CARDIFF, Wales — Chart-toppers, soul singers and three generations of Michael Jackson’s family — including his children — celebrated the King of Pop at an energetic tribute concert Saturday, urging fans to focus on the late star’s music rather than his death.
The run-up to the “Michael Forever” concert was overshadowed by the Los Angeles manslaughter trial of Jackson’s doctor, and marred by fan criticism, sluggish ticket sales and dissension within the Jackson family. But once the four-hour show started, Jackson’s musical genius and the warm tributes of friends and family carried the night.
“We’re very happy to be here on this special night to honor our father,” said Jackson’s 13-year-old daughter, Paris, who made a brief onstage appearance alongside brothers Prince, 14, and Michael Joseph Jr., 9, known as Blanket.
On a stage shaped like a giant glove, musicians including Christina Aguilera, Gladys Knight and Cee Lo Green performed songs from across Jackson’s career — from his childhood with the Jackson 5 through monster solo albums like “Thriller” and “Bad.”
Participants urged fans to ignore the criticism and controversy, and to revel in the celebration of Jackson’s musical legacy.
“It’s not about the controversy,” said R&B star Ne-Yo, who kicked off the show with a rendition of “Billie Jean,” complete with some passable moonwalking. “It’s not about the trial. It’s not about his death. It’s about celebrating his life. It’s about celebrating his music.”
The 50,000-strong crowd at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium did just that, roaring with approval as Jackson’s brothers Marlon, Tito and Jackie — three-fifths of the original Jackson 5 — took the stage to perform “Blame It on the Boogie” with British boy band JLS.
“Can you feel his spirit in the house tonight?” asked Marlon. Judging by the cheers, the fedora hats and the sequined gloves in the audience, many could.
Jackson died in June 2009, at age 50, as he was preparing for a string of comeback concerts in London.
His last hours are being relived in graphic detail at the manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, accused of giving Jackson a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives in the bedroom of his rented mansion June 25, 2009.
“This is a great counter-act to that,” said Motown great Smokey Robinson, who gave a soulful rendition of “She’s Out of My Life.”
But Michael’s brothers Jermaine and Randy and sister Janet have stayed away, saying it is wrong to hold the show at the same time as Murray’s trial.
