By Elizabeth Puranam
The Jackson Five never could say goodbye, and even though it has taken nearly three decades, the four surviving brothers have finally reunited on stage.
The Jacksons' Unity Tour kicked off last night in Harlem’s Apollo Theatre, which is the same venue that launched the group in the ‘60s.
They were one of the biggest acts in the world, and more than four decades after they danced their way to the top of the charts, they remain one of the best selling acts of all time.
They were also the launching pad for the king of pop, Michael Jackson.
But with youngest brother Michael's solo success came the group's demise.
The last time they performed on stage together was during their victory tour in 1984.
Now, Jermaine, Marlon, Jackie and Tito have hit the road again with 25 shows scheduled around the US.
“It's like riding a bike,” say the Jackson brothers. “You just tweak some things, that's all.”
The group has been planning a reunion tour since before Michael Jackson’s death in 2009.
“We were supposed to tour right after Michael’s ‘02 arena tour, Michael and the brothers, but after his death we wanted to wait. We were still mourning for three years.”
But the brothers say it's time to do it – for the fans and for Michael.
“He's with us now. We feel his presence. Every show we feel his presence. He helps us through and he supports what we're doing.”
They might be in their 50s and 60s, but their boyish charm remains.
“We know we're going to kill it. Jermaine's going to throw down. He moonwalks so good – you have got to watch him,” says Jackie Jackson.
“Jackie, don't start those rumours,” responds Tito Jackson. “See, he has started another rumour. The hologram thing came from Jackie, now the moonwalking. I'll leave the moonwalking to Michael.”
While there was no 3D hologram of Michael Jackson when the tour kicked off last night, the brothers say Michael is with them in spirit.
3 News