Four of the Jackson brothers—Marlon, Jermaine, Tito and Jackie—are preparing for a comeback tour without their late brother, Michael. The Jacksons, which brought mega hits in the ‘70s with songs like “ABC” and “Never Can Say Goodbye,” launch their “Unity” tour on Wednesday—just five days ahead of the third anniversary of their brother’s death. Jermaine said the group wanted to reunite on their own for years, but after Michael’s passing, they needed time to heal. But even so close to the opening of the tour, Jermaine admits that singing without Michael hasn’t been easy. “The brothers don’t know this, but I’ve broken down several times and cried during rehearsals,” said Jermaine during a recent rehearsal break on a soundstage in Burbank, Calif. “I’m so used to Michael being on the right and then Marlon, Jackie, on and on. It’s just something we never get used to.”
Audiences will quickly hear changes made to the band’s popular tunes. Without Michael, the group had to rearrange their classics to fit their voices. “Unity” will mark the first time the brothers have toured together since their final “Victory” outing in 1984. The Jacksons’ tour, which will feature a tribute to their brother Michael, kicks off at Rama Casino in Ontario, Canada, and is scheduled to end July 29 at the Snoqualmie Casino Amphitheater in Snoqualmie, Wash.
