Est. 1998
Highlights from last Sunday’s concert were shown on British TV last night. Unfortunately for British fans unable to go to Munich or to access the German ZDF TV station on satellite last weekend, only one song from Michael’s thrilling performance was televised last night!
The programme opened with an impressive list of the artists names appearing, superimposed over a picture of Michael in a white shirt and black trousers standing in a spotlight. This was followed by the following title,
‘MICHAEL JACKSON & FRIENDS’
In aid of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund with proceeds
going towards the children of Kosovo.
The opening act were the British rockers Status Quo who belted out their hit ‘Sweet Caroline’.
Next on were the British all girl foursome All Saints who sang ‘Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?’ which most of the crowd sang along with; a well known song.
Boyzone gave their support to the children by singing ‘You Needed Me!’ The group appeared minus Steven Gateley.
Andrea Bocelli sang a moving song in his beautiful voice. Even if most of the audience didn’t understand Italian, the emotion in his voice was all that was needed to convey the sentiments of the song. He was accompanied by a choir and a group of violinists.
Luther Vandross was the next artist to grace the stage. He gave the crowd good eye contact, and looked like he was thoroughly enjoying himself and was pleased to be one of Michael’s ‘Friends’. He gave the crowd the thumbs up and peace signs, acknowledging their support and enthusiasm. He sang, ‘Never Too Much’.
Female musicians, made up of violinists, a cellist, a drummer and a keyboard player accompanied Zucherro plus he played guitar. He sang an emotional song about ‘My Love, Someone Like You!’ He is able to convey feelings of deep emotion with his gravelly singing voice.
The next act were Barenaked Ladies whose style was in strong contrast to all of the previous artists. They gave an enthusiastic performance!
Famous ex- Beatle and Liverpudlian Ringo Starr was next up, accompanied by Alan Parsons & Jack Bruce. He opened his stint was saying to the crowd; “Thank you for coming, it’s for a good cause – it’s for the children! Get ready to do some singing!” In his own inimitable style he gave a great performance of ‘With A Little Bit Of Help From My Friends’. The crowd all sang along with him and Ringo really got the crowd ‘going’!
The next act was Vanessa Mae. What a polished, professional and talented performer she is! She welcomed the crowd by saying; “Hello Deutschland! Hello the World! I would like to thank everybody here, boys, girls, ladies and gentlemen, for all your support for the Red Cross and all the wonderful charities involved in tonight’s concert. Me, Vanessa Mae, I’m so excited and so happy to be part of the show – so let’s get on with the music & just one thing, which is very, very important I want to say to you here in Germany, Zee zen under Vunderbar Publico!” She then launched into a rousing performance full of energy and inspiration.
Andre Rieu, the violinist delighted the crowd by playing a Viennese waltz and further back from the from pit, where most of Michael’s fans were trying patiently to wait for the main man, it was possible to see couples in the audience waltzing together! He and his group of musicians, who were all dressed in 19th Century costumes, looked as though they were enjoying every moment of their performance.
During an interview for ZDF which was shown last weekend, Andre Rieu explained that he has a deep respect for Michael, his many talents plus his contribution to music. Compliments indeed from such an accomplished musician.
Spirit of the Dance followed him, performing their Irish inspired dance.
The finale was none other than the man himself. ‘Earth Song’ being a more than fitting ending to this concert for the children. Michael’s performance and interpretation of ‘Earth Song’ just gets better and better every time he performs this humanitarian and environmentally inspired song.
The concert ended with a single spotlight beaming down on Michael as he stood centre stage with his hands
Outstretched.
Executive Producers: Michael Jackson & Marcel Avram
Event Director: Michael Van Almsick
Producers: Birgit Goller, Claudia Kruller, Markuo Templin & Manared Teubener
Director: Alexander Arnz
BBC Executive Producer: Trevor Dunn
Producer: Des Burkinshead
Over a background of fireworks:
Distributed by: Mama Concerts & Raw GrubH
International Distribution: The Big Events Company
Source: BBC & MJWN
July 1999
Parisian Peace at Last
Michael is enjoying a quiet break from his hectic schedule in France.
Source: MJWN
