The Jacksons at Hardrock Casino 2024 showed the enduring bond of family

By Jaelynn Mitchell

Photos by Michael Mitchell

On November 2, fans gathered at Cincinnati’s Hard Rock Casino for an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment, as The Jacksons delivered a powerhouse performance celebrating their iconic hits, family legacy, and the extraordinary moments that shaped their journey. With a setlist spanning the heights of their chart-topping career, the concert was filled with both electric energy and moving tributes.

The show opened with a touching tribute to Tito Jackson, who had recently passed away in September. His guitar, jacket, and signature bowler hat took the spotlight on the stage at the beginning of the show. The group then kicked things off with a bang as the crowd immediately danced to the iconic beat of “Can You Feel It,” setting the tone for a night that paid homage to the magic the Jacksons bring to music. Original member of The Jackson 5 and The Jacksons, Marlon Jackson, warmly welcomed the audience to the world of the Jackson family with his brother, Jackie, and nephew Taryll, who is the son of the late Tito Jackson.

An interlude gave fans a rare, intimate glimpse of the Jacksons’ early life through a special video montage. In the video, family members, Katherine and Joe Jackson appeared alongside music industry legend Berry Gordy, each recounting memories of the Jacksons’ beginnings. A highlight was hearing Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon share stories from their old bedroom, a setting where their dreams began. Marlon, on stage, expanded on these stories, recalling how their journey started with a simple family moment—when a broken television led to them singing a song for their mother. Katherine’s recognition for their talent, and Joe’s eventual acknowledgment after seeing them perform, marked the start of rigorous rehearsals that would eventually see them touring small venues to make a name for themselves.

Marlon described one performance at a retirement home that left a lasting impact on the group when an elderly woman asked the brothers the name of their group. On learning they hadn’t chosen one, she suggested that they call themselves “The Jackson 5.” This moment solidified their identity as a family band on the brink of stardom. The show then segued into a thrilling Jackson 5 medley with renditions of “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” “The Love You Save,” and “Dancing Machine.” A performance of “Never Can Say Goodbye” by backup singer Haydon Eshon and Taryll Jackson took the stage next with a heartfelt performance of “I’ll Be There,” a nostalgic and emotional tribute to his father.

The night took on a somber tone as Marlon spoke about the significance of September 10, a date forever etched in the family’s history. He explained how their last concert with their brother, Michael, was on September 10, 2001, and their final show with Tito had been on September 10, 2024. As the screens displayed a touching slideshow honoring Michael, Joseph, and Tito, the song “Gone Too Soon” by Michael Jackson played softly in the background, prompting the audience to reflect on the legacies of these three.

Taryll then performed Tito’s song, “Love One Another,” in a powerful homage to his father, followed by Marlon and Jackie’s rendition of “Can’t Let Her Get Away,” an MJ track from the album Dangerous. For the grand finale, The Jacksons brought the house down with an exhilarating performance of “This Place Hotel: AKA Heartbreak Hotel,” followed by “Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground),” which had the entire audience dancing and singing along.

Over 70 people attended a meet and greet for the brothers after the show, including Ms. Renee Sudderth from Atlanta, who purchased a prized $500 guitar signed by the group.

The Jacksons’ concert was not just a trip down memory lane—it was a reminder of the enduring bond of family and the lasting impact of their music. For fans, it was a night filled with both joy and bittersweet memories, a night that honored the loved ones who passed while celebrating the present.