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Around the World: The European Jackson Event, "…Simply unbelievable!"
Created: Tuesday, 15 March 2005
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SEE
MICHAEL'S MESSAGE HERE!
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To
download the video from the European Jackson Event please click
here .
(right click / control click and "save file as" or similar)
Courtesy of www.jacksonevent.com
March the 6th started very early for the crew of the European Jackson
Event especially because we had a very short night. The night before
the event, Pete (The host) Arved (The DJ) and Taj, his driver (Maartje)
were at our place to discuss the latest things. After a couple
hours of sleep it was show time, the day we looked forward to for 7
months. Today the complete puzzle of the stage, lights, pyro's, transportation,
performers, crew etc. had to come together.
Around 8.00 in the morning we arrived at the Danssalon and already there
were trucks and cars full of technical equipment to build the stage. It
was very impressive to see all those lights and truss systems all over
the Danssalon.
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We
were a little nervous because we only had 5 hours to build everything,
complete rehearsals, and program the lights. When we arrived at the
Danssalon there were already fans from Greece waiting outside to have
the best spot of the club.
During the next 5 hours as they were building the stage I looked outside
the windows every hour. What I saw was amazing. Hundreds of people were
already waiting outside and they completely blocked the square in front
of the club. All people who share the same love as me, Michael Jackson.
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A
half an hour before show time I got extremely nervous. Our special guest
Taj Jackson (3T) had not arrived and because of our heavy schedule everything
had to be perfect. The countdown had started and at 14.00 the doors
finally opened.
At first, we had a big problem checking the tickets, so after 30 minutes
we decided to open the doors for everybody. I really couldn't believe
my eyes... over a 1000 Michael Jackson fans were together. People from
the U.S. Greece, Belgium, Germany, France, Russia, Denmark, Sweden,
Spain, Italy, and Scotland...etc. etc. with the same vision: Support
the King Of Pop.
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At
15.00 Taj Jackson finally arrived so the show could start. Taj and I
went to the backstage area and we heard the opening music begin. After
3 minutes the pyro effects and the glitter were pumped into the air
the curtains raised and the European Jackson Event had finally started. Taj
Jackson had a great speech about the love the fans give to him and his
family. The fans went CRAZY.
After the opening it was Navi-Time. You really can see the fans love
him because the reaction from the crowd was absolutely amazing. After
Navi, it was time for The New Generations who did a perfect Motown 25
act with a highlight from Norway, K.O.S. His Billie Jean performance
that was overwhelming.
At 16.00 I got nervous, really nervous. One of my best friends and one
of the most difficult acts of the day was about to enter the stage:
O JAY Jackson. This was the act that was technically very difficult
because he used screens and his own lightshow, but what we saw was unbelievable.
He did ‘Scream' together with Nicole (as Janet) but the highlight of
his performance had to be "We Are Here To Change The World" from Captain
EO. On the screen, parts of Captain EO were shown. It's hard to explain,
it has to been seen to be believed.
After these 4 acts we had a break for 30 minutes so the fans could jump
on stage and show their best moves. This was really great because the
fans were battling to out-do each other with their moves. After our
break one of the best dancers entered the stage: Ceyload... he had a
Michael inspired dance and the people went crazy. This man has all the
moves and on the end Michael's picture was shown on the screen with
the text: "Michael, you are our biggest inspiration" which the crowd
loved. The screaming was overwhelming.
Then it was time for Belgium's pride, Christ' Of. With over 20
dancers (Jackson Dance) he rocked the show, one of the highlights of
the day. With a little delay the MJ Experience entered the stage and
the fans saw a MSG-like show with an amazing Dangerous performance.
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The
DJ and Pete (our host) were making everybody scream, “Michael is Innocent”.
It was so nice to hear this from over a 1000 fans. The feeling of love
on that day was unbelievable.
The second break was over and then it happened... a box with a mummy
entered the stage. Everybody knew what time it was: ‘Remember The
Time'. TNG together with 5 dancers made an exact copy of the video and
the reactions from the crowd was again amazing.
Because it was a Jackson event, we had a great surprise for Janet fans.
Etiennette made a special trip from France to perform for all Janet
fans and Janet lovers. She did a great mix from all the highlights from
Janet's career. Janet can be proud of Etiennette because she's one of
the friendliest performers I have ever met and her dancing is really
amazing.
The time had come. People were waiting for Michael's video message all
day and in a few minutes Michael would come on the big screen to thank
his fans. When I was sitting on stage waiting for the message I saw
something strange.
First thing I did was to look at the DJ with a very angry look. I thought
he had the wrong DVD. But when I looked again I saw my girlfriend Evelyn
on the screens..."Thijs, you wanted to make this a special day for everybody,
but I want to make it special for you...Will you marry me???
Well, I think you know how I felt...I started crying and said: "YES"
It was already late, so we really had to show Michael's message and
when we did the Danssalon almost exploded. People, Crew, Performers....
everybody went WILD!
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Because
of the screaming we showed it again and the reaction was the same. Simply
unbelievable! We thought this was the highlight but Michael was also
kind enough to donate 2 signed fedoras and 5 signed pictures for charity.
People could buy tickets for the lottery and win these very, very special
items. We also had surprises from Janet Jackson, 3T, Dealz, Augie and
Mr. Joseph Jackson. Taj Jackson was doing the lottery and he really
enjoyed being Santa Claus for a moment. You can guess how happy
the people were who won these special items!
Ever heard of Andre Santisi?? If not, you are missing someone special. He
used silhouette screens, the Smooth Criminal lean effect, wind machines
and more. You have to save the best for last.
Also there were some special surprises... straight from the movie "Horizonica". We
had a special thriller dance act with very, very scary looking people.
Last but not least, I really want to thank some people: MJJsource, Karen,
Taunya, Marijke, Bina, Natascha, Rico, Silvia, Evelyn, Olaf, Andre,
Nicol, Paul, Kersten, Olaf, Nima, Conny, Louisa, Jos, Pete, Arved, Joris,
Sebastiaan, Chris,Cindy, Rene, Janneke, Dave, Maartje, Henry, Taj Jackson,
The GOGO Dancers, the fans, the security, the Danssalon and all the
fan clubs who helped making this day one of the best in my life. (Maybe
I forgot some names but you know who I mean)
My very special thanks go to Michael Jackson: you are there for us,
and we are there for YOU
Love Thijs
Pictures 2, 5 & 6 courtesy of www.jacksonevent.com
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