"Who's Bad?" at the 9:30 Club: A Tribute to Michael Jackson

Lauren (white hat), Brittany, and Kimberly (red hat) after the show

By John Griffith, Special to Metromix

Oh MJ, how we hardly knew ye.

Since his untimely death, fans of Michael Jackson have gathered in cities across the world to celebrate the pop icon’s extraordinary and controversial life. Some communities broke into impromptu vigils, while others took to the streets with boomboxes to sing along with his countless hits. Here in the District, we went out dancing at the 9:30 Club.

When MJ tribute band Who’s Bad? booked their show in the world-famous D.C. rock club, they had no idea what a momentous event it would turn out to be. As the unfortunate news hit the airwaves Thursday afternoon, the few remaining tickets to Friday night’s concert – the first to be performed in memoriam of the pop star - sold out almost immediately. In response to the sudden upswell in demand, Who’s Bad? agreed to a second 11 p.m. show.

Billed as “The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band,” Who’s Bad? did not disappoint the anxious crowd. The band explored MJ’s full (pre-crazy) catalogue - from the Jackson Five to “Thriller,” to “Black or White” – each with the requisite wardrobe changes. The faux-Jacko’s vocals were eerily similar to the real King of Pop’s, while his dance moves were a respectable homage to MJ's breathtaking footwork (despite an unfortunate lack of moonwalking). Notable crowd favorites in the nearly two-hour set included “Billy Jean,” “ABC,” “Thiller,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Man in the Mirror.” But no "PYT?" That's just inexcusable.

There are few individuals that have managed to touch as many lives as Mr. Jackson. Over the past three decades, MJ redefined American music, fashion and the entire notion of worldwide fame. After years of concentrating on the negative aspects of his troubled life, it’s refreshing to see a collection of Washingtonians come together to genuinely salute Jackson’s remarkable contributions to American culture. He will surely be missed in the nation’s capital.