Brothers Bring Back the Beat

August 16th, 2013 by The Professor

The Jacksons reunite to reignite their catalogue across the global stage

by Radio RockonTour host Timothy Tilghman

The Jacksons brought their 13-month long Unity Tour to an end in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Saturday, July 27, 2013. With only four dates scheduled in North America for this year, the Jackson brothers appeared at the intimate Borgata Music Box thrilling an appreciative audience to both their popular catalogue and a handful of chart toppers from their deceased brother Michael.

The Jacksons: Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon Jackson, reunited to tour together after a 28 year hiatus from the stage. The Jacksons long overdue world tour is as much a reunion as it is a tribute to their fallen brother and a nostalgic romp to recapture their former glory and treat their loyal fans to one night of turning the clock back in time. Brother Michael Jackson had passed at the age of 50 in June 2009.

Briskly, The Jacksons tromped out on stage and froze in their tracks to heighten the excitement as the house was already up on their feet in anticipation. The brothers were all sharply dressed in black faux military style suits emulating the stage fashion of their missing brother. Launching into their opening song “Can You Feel It”, each brother took a turn at vocals and then refroze standing still on stage to resounding applause.

Characteristically, the crowd was a bit older and a bit grayer, but this only enhanced the fervor of those in the venue to enjoy a musical platter of golden oldies served piping hot. Marlon, Jackie, and Jermaine Jackson all shared vocals on “Rock With You” bolstered by a strong groove that kept the exhilaration level at a highpoint. Jermaine sang a heartfelt tribute to Michael covering his brother’s 1991 ballad version of “Gone Too Soon”.

The Jacksons delivered a jam-packed medley of their biggest hits as the Jackson Five stitched together as an audible suite of familiar tunes engaging the audience to cheer in unison. Ecstatic fans were partying together to non-stop power grooves as the final four numbers featured the cool vocal vibes of Jermaine on “This Place Hotel”, “Starting Something”, “Don’t Stop” and “Shake Your Body”. The Jacksons charged across the stage creating a frenzy that climaxed in a crescendo of echoing applause after thanking the fans for their loyal support and attendance.

Formerly The Jackson Five, the original band was Jackie Jackson on vocals, Tito Jackson on guitar, Jermaine Jackson on vocals, Marlon Jackson on vocals, and Michael Jackson as lead vocalist. Bassist Randy Jackson did not join the group until 1975 and was a member until the band folded in 1989. The bothers began as an amateur sibling ensemble in 1964. They were discovered and signed to Motown records in 1969.

The Jackson Five would go onto score multiple hit singes on the American Top 40 charts. All six Jackson brothers participated in a reunion concert held in New York City at Madison Square Garden in September 2001. Michael Jackson was poised to reboot his own comeback to the stage in London with a series of sold out concerts in 2009. Once again, the Jackson Brothers are sharing their musical gift on their own terms.

Atlantic City setlist: Can You Feel It * Blame It On The Boogie * I Wanna Be Where You Are * Rock With You * Let Me Show You The Way To Go * Lovely One * We’re Here To Entertain You (video) * Good Times * Looking Through The Windows * Time Waits For No One * Heaven Knows I Love You Girl * Push Me Away * Man Of War * Gone Too Soon * I Want You Back > ABC > The Love You Save > Never Can Say Goodbye (medley) * Al I Do Is Think Of You * I’ll Be There * Can’t Let Her Get Away * This Place Hotel * Wanna Be Starting Something * Don’t Stop `Til You Get Enough * Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)