Who's Bad, a Michael Jackson cover band from Chapel Hill, played last night to a moderately interested crowd on Duke's Bryan Center Plaza. It was apparent that the concert was not best suited for an outdoor stage with an audience consisting mainly of Duke students on their way to Panda Express. Showgoers were mainly of a rotating selection of people all stopping with a look on their faces that read, "Wow. A Michael Jackson cover band. Isn't that neat?" Unfortunately, many did not stay for more than one or two songs.
However, it's hard to blame "Michael" (Joseph Bell) for the low energy. For well over an hour, Bell impressed all with this dance moves, impeccable vocals and thorough knowledge of Michael's catalogue. He also made a point of doing his best to personally engage his most passionate fans. Bell continuously wandered into the crowd to dance with the show's PYTs (okay, maybe a couple were Duke employees), even dragging two Round Table ladies on stage with him. Even the well-represented recess staff wasn't left out of the love. At one point, Bell wandered into the crowd to single out a certain arts editor for her infectious dance moves, natural exuberance and voluminous hair. Even I got a nod, as Bell once pointed at me to announce, "I see you dancing!"* In general, for those brave enough to get down, it was hard not to have fun.
Although the band did not play all of MJ's hits, they did an excellent job of making sure each era of Michael's storied career was represented. From the smoother Dangerous Michael ("Remember the Time" or "Black or White") to the rougher Thriller sound ("Beat It," "Billie Jean" and "Thriller") and even the afro'd days of Michael's work in the Jackson Five, concertgoers could not complain about a lack of diversity. What strikes me every time I see Who's Bad is their attention to detail, as is evident in their impressive dance routines and spot-on replication of Michael's many looks.
Duke students saw a good but not great show yesterday. On a sunny afternoon at the Plaza in front of a mediocre crowd, Who's Bad is entertaining. During a homecoming show in a packed Cat's Cradle, they are unforgettable.
*This makes me wonder that since I now have a real shoutout from a fake Michael Jackson, would I rather have a fake shoutout from the real Michael Jackson? Probably.
Check after the jump for a set list.
Set List
1) Don't Stop
2) Rock With You
3) Remember The Time
4) Smooth Criminal
5) The Way You Make Me Feel
6) Black or White
7) PYT
8) Jackson 5 Medley (I Want You Back, ABC, Stop)
9) Billie Jean
10) Beat It
11) Thriller
12) Man In the Mirror (Encore)
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