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"Who's Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band" is said to be the only MJ tribute that existed before the singer's 2009 death. (Submitted photo / January 25, 2013) |
Tadepalli said they were the only Michael Jackson tribute band before the superstar's death, "so when Michael passed in 2009, we were the go-to band for fans wanting to hear his music. We began getting requests from all over the world."
Today, there are numerous Michael Jackson impersonators and tribute bands but what separates "Who's Bad" from the others, Tadepalli said, is the fact that "we put on a full production with a live band, live vocals and choreographed dance routines. There are no gimmicks and you can tell that everyone in the band really loves what they do. It's infectious to see 'Who's Bad' having fun."
The band's Michael Jackson is actually two individuals — Taalib York and Joseph Bell.
"Both men have always been Michael fans," Tadepalli said. "They alternate every other song on stage. So, while one is performing, the other is changing costumes backstage. It makes for a more fluid show because there are no lulls in between songs for the singer to catch his breath or change outfits."
Tadepalli said he always has had an interest in music, particularly jazz, which he studied in college. He also is an instrumentalist and singer-songwriter.
As manager, arranger, saxophonist, keyboardist and choreographer of "Who's Bad," he has had the opportunity to use his full range of skills, he said.
The band performs more than 150 shows around the globe each year, Tadepalli said, and has shared the stage with Aretha Franklin, Boyz II Men, The Backstreet Boys and The Four Tops.
"You can feel the chemistry of the group when you watch our shows," Tadepalli said. "Even if you don't like Michael Jackson, you can't resist the urge to join in on the fun."
If you go ...
What: "Who's Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band"
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1
Where: The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac Street, downtown Hagerstown
Cost: General admission for adults is $25. Children 12 and younger, $10. Tickets are available at The Maryland Theatre box office, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact: Go to www.mdtheatre.org or go call 301-790-3500.
Today, there are numerous Michael Jackson impersonators and tribute bands but what separates "Who's Bad" from the others, Tadepalli said, is the fact that "we put on a full production with a live band, live vocals and choreographed dance routines. There are no gimmicks and you can tell that everyone in the band really loves what they do. It's infectious to see 'Who's Bad' having fun."
The band's Michael Jackson is actually two individuals — Taalib York and Joseph Bell.
"Both men have always been Michael fans," Tadepalli said. "They alternate every other song on stage. So, while one is performing, the other is changing costumes backstage. It makes for a more fluid show because there are no lulls in between songs for the singer to catch his breath or change outfits."
Tadepalli said he always has had an interest in music, particularly jazz, which he studied in college. He also is an instrumentalist and singer-songwriter.
As manager, arranger, saxophonist, keyboardist and choreographer of "Who's Bad," he has had the opportunity to use his full range of skills, he said.
The band performs more than 150 shows around the globe each year, Tadepalli said, and has shared the stage with Aretha Franklin, Boyz II Men, The Backstreet Boys and The Four Tops.
"You can feel the chemistry of the group when you watch our shows," Tadepalli said. "Even if you don't like Michael Jackson, you can't resist the urge to join in on the fun."
If you go ...
What: "Who's Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band"
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1
Where: The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac Street, downtown Hagerstown
Cost: General admission for adults is $25. Children 12 and younger, $10. Tickets are available at The Maryland Theatre box office, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact: Go to www.mdtheatre.org or go call 301-790-3500.
