Tito & Jackie Talk About Michael

(۳۱-۳-۲۰۱۳) In celebration of The Immortal World Tour Michael's brothers Tito and Jackie gave an interview where they talked about Michael and the show. Tito said that all the siblings love the show: 'It's a great production. I've seen a few Cirque shows, and they've taken everything my brother stood for musically and put it into a Cirque-type production. It's an overview of his musical history, from the early Motown days all the way up. I was very emotional the first time I saw it. It takes you back and it makes you sad because we were very close as brothers at that time. Michael would have loved it, he loved Cirque shows. I feel connected to him when I'm watching it. And I get the same feeling when I tour with the brothers.' As well as the Cirque show, the brothers are on a world tour singing Jacksons songs without Michael, which does seem rather odd. Obviously it's another financial opportunity. Tito (۵۱) says sadly: 'You certainly feel his absence. When we did those songs we'd be on stage and he would be running back and forth. Now there's no running. But I feel he's with us all and giving us support.' Does he feel he can talk to him? 'Yes.' If Michael were here now, what would he ask him? 'That's a hard question.' There's a long silence, and the interviewers says she would ask him if he ever felt loved. What does he think? It's as if the emotion of the question is a tennis ball that's been flung in his face. 'I don't know if those would be the right words to choose. I can't answer that for you.' Much has been written about the family feuds - can he set the record straight? 'We all love the Cirque show. We've all seen it together and everybody is OK. They call me Tito Tiptoe because I tiptoe out of situations, but I don't have any information.' He is at least talking to his brothers as he's on the road performing with them. 'When the brothers are on tour it's the most fun. Always something to joke about, although there's always something to cry about. Missing Michael is something you never, ever heal from. You just want to touch him. We have great memories of being kids.' Does he have a keepsake from Michael? 'When he was exonerated from court [acquitted of sexual abuse charges in ۲۰۰۵] he gave me one of his Bentleys. He said, "It's the one I drive and everyone who drives with me signs the ceiling." There were signatures on the roof from Beyoncé and other celebrities. I don't even drive it. It's my pride and joy. Every time I sit in it I feel his presence.' He shakes his head. 'It's painful. It's changed me. I'm not as happy...Maybe this show keeps his being alive, not just his legacy.' Has losing Michael brought the family closer together? 'No matter what differences divide any family, it's blood and love that will always glue it together. When you have a death in a family, you realise how precious and how valuable you are to each other.' Jackie (۶۱) is introverted, quieter than Tito. He looks through you; almost hunted. The Michael Jackson Cirque collaboration was partly his idea. 'I was confident that if you put Michael Jackson and Cirque together it would be spectacular. And it is. When Michael sang a cappella as a boy, you could see how much talent he had. He was the special one. He got into the recording studio, he just knew what to do, instinctively. I carry pieces of him with me. I have a diamond glove of his I use as a keychain. I carry it all the time.' Jackie's also enjoying touring with his brothers again. 'We're tearing it up, we're having a great time.' Long pause. 'We miss Michael, though.' Source: MJFC / Daily Mail