MARLON JACKSON BREAKS DOWN ON STAGE AT SCOTFEST

US superstar Marlon Jackson broke down in tears on stage during the band’s first gig since his father’s death.
The Jacksons were headlining at Scotfest in Ingliston’s Royal Highland Centre for their first performance since burying their father Joseph on Monday.
Putting on a brave face earlier in the day, Marlon and his three brothers Tito, Jackie and Jermaine had said that they were keen for the show to go on, just as their father and mentor would have wanted.
Marlon who proudly wore his daddy’s striped jacket backstage said: “Doing a show like this uplifts us especially at this time, especially during these times. It’s all about having a good time so we’re going to have a Jackson party tonight. We are taking our memories on stage with us. Edinburgh means love peace and harmony with our fans.”
Tito added: “We’re dedicating this performance to our late father.  This is our first performance since his passing so tonight’s show is his.”
The ABC, I’ll Be There, and Blame It On The Boogie hitmakers thanked their fans on stage for their support and prayers.
Throughout the set emotions were high as a video of Joe talking about the early days was played, but it was the performance of Gone Too Soon that proved too much for Marlon.
The ballad, sung by Jermaine  is normally a tribute to their late brother Michael, but the brothers had already admitted to friends that they knew it would be hard to sing it with their father’s funeral fresh in their mind.
As Jermaine ended his heartfelt rendition, Marlon couldn’t help breaking down into tears and put his hands to his face or wipe away the tears. He ended up having to turn his back on the audience to wipe his face with a towel before turning back to them.
Later Jackie said: “A lot of people thought we weren’t coming to Scotfest because of my father’s passing but this is something my father would want us to come and do and perform in front of the fans so that’s what we do. We continue.”
Jermaine: “There are moments where it is hard to sing certain songs and when there is a lot of music we won’t be doing which we could do and we will do at another time.”
The nostalgia fest also saw Bay City Roller Les McKeown pay tribute to late band mate Alan Longmuir as he told fans that Alan will be ‘singing with the angels’ .
S Club 3 and Five Star also played while
Boyzone and B*witched performed at the fest yesterday. 

THE JACKSONS WILL PLAY SCOTFEST DAYS AFTER DADS FUNERAL

US supergroup The Jacksons will fly to Scotland next weekend to pay tribute to their late father at their first gig since his death.
Tito, Jermaine, Jackie and Marlon have confirmed to Scotfest organisers that they will still perform at Ingliston Royal Highland Centre on Friday July 6.
Their legendary father Joe, also dad to music legends Michael and Janet Jackson, lost his fight to cancer on Wednesday aged 89.
Michael’s daughter Paris has already paid tribute to her granddad calling him ‘one of the greatest patriarchs to ever live.’
Scotsfest Director Stuart Prentice confirmed he had been in contact with The Jacksons management as soon as he heard the news.
He said: “We sent our sympathies through to the Jackson family as soon as we heard of Joseph's death and gave them the space they needed. We are delighted to hear they are still playing Friday night and we can’t wait to see them on stage. We know that fans in Scotland will show them the love and support that they need at this emotional time.”
Joe’s funeral is expected to take place over the next week.
An insider added: “The Jackson family are grieving but also want to celebrate the life and work of their father.  He was always of the opinion that the show must go on and as Scotfest is the first date in their tour diary they will be flying to Edinburgh to do what they do best. There will be tears but The Jacksons won’t let their fans down.”
Les McKeown's Bay City Rollers, S Club, Five Star and 911 all play Friday at Scotfest whole Boyzone, B*witched, Liberty X, East 17 and 5ive play Saturday. 

THE LEGENDARY JACKSONS ON A TIMELESS GLASGOW TRIP

IT'S half a century since the then tiny vocal group The Jackson Five first entered the professional music scene but their songs and dance moves remained timeless as they played to a packed house at Glasgow's 02 Academy.

Now a four piece, singers Jackie, 66, and Markon ,60 and vocalist/guitarist Tito, 63 and vocalist/bassist Jermaine, 62 might be more grandfathers of soul these days but their super funky energy was still there.
A super beat filled DJ set by former Corrie star Craig Charles and the opening strains of ABC on film gave us a taster of what was in store.

As the US superstars shimmied on stage wearing their black and silver sequinned outfits for Can You Feel It followed by Blame It On the Boogie the audience erupted into a sea of dancing limbs. All we needed was a giant disco ball.
As beads of sweat began to collectively gather in the performers and audience, the pace was slowed down for the smooth Rock With You before more choreography during Enjoy Yourself.

It was touching to see the video backdrop play the original routines with an innocently youthful looking band dressed in all white in the background.
Without the legendary Michael, who was undoubtedly there in spirit, and now youngest brother Randy who is not in the current line up, the brothers Jackson were still a veritable force who pleased at every turn.
Video messages from family members provided a brief respite for everyone before the hits rolled like an ever running tap with a medley of anthems like ABC, I Want You Back, and Never Can Say Goodbye.
Michael passed away almost exactly eight years ago and the brothers beautiful rendition of Gone Too Soon touched everyone in the hall.
The Jacksons are an important part of global musical history and it was a privilege to watch them.