TGtS Meets...Ben Bowman

Michael Jackson tribute artist Ben Bowman spoke to TGtS about moonwalking in the footsteps of the King of Pop.

How long have you been a Michael Jackson fan and how did your love for him come about?

From as far back as I can remember, I've always been obsessed with Michael Jackson. Everything about the King of Pop mesmerized and enchanted me. I used to spend hours pouring over album covers, photographs, interviews, videos and anything I could find that was about Michael. 

Have you ever seen him perform live?

I saw him live in 1993 on his Dangerous Tour, for me this is when he was at the height of his success. I always loved to sing and began starting to copy Michael’s signature moves from this point on. 

What is your favourite Michael Jackson song/album?

Most of my favourite Michael Jackson songs are from his BAD album, I feel like at this point in his life Michael's music really matured and we saw a different side to him. Man in the Mirror is one of my all-time favourite MJ songs, releasing this was a pinnacle in his career. I also love Billy Jean, when I perform this song, something magical happens! I don't want to give too much away though. 

You’ve been impersonating him for 9 years now, what made you go from being a fan to performing?

As a fan, it's hugely important for me to produce a heartfelt tribute as a legacy to him and as long as I can do that successfully, that’s all I care about.

Michael Jackson was known for his incredible stage outfits, do you have any particular favourites?

I've spent an absolute fortune trying to recreate some of MJ's signature stage looks. My personal favourites are from the 80s, I love the outfit that he wore in the music video for Billy Jean. Almost all of my costumes are custom made, Michael Jackson was really particular about the fit of his clothes so I'm the same.

Michael Jackson reinvented himself many times during his career, is there an era or an album that you particularly like?

The Bad era was a huge favourite of mine, he had such an energy in all of his stage performances during this period of his life, I think he was at the peak of his career between 1987-1988. 

What was it like to perform at Glastonbury in front of 15,000 people, and is that your favourite ever performance?

Performing at Glastonbury was hands down the highlight of my career. It was just incredible, I love doing the theatre shows but peforming to such a huge audience was just mind blowing. The crowd were just magic, for that one day I got to do exactly what my idol did. I literally just walked out on stage and was in awe of everybody. 

Has the crowd’s reaction to your show changed since his death?  Do you feel what you do is more poignant now?

I think it's really important for me to show people the side of MJ that they forgot. When I first started out it wasn't particularly fashionable to be a Michael Jackson tribute artist but I stuck with and look where it's got me. 

How long does it take you to transform into Michael Jackson?

It takes me about 2 hours to make the transformation from Ben Bowman to Michael Jackson - my make-up alone takes me at least 45 minutes to apply, then I have to put on my costume which can sometimes take me 15 minutes. Warming up my vocals and perfecting my moves take me about an hour!

Jackson Live in Concert, starring Ben and his Live Band & Dancers, will be performed at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, on Sunday 23 June at 7:30pm.

Book tickets today at wyverntheatre.org.uk or by calling the Ticket Office on 01793 524 481.