Tribute to MJ, King of Pop

‘I am King - The Micheal Jackson Experience’ comes to the city this weekend; for the first time in India.

With many years of experience, Michael Firestone is a pro at impersonating Micheal Jackson.

His ability to sing live, dance and perform exactly like MJ has made him a popular figure. He has travelled the world as one of the tribute artistes who pay homage to the King of Pop.
And for the first time, he’s coming to India with the show ‘I am King - The Micheal Jackson Experience’.

He spoke to Anila Kurian about what the audience can expect this weekend.

You’ve performed worldwide but it’s your first time in India. Are you excited?

I have been fortunate enough to have seen a good part of the world. I have visited Mumbai before but this will be my first time in Bengaluru and my first ever performance in India. I am very excited; I loved visiting India and can’t wait to perform here!

What is it about Michael Jackson that you like the most?

I love his performances. From the moment that I first saw an MJ video, I couldn’t stop trying to copy his moves and sounding like him. The ‘Thriller’ music video made a huge impact on me.

You have met Michael Jackson in real life. What was it like?

It was amazing — I met an idol of mine. He told me to be in control of my own destiny. It was very mystical the way he said it, which is why I wanted to write and produce my own show.

There are many others who impersonate MJ. According to you, what does it take to be like him?

Rest and practice more than you’d think. If you think you’ve practised enough, practice some more. Singing and dancing 90 minutes or more can be exhausting. You just push through it but in the end, it’s about working hard and never giving up.

How’s this tribute going to be different from the others you’ve done so far?

I have starred in several different MJ tribute shows. However, ‘I am King’ is my show. I wrote it and I wrote it to flow in such a way that it brings you up, up and up. We do more than just the popularly known songs. I am in control so I have handpicked the top musicians and dancers to accompany me on this 90-minute journey that we are going to take the MJ fans in Bengaluru on.

Do you have any expectations from the audience?

I encourage people to dress up, dance and sing along. Sometimes I have audience members on stage and show off their dance skills.

What do you have to say about the documentary that was released about MJ recently?

It’s a joke!

(‘I am King - The Michael Jackson Experience will be held on March 16 and 17 at St John’s Auditorium. For tickets, log on to www.bookmyshow.com)