Less than a year after the death of brother Tito, The Jacksons are plotting a new album ahead of UK concerts. Nephew Jaafar, who plays Michael Jackson in a new biopic, sought their blessing before taking on the iconic Moon Walking part.
POP legends The Jacksons are overcoming family tragedy by making a brand new album.
Last year the Motown legends lost Tito Jackson, who like fellow late brother Michael, was one of the founding members.
Eldest brother Jackie is keeping the band’s legacy alive by touring and putting together new music.
Jackie Jackson told the Daily Star: “We got a new album coming up soon, as The Jacksons. I can’t talk a lot about it but it’s the brothers, and it’s gonna be great.”
Before then The Jacksons perform at Englefield House, Berkshire and Audley End House & Gardens, Essex this July as part of Heritage Live Festivals.
“Fans should bring their dancing shoes,” said Jackie. “We’ll be doing all our hit songs.”
Also keeping the family legacy current is an upcoming Michael Jackson biopic – in two parts – starring Jermaine’s son and Jackie’s nephew Jaafar.
The youngster sought advice from his uncles before taking on the iconic role.
“Jafar is killing it man,” Jackie told me. “I saw him do Michael for the first time maybe a year and a half ago, he was trying out for the part. Graham King, the producer sent us footage to get our opinion, when we saw it we started crying, and we couldn’t believe how good he was.
“Jaafar was waiting to hear from us, to get our blessing, I called him and I told him ‘you were incredible’. I had tears my eyes talking to him, ‘just keep doing what you’re doing. You’re doing a wonderful job’. He’s dancing, singing doing the whole thing.”
This summer marks the first gigs The Jacksons have done since losing founding member Tito who passed away from a heart attack last year.
Still clearly raw from the loss Jackie told me: “I don’t think it’s hit me. Tito was part of the Jackson Five from the very beginning, We had just finished doing the show in Germany, he decided to go back to Oklahoma to his ranch. He had a doctor’s appointment but he decided to go out and chase somebody who had a car because he collected all kinds of old cars around America. But he never made it back to his ranch. “
Currently the tour only features two brothers Jackie and Marlon but the line-up will always change: “They can come back when they’re ready to come back, right now Randy’s busy managing our sister Janet.”
Speaking of Janet the brothers will be with her when they’re here.
“She lives in the UK,” Jackie said. “When I come I’m gonna see her. We’re family so we are always getting together and if the time is right we may get in the studio.”
Visit AXS.com/heritagelive for tickets to The Jacksons shows.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
