The King of Pop’s Last Rehearsals: A Look into Michael Jackson’s This Is It Tour
It has been over a decade since the world lost an icon, Michael Jackson. The “King of Pop” passed away on June 25th, 2009, at the age of 50. However, his legacy and impact on music and pop culture remain undeniable. One of his final projects was the highly anticipated “This Is It” tour that would have marked his return to the stage after a hiatus of almost ten years.
Jackson had planned for fifty shows at London’s O2 Arena starting in July 2009. But before that could happen, he needed to rehearse extensively with his team to put together a spectacular show for his fans worldwide.
These rehearsals were documented by director Kenny Ortega and turned into a movie called “Michael Jackson’s This Is It.” The film gave viewers an inside look at what was supposed to be one of the most impressive live performances ever seen.
But what really went down during these rehearsals? How did Michael prepare himself for this comeback? And how did he work with his team to create such an extravagant show?
The rehearsals began in April 2009 at Los Angeles’ Staples Center – which is now named after him – and continued until just days before Michael’s death in June. According to reports from those present, it was clear from day one that Jackson was fully engaged in every step of the creative process.
Jackson arrived early each day and spent hours rehearsing every detail of each performance. He worked tirelessly alongside choreographer Travis Payne and musical director Michael Bearden, among others.
Bearden later revealed that despite being out of practice for so long, “Michael still had all those moves.” He added that there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do once they started playing music.
Ortega also commented on Michael’s work ethic during rehearsals. In an interview, he said that Jackson was always the first to arrive and the last to leave. He would rehearse even after everyone else had gone home for the day.
One of the aspects that made this tour unique was its use of technology, including a massive LED screen that stretched across the back of the stage. The screen displayed images and video footage while Michael performed in front of it.
During rehearsals, Ortega and his team experimented with different ways to incorporate this technology into their performance. They also worked on each song’s visual effects, lighting design, and costume changes.
The setlist for “This Is It” included some of Michael’s greatest hits like “Billie Jean,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller.” But there were also new songs in store for fans as well.
One such track was called “This Is It” – a song co-written by Jackson and Paul Anka in 1983 during Thriller sessions but remained unreleased until now. The track became one of the highlights from both rehearsal footage and documentary film featuring Jackson singing live from an emotional center stage solo spotlight performance backed only by his own voice from offstage playback recording.
Despite being almost ten years since his passing, fans still mourn Michael Jackson’s death. Although they never got to see him perform live again after those rehearsals ended tragically early due to his untimely death – fans can re-watch them through Kenny Ortega’s film “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” or appreciate small moments captured during rehearsal online on YouTube or other media platforms shared by other attendees or members of MJ team who participated in making these iconic performances possible.
In conclusion, it is evident that Michael put everything he had into these rehearsals for what would have been one final memorable tour experience for all his devoted followers worldwide. His dedication to perfect every move shows how much he cared about providing nothing short of an unforgettable show for his fans. Although the world lost Michael Jackson, his legacy will live on forever, and these rehearsals serve as a testament to his talent and work ethic.