[THEATRE REVIEW] WHO’S BAD: THE ULTIMATE MICHAEL JACKSON EXPERIENCE @ The Crown Palms Review (2025)
A spirited, colourful and joyful celebration of the King of Pop, Talib Abu recaptures the music and the moves that made Michael Jackson such a mighty performer.
With impressive attention to detail and an electrifying vibe, he and a four strong tribute band, along with six dancers, deliver big time.
All the hits are there in the best part of a couple of hours of entertainment. Think Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean, Thriller, Bad, Man in the Mirror and many more.
But it is not just these great songs that make Who’s Bad as good as it is. It is the showmanship and the choreography, the costuming and the video accompaniment.
On a large screen behind the band and on two others either side of the venue, we witness Jackson in his heyday, the ultimate entertainer, busting moves.
Talib has those same signature moves – think the moonwalk and crotch snap for starters – down pat and plays them up to the palpable excitement of patrons.
I am not kidding when I say that this guy appears to glide across the stage and makes it look effortless. He is so damn good at it.
But more than that, it is his look: the frequent, striking jacket changes, the sunglasses, the gloves, the white socks, the hat. It is a potent combination.
The best of all is his vocalisation. He sounds like the real deal and that is undoubtedly what those paying to see the show want to hear.
Talib is passionate and outstandingly talented in his own right.
His enthusiasm extends to all who accompany him on stage. What elevates this production is the collective energy. The saxophonist is another true showman, who winds up the crowd and makes his instrument sing.
On other occasions, the guitarist is front and centre, seemingly strumming away for his dear life. The drummer too ensures the beats are given a hefty boost, while the bass player is hardly a slouch.
The dancers are super slick and in sync throughout, reflecting the tone … the tempo … and the feel of show.
And then there is the unmistakable impact of the lighting design – heavy on red – that transports us into the realm of being party to something special.
That is what Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience is – a fond trip down memory lane.
It is a sure-fire way to rejoice in all the joy that MJ brought to the world.
His roots aren’t overlooked either, because there is a bracket that showcases The Jackson Five.
One of those numbers sees Talib, as Jackson, seated dead centre at the front of the stage, his legs dangling over the edge.
He engages directly with the audience and then briefly gets down amongst us – a nice touch.
In fact, the whole experience is about feeling good and being uplifted.
As the longest running MJ tribute band in the world – they have been going for 20 years, predating Jackson’s passing – this is their first time in Australia.
Hopefully, it won’t take another two decades to see them back on our shores, because they strut their stuff with poise and polish.
Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience is playing at The Palms at Crown again on 25th May, before heading to NSW and Brisbane. For full tour details and to book tickets, go to https://abstract.net.au/event/whos-bad/
Review and Photography by Alex First