Brother Tito pays tribute to King of Pop

Michael Jackson’s brother Tito paid tribute to him, on the opening night of his first UK solo tour.

Tito sang a medley of Jackson Five hits in memory of his younger brother, helped by their cousin Nicole Jackson.

The 55-year-old singer told the audience at the Manchester Evening News Arena last night that he has had “the blues” since Michael’s death in June this year.

Tito, wearing a red velvet suit, bowler hat and sunglasses, said: “Wasn’t Michael great? Definitely, definitely.

“We all have a little blues in our lives. I definitely have the blues, having lost so much in my life and now my brother.”

Swapping his trademark hat for an afro wig, Tito sang several Jackson Five numbers, including 'I Want You Back', 'ABC' and 'Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)'.

But the performer, backed by an eight-piece band, said he would not attempt to imitate his brother’s high-pitched vocals.

Tito told the crowd: “I don’t have to sound like Michael” and explained their cousin Nicole, one of three backing singers, would take on the King of Pop’s lines.

He was supporting Motown legend Gladys Knight, who introduced the Jackson Five to their first record label, on the opening night of an eight-date UK tour.