The king returns

A single silver sequined glove commands the attention of every pair of eyes at the Bluebird Nightclub. Gazes dart left to right, up and down, and every way in between, never breaking connection with the hand. The array of lights attract the reflection of every sequin to create a blinding, almost mesmerizing trance.

Who’s Bad, a Michael Jackson tribute band, moonwalked its way to the Bluebird Nightclub this January in front of a packed house of loyal MJ fans. For one night only, the “King of Pop” returned to the stage with a six-piece band and two alternating Jackson performers.

Michael Jackson’s musical legacy is nothing short of influential. He rose from his family band, the Jackson 5, in the 1970s to become one of the biggest pop stars in the world in the 1980s and ’90s. With success and power came controversy, and in Jackson’s case, a string of incidents and allegations in his personal life. This collection of events ranges from supposedly sleeping in an oxygen tank to accusations of child molestation and dangling his child over a balcony in Berlin, according to The Guardian.

Who’s Bad, the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band, has chosen to carry on the positive facets of Jackson’s life. Formed in 2003, Who’s Bad is backed by professional musicians and performers whose repertoires include Broadway performances and experience with Jackson’s own choreographers. The band continued to gain momentum through the years, especially after Jackson’s passing in 2009. Taalib York started as the group’s original Jackson performer, and Joseph Bell joined the lineup as the second Jackson performer in 2007.

Bloomington has hosted Who’s Bad before and as Joseph describes, boasts an audience of “true Who’s Bad fans.”

“It’s always very special for us to come here and perform for this crowd,” Joseph says, in a soft, light-hearted voice much like Jackson’s. “We love Bloomington. We’ve come here for a long time, so this is our crowd.”

Who’s Bad’s career began on the college venue circuit, but with success came the expansion of events and crowds. Joseph says the personality of college crowds allots more freedom and energy.

“No matter where we play, everyone sort of turns into the same type of audience,” Joseph says. “Everyone loves Michael’s music so much, they just let go.”

The crowds at the Bluebird, ranging in all ages and walks of life, line the wooden stage and arched brick walls and become one as they dance together, welcoming Taalib and Joseph. Taalib, who has written for labels such as Motown and Def Jam Records, took the stage first. The two impersonators take turns performing as Jackson, each emulating a different iconic look from his long-spanning career.

“When we started working together, he chose his favorite songs, and I chose mine,” Joseph says. “We can both do the majority of all of them, but we have our specialties. We deliver what the audience loves.”

The group as a whole performs on stage like a modern-day Jackson 5, except in a more monochrome black and red look rather than ’70s flashy garb. In unison, they each align themselves in a row, instruments held low, and scoot forward without missing a single note. Their smiles feed off the audience and vice versa. Their energy contradicts their 11:30 p.m. show time.

Who’s Bad has performed for audiences around the world, from Romania to China. In 2010, they sold out 50 venues in the United Kingdom, including London’s famed O2 Arena.

“That was phenomenal,” Joseph says, clutching his hand to his heart. “That whole year was a very special and responsible time because we felt like the mission increased, and being there was definitely a privilege.”

Frank Dileo, Jackson’s friend and manager, attended a Who’s Bad performance at the Cannery Ballroom. After the show, Frank shared words of encouragement and praise with the band.

“He told us how much he loved that show and how much he thought Michael would be proud of us,” Joseph says. “How could you get more of a validation than Michael’s manager saying that to you and your tribute to such a great artist?”

Who’s Bad celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and Joseph sees no end in sight.

“I believe Michael’s legacy will go on, music will go on,” he says. “It’s international, and it’s around the world. I believe there will be more expansion, more attention, and who knows, maybe it will grow into something more phenomenal.”