Backstage DRAMAS Between Michael & Jermaine Jackson On the Victory Tour!!

The Victory Tour, which took place in 1984, was a significant moment in the history of the Jackson family and the music industry. It marked the reunion of the Jackson brothers, including Michael and Jermaine, after years of pursuing solo careers. However, behind the scenes, the tour was fraught with tension, rivalry, and personal struggles that would shape the dynamics of the Jackson family for years to come.

The idea of a reunion tour was initially met with excitement. The Jackson family had not performed together as a group since the 1970s, and the prospect of reuniting after nearly a decade was thrilling. Jermaine, who had spent eight years as a solo artist, was eager to rejoin his brothers. The family believed that the focus should be on the group as a whole, celebrating their legacy and the music that had brought them fame.

However, the reality of the situation was more complicated. Michael Jackson had achieved unprecedented success as a solo artist, particularly with the release of his album “Thriller,” which became the best-selling album of all time. This success created a rift between him and Jermaine, who felt overshadowed by his younger brother’s fame. The promotional efforts for the tour seemed to prioritize Michael, with many promoters viewing him as the main attraction and the other brothers as mere supporting acts.

As the tour preparations began, tensions between Michael and Jermaine became increasingly apparent. Jermaine expressed his frustration with the way the tour was being marketed, feeling that it diminished the contributions of the other brothers. He believed that the Jacksons should be celebrated as a family unit, rather than as a backdrop to Michael’s stardom. Jermaine’s desire for equality within the group clashed with the reality of Michael’s overwhelming popularity.

In interviews, Jermaine voiced his concerns, stating, “A lot of people didn’t take into account that this is a family. I don’t disregard the fact that Michael had the biggest album ever, but still, we want to make sure everyone is fully involved.” His comments highlighted the struggle for recognition and respect within the family dynamic.

The involvement of management also played a significant role in the backstage drama. Promoter Don King, known for his controversial tactics, was brought on board to help manage the tour. He spoke about family unity and love, but the reality was that the tour was becoming increasingly commercialized. Jermaine felt that the focus on profits was driving a wedge between the brothers.

As the tour approached, the Jacksons were expected to return to the studio to create new music. However, the collaborative spirit that had once defined their work was absent. Each brother was given the opportunity to showcase their individual talents, but this led to disagreements over direction and creative control. Jermaine’s frustration grew as he struggled to get everyone on the same page, leading to delays in the recording process.

During the recording sessions for the album “Victory,” Jermaine found himself at odds with his brothers. He contributed to the lead vocals on only one track, “Torture,” which featured Michael and Jackie. The song was the only one from the album to have a music video, but Jermaine’s absence from the promotional material was telling. Instead, a wax figure of Michael was used as a stand-in, further emphasizing the divide between the brothers.

While Jermaine was focused on his solo career, he felt the pressure to contribute to the group project. He was busy promoting his own music in Europe, conducting interviews, and trying to establish himself as a solo artist. This led to further tensions, as his commitment to his individual career was perceived as a lack of dedication to the family project.

As the Victory Tour kicked off, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Fans were excited to see the Jackson brothers perform together again, but behind the scenes, the tension was palpable. Michael’s star power was undeniable, and he was the center of attention, leaving Jermaine and the others feeling like they were in his shadow.

Despite the challenges, Jermaine attempted to maintain a united front. He publicly expressed his love for his brothers, stating, “It’s been eight years or more since we’ve done anything. Let’s go out there and give the people what they want. I love you all.” However, the underlying issues remained unresolved, and the media began to speculate about the growing rift between the brothers.

The media played a significant role in amplifying the tensions within the Jackson family. Reports of infighting and jealousy circulated, with headlines suggesting that Michael and Jermaine were at odds. Jermaine attempted to downplay the rumors, insisting that there was no competition between them. He stated, “It’s like his success is our success, and our success is his success. I can put any of my songs up against Michael’s. It’s just that his songs come at the right time.”

However, Jermaine’s comments did little to quell the speculation. The media’s fascination with the Jackson family dynamics only fueled the fire, and the brothers found themselves under constant scrutiny. Jermaine’s attempts to remind the public of his contributions to the family’s legacy were often overshadowed by Michael’s achievements.

As the tour progressed, the tensions reached a breaking point. Michael’s reluctance to participate in interviews and promotional activities left Jermaine to take on the role of spokesperson for the group. He seized every opportunity to promote his own music while trying to maintain a sense of unity within the family. However, the strain was evident, and the brothers’ relationship became increasingly strained.

In a shocking turn of events, during the final night of the tour at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Michael made a surprising announcement on stage. He declared that he was ending the tour and stepping away from the Jackson family. The revelation sent shockwaves through the audience and left Jermaine and the other brothers reeling. Jermaine suggested continuing the tour without Michael, but the idea failed to gain traction.

In the aftermath of the Victory Tour, Jermaine shifted his focus to his solo career. He released the single “When the Rain Begins to Fall,” featuring Pia Zadora, which became a hit in Europe. The success of the song provided Jermaine with a sense of validation, but he still struggled to escape the shadow of his brother’s fame.

Despite his efforts, Jermaine’s solo career never reached the heights of Michael’s. He faced challenges in securing media attention and struggled to fill venues that had once been packed during the height of the Jackson 5’s popularity. Critics noted that Jermaine’s performances often drew comparisons to Michael, which he attempted to embrace, stating, “You can see each one of us in one another. We all have that Jackson magic.”

While Jermaine navigated the ups and downs of his career, his personal life was also in turmoil. In 1987, his wife Hazel filed for divorce after 14 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce proceedings were messy, and Jermaine found himself facing financial challenges as he dealt with child support obligations for their three children.

As he attempted to rebuild his career, Jermaine faced the harsh reality of life after the Jacksons. The glitz and glamour of his past seemed distant, and he struggled to find his footing in an industry that had moved on. He took on various gigs, performing in smaller venues and trying to regain the spotlight.

Despite the challenges, Jermaine continued to express his love for his family. He often reflected on the importance of the Jackson legacy and the impact it had on his life. In interviews, he acknowledged the difficulties of being in Michael’s shadow but emphasized the bond they shared as brothers.

As the years went by, Jermaine’s relationship with Michael remained complicated. While they occasionally collaborated on projects, the underlying tensions from the Victory Tour lingered. Jermaine’s desire for recognition and respect within the family continued to shape his narrative, and he often found himself grappling with the legacy of the Jacksons.

The Victory Tour was a pivotal moment in the history of the Jackson family, highlighting the complexities of sibling rivalry, fame, and the struggle for identity within a family of superstars. Michael and Jermaine’s relationship was marked by both love and competition, and the tour served as a backdrop for their ongoing struggles.

As Jermaine continued to navigate his solo career and personal challenges, he remained committed to honoring the Jackson legacy. The dynamics between the brothers evolved over time, but the impact of the Victory Tour would resonate for years to come, shaping their individual paths and the story of the Jackson family.