14 DAY TRIAL // As anticipation for Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” series of live shows is building up, speculation about what he will be bringing new to his fans is already starting to circulate. At the same time, the question arises of whether he will still be able to perform the same dance routines – and especially the Moonwalk – he was once so good at. If he isn’t, it won’t be for lack of trying, fellow singer Lionel Richie and a source close to Michael are telling the media.
According to several insiders and the already mentioned singer, Michael is currently working hard and training to get back in top shape, so as to be able to offer fans that kind of shows he did back when he was still touring. His age and lack of practice are working against him in this sense, it has been said, but that does not mean that he is not willing to put in extra effort to see that everything turns out simply spectacular.
“He’s not that 25- or 30-year-old any more, so he will have to discover some things about himself that he didn’t quite want to face up to.” Lionel tells the Daily Mail, pointing out that, for some fans, just seeing Michael on stage singing might be enough.
“But what he does have is a mound of hit records. He has to just get it in his head that we [as performers] are on that stage because people want to see us singing those songs. Whether you moonwalk or skywalk or float in from the back of the stage, that’s all extra added attractions, but the most important thing is to pick up the microphone and sing Thriller, that’s all that matters. Speaking from an artist’s point of view, there is an insecurity of being away for a while, and you wonder, ‘Do I know what I’m doing?’.”
One insider, though, tells the same media outlet that Michael doesn’t quite see things the same way. Because of this, and because he does not want to disappoint, especially when his performance will be compared with his old ones, he has already taken up strict training. In his quest to be better than ever, the source adds, Michael also draws inspiration and motivation from knowing that “This Is It” will definitely be his last string of shows, therefore he wants to make it as unforgettable as possible.
“Michael has started working with a choreographer and trainers to get him in shape because he wants to perform the moves that made him famous. He is spending hours watching his past performances and videos because he wants to put on a show that is as good as – if not better than – those he’s done before. He is determined he’s going to do the Moonwalk because the fans will go crazy for it. The shows will be his swan song, so he wants them to be the best ever. And he knows that what the fans love is the whole Michael Jackson package – not just the songs, but the dance moves too. He will deliver.” the unnamed spy explains for the British publication.
Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” series of performances kicks off in July. For more updates on this, keep an eye on this space.