Ben's take on Jacko? You can't beat it

Ben said: "From as far into my childhood as I can remember, I have 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.

"Even my seventh birthday party was Michael Jackson themed."

Ben's passion for performing took hold when he discovered open mic sessions and as soon as he began singing it became clear to him that all he wanted to do was be on stage, entertaining people.

"I was so enthusiastic that during one evening I was told by a compere that I would have to spread my songs over the evening otherwise it wouldn't be a jam anymore, but the Ben Live Show!"

During his teen years, Ben's confidence grew. He experimented with stage hair and make up and wore clothes that would emulate Michael Jackson's unique style.

"I began cultivating the whole persona and image of Michael and was so good that I began to perform at talent shows and school assemblies, dancing and miming to his songs.

"I began to sing in the same style as Michael and discovered that I could sound just like him."

At the age of 17, Ben booked a function hall and promoted his own Michael Jackson Tribute Show. It sold out. He decided to go full-time and hit the road.

"Despite landing myself with lots of debt for the clothes and technical equipment, I began to tour. At that time, Michael was not an especially popular or viable artist, so it was tough going in the early days."

Ben has been on the road for eight years, travelling the world, meeting thousands of people and playing hundreds of gigs.

"I am now in the second year of touring my theatre show, complete with dedicated band, singers, dancers and technicians – otherwise known as my extend family."

Ben's show, Jackson Live in?Concert appears at Wolverhampton Grand tonight (January 25).

by Andy Richardson