David is one of the most experienced Michael Jackson tribute acts. He has been performing as the legendary MJ since the tender age of five. Putting on sold-out shows, making special TV appearances, conducting interviews, performing at celebrity parties, high-profile events, and MJ album launches, doing shows around the world, and running a Michael Jackson Dance Company—it simply is a seven-day-a-week Michael Jackson lifestyle.
David has performed in thousands of shows, and each performance results in a huge demand for his return, proving he is one of the most popular tribute acts worldwide with a top-class reputation. He has yet to receive any negative feedback from a client. He has worked closely with many famous faces, some of whom have requested performances at their own events, and some who have even traveled to his shows just for the opportunity to see him again. David is 100% devoted to Michael, and this is easily noticed with every single performance; his live singing, dancing, and show-stopping moves are fully guaranteed to have you singing along to all your favorite songs.
David Boakes has become an internet sensation and even has his very own fanbase. People travel from all over the world to watch David perform at his shows on a regular basis. This year we celebrate receiving over 100,000 likes on our Facebook page. Along with showing how well David is respected in the entertainment industry, this also shows the success of the show and the true professional David really is. Be sure to keep up to date on all our latest posts and tour dates on Facebook.
David picked up the “Professional Artist Recognition” award at the South East Entertainment Awards. He was up against some of the best acts in the country, and the votes came in thick and fast from not only the judges but the public too. David was also asked to open the entire ceremony with a one-off performance of “Smooth Criminal.”
David was asked to do an interview for the prime-time program The One Show, with reference to Michael Jackson’s HIStory album. Back in June 1995, Michael was due to release this album, and when asked how he would like to promote it, Michael told Sony record executives, “Build a statue of me.” The interview, by Nick Hewer, took place by the side of the River Thames. David was wearing the exact outfit that the statue of Michael had been dressed in. The intention was for the BBC to recreate the scenario and float David on a barge down the river; however, the attempt had to be canceled due to bad weather.
In October 2013, David and his team flew to Holland to meet Margret Van Zundert at her Veldhoven Studio. He was photographed and filmed modeling Michael’s iconic poses while dressed in some of his most recognized outfit designs. These images have since been used in promotional media for David’s shows. While there, Holland Star TV1 filmed and interviewed David for various television stations. David still often performs in Holland and is due to perform this year at the Michael Jackson Memorial Day on June 23rd, 2018.
Between a tight schedule of shows in and around the UK, David and his team flew off from Stansted for a three-day festival in Bucharest, Romania. On arrival, they were met by their personal driver in a blacked-out Mercedes, who showed them around Bucharest town center. The festival brings together some of the world’s greatest tributes, including Adele, Queen, Metallica, and Guns N’ Roses, just to mention a few. Promotion prior to the event included billboards of David and the festival all over Bucharest, as well as coverage on the national news. The official Heyday Facebook page posted a video greeting that David had pre-recorded, and it drew an impressive 72,000 views.
David was hired to perform “Billie Jean” for the BBC Two series Pompidou. This stars Matt Lucas playing the lead, along with some other very well-known actors. Having spent a long period of time on set, Matt revealed to David that he is a Michael Jackson fan and “had to get him involved.” David and Matt still remain in contact, and Matt has even supplied video greetings for David’s show. Another funny video of the pair messing around on set can be found on YouTube, and you can also watch the full episode on Netflix.
As Neverland was up for sale when David went to visit, he wasn’t sure what to expect when he pulled up outside. As he approached the gates, they swung open so he had a great view of the estate. The team on-site were really interested to find out about David and what he does, and they shared with him their thoughts on the property, noting how it was in very good condition despite being empty for many years.
After thousands of shows, we decided it was time to release a DVD of David Boakes in concert. The footage was shot over a two-day festival in Derbyshire featuring David and his live band. Nothing compares to the hype and vibe of a crowd at a summer festival, especially when there are Michael Jackson fans in the house. The stage and lighting team used on this show were responsible for Glastonbury’s main Pyramid Stage and have previously worked with near enough every major group and act on our screens. Even Nova Bartle, who worked on Michael’s Dangerous tour, was on-site and knew exactly what David wanted.
