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"Victory Tour" Announcement Press Conference

"Black Beat" magazine (March 1984)

He has successfully promoted fights with such boxing greats Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, and Ken Norton. Now, this friend of Joe and Katherine Jackson, has taken on a new avenue of entertainment and will be the sole promoter of the Jackson Tour. And from his long-winded speech and animated spirits that day, it became evident just how overjoyed he was to be part of this project. Said King of his latest business venture, "...The Jacksons are the best there is. Not only are they the greatest in the music business, but they are the greatest group of people I've ever had the privilege of working with. Each of the Jacksons brings his own special talent and personality to the group as a whole. After ten years of promoting some of the great athletes in boxing, I am looking forward to making the transition into the concert business. I anticipate a warm, honest and open working relationship with the Jacksons, one we'll be proud of." Joe, the proud father end original manager of the Jackson 5, returned King's compliments by saying, "We've welcomed Don as the one who can and will make it happen for the Jacksons in 1984. This is indeed "Family Affair" for all of us."

As I said before, Don King talked and talked and complimented and thanked until everyone in attendance, wondered if there was no end to this man's wind! (We all agreed by the end the press conference that there wasn't!!)

However there was a short (very short) spell when everyone including King was so silent until you could've heard a pin drop and that was when the Jacksons were introduced and were asked their first question.

Bedecked in fashionable garments and pitch black sunglasses, Michael, Marlon, Tito, Jermaine. Randy and Jackie filed onto the makeshift stage, took a quick bow and slid into their seats. The audience applauded wildly for a moment and fell silent. The floor was then opened for questions:

Q: Why are all of you wearing those shades?

Marlon: Because we knew you would ask that question.

Q: Did your union or reunion grow out of the Motown Special?

Jermaine: That had a lot to do with it. The fact that we were back together after 8 years proved we wanted to show a lot of love around the world.

...Q. How much is Pepsi investing in the tour as sponsors? Don: Multi-millions. Somewhere between 5 and 25 million.

Q: How many states will this tour cover?

Don: Well, right now we want to talk about the United States and after we have taken care of old glory, we're not sure. But before we give out all of our secrets, we'll give another press conference after we finish the album. Then we'll be able to toll you dates, time, and places. Right now, what we're doing is announcing the joint venture between Katherine Jackson, Joe Jackson and myself and the Jacksons. And after this union and reunion. today America, tomorrow the world.

Q: Where will you be performing? What kind of concert halls?

Marlon: In large stadiums.

Q: Would the Grand Canyon be a good spot?

Marlon: Yeah, if we could get seats in it.

Q: Michael, could you please take off your glasses?

(Michael shook his head no after conferring with the group.)

Q: Do you plan to go to South Africa?

Don: Absolutely not!

Q: Where did you get that hairstyle, Don?

Don: My hair is like Samson's hair.

Q: We want to hear something from Michael.

Michael: I can't really say much today, but I would like to introduce my family. (Michael introduces his mom and dad, Frankie Crocker, Latoya, Janet, his brothers' "beautiful wives", Hazel, Carol, Enid, and Dee Dee. And then he mentioned that his sister Maureen was unable to come, but she was in the studio recording an album on CBS.)

Don: There you have it, ladies and gentlemen, the golden voice of song.

Q: What's the name of the tour?

Jermaine: "Victory".

Q: Michael, you don't need this tour professionally. What does it mean to you personally?

From that question on, Don King took control of the question and answer segment. First, he hedged Michael's questioning by saying: "Michael's voice is a little strained from making all those hit records, and he won't be able to answer any more questions today." And then, after perhaps one or two more questions, Marlon managed to squeeze in that the "Victory" tour would be a way that the group could spread love and peace around the world. King ended the question and answer session.

I must admit this was certainly not what most of us had expected. We were sure we would have lots of time to question "The Thriller", as well as the rest of his family about their individual feelings on the popularity of the tour, some of the things we can expect from it; will Michael do a solo segment, and so on. But as it stands, we'll all just have to wait until the next press conference to find out more on this mysterious and magical "Victory Tour" scheduled for this summer.