’s and it’s been working really well; the boys really compliment each other.” Performing throughout America since 2004, the band has gained a huge following. However, when the tragic news
of Michael’s death hit the headlines in June 2009, the tribute group had to make a decision.
“The reason that we started was to pay tribute to Michael,” continues Vamsi. “And now it’s almost our obligation to keep the show going and keep the legendary music alive.
“Certain things have changed since Michael’s death but I think it’s important to keep the formula going, and for the songs to reach out to people,” adds Vamsi.
“The day after his death we created a video montage, but we still believe that it is not a show for mourning; it’s a celebration for all of Michael’s achievements.”
Indeed, when Frank Dileo, Michael Jackson’s long-time manager came along to see the show in Nashville, he informed the band that ‘Michael would have been proud’.
“Initially I think he was dragged along to the show,” laughs Vamsi. “But he met with us all and told us how proud Michael would have been. It was such a great moment for us.
“I hope that we’ll be able to do this forever.”
Who’s Bad The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band will
show at the Cliffs Pavilion on 26 February. Call 01702 351135.