Unity Tour 2012 puts Jacksons back on stage
Tribute to honor Michael will be part of show
LOS ANGELES – Almost three years after the death of Michael Jackson, his brothers are set to go back on tour together for the first time in nearly three decades.
The Jacksons have announced plans for a summer trek, dubbed the Unity Tour 2012, that will mark the first time Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito Jackson have toured together since their Victory Tour in 1984. Kicking off June 18 in Louisville, Ky., the 27-date jaunt will wrap up July 29 in Snoqualmie, Wash.
“This is a dream coming true,” Jackie Jackson said in a statement. “I can’t believe this is finally happening. There’s nothing like having all the brothers on stage at the same time. This will be exciting for our fans around the world – and I know at each concert, MJ’s spirit will be in the house with us.”
Rumors of a reunion began long before their former lead singer died of a fatal overdose of propofol in June 2009 – his doctor Conrad Murray is currently behind bars after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. The brothers’ desire to reunite onstage was the focal point of their A&E docu-series, “The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty.” The show had initially been filmed as a one-off hourlong special about the Jacksons – minus Michael and younger brother Randy – and their desire to release an album and launch a tour in celebration of the band’s 40th year in showbiz. Following Michael’s death, the show took a more somber tone, but was commissioned as a series.
Jermaine Jackson has been vocal in his resistance to other themed tributes, but he has embraced the idea of honoring the late King of Pop on the new tour. “I am so happy and excited to perform again onstage with my brothers,” he said in a statement. “I can’t wait to sing all the songs that were so much a part of all of our lives. We are ready and committed to keep the family’s legacy alive and perform once again with the highest level of excellence, creativity, and most of all, integrity.”
Tickets go on sale for select cities on Friday and more information can be found on their official website www.thejacksons.com.