Strabane man pays tribute to the late Tito Jackson

A STRABANE man who just eight weeks ago met Tito Jackson at a festival in Birmingham has said he was glad to meet one of his heroes before his passing.

On Monday morning news broke that legendary Jackson 5 member Tito, had passed away. He was 70 years old.

The guitar-playing older brother of Michael Jackson, Tito had been the catalyst for the family group’s establishment and also had a successful solo career.

The Jackson Five were best known for hits including “ABC,” “I Want You Back” and “I’ll Be There.”

The singer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the rest of the Jackson 5 in 1997.

Strabane man Michael Lafferty, a mega fan of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 recently met Tito and his brothers at the Sollihull Summer Fest in England.

Michael said Tito seemed in fine health and that he was saddened at the musicians passing.

“I am so glad I got to meet Tito Jackson before he passed away,” Michael said. “Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Michael Jackson and the music he and his brothers made.

“When I met the Jackson’s at the festival Tito seemed in great health.. He was in great form and laughing and seemed to be healthy. It was a real shock when I heard the news on Monday that he had passed away. I am just honoured I got to meet him when I did.”