International guitarist recalls Michael Jackson experience
Many are called, but few are chosen.
Australian musician Orianthi is one of the privileged ones who have worked with Michael Jackson in in rehearsals for his aborted “This is It” concert series (he passed away before the series kicked off).
The King of Pop himself called an incredulous Orianthi and asked her to be his guitarist in his London show, a privilege granted only to the the likes of Eddie Van Halen, Slash and Jennifer Batten.
“Working with Michael was surreal. He was brilliant,” Orianthi said at a presscon in Hard Rock Cafe last Tuesday, August 19.
Human and hilarious
But the Gloved One was also as human as can be.
“He was inside a giant spider covered with crystals while ‘Thriller’ (one of Michael’s signature songs) was playing. But he couldn’t get out. So he continued to move in circles until he said, ‘Can someone get me out of this?”
Orianthi found this hilarious.
Michael must have seen so much promise in the young guitarist, he advised her: “Project. Do what you wanna do. Don’t hold back. Just entertain people because that’s what we were born to do.”
Playing with legends
Santana is another mentor.The legendary musician is one of the big reasons Orianthi became a guitarist. Her guitarist-father took her to a Santana show when Orianthi was 11 and she was blown away.
Five years after, Orianthi shared the stage with Santana himself in a performance she will never forget. The legendary guitarist heard about Orianthi and invited her to his soundcheck to jam with him.
Impressed, Santana asked her to go on stage when he had a concert tour in Australia.
“I thought it was just to have my guitar signed. I would have been happy.”
'Never fear'
But Santana asked her to stay on stage where she played for 35 minutes and performed solo.
He also advised Orianthi: “Never fear. Just play.”
Michael Jackson and Santana are not the only music icons Orianthi has worked with. The others are Aerosmith’s Steve Tyler, Alice Cooper and Bon Jovi’s Richie Sambora.
After seeing singer-songwriter and Journey lead vocalist Arnel Pineda's show, Orianthi wants to add him to her list of co-performers and collaborators.
“He’s such an incredible singer. He has such amazing talent and an incredible range. He’s a great person too.”
The words are music to the ears, not just of the press people, but of Rene Walter, president/CEO of Management (USA) which handles the two artists’ careers.
Chicken adobo fan
The collaboration, Walter added, must happen ASAP.
Orianthi herself wants to feel the Manila music scene. After stepping out of the plane the night before the presscon, the occasional chef can’t wait to look around and taste chicken adobo.
“I’m really excited to be In Manila for the (Every Road) tour. I can’t wait.”
The tour, named after “Every Road Leads Home to You,” the new single by Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora in which Orianthi is featured, will take her to Chef and Brewer (Friday, August 22), GMA 7’s “Sunday All Stars” (August 24), 19 East (Monday, August 25), MYX (Tuesday, August 26) and Hard Rock Café (Wednesday, August 27).
The first-time Manila visitor brings with her decades of experience performing all over the world – Russia, Japan, India, other parts of Europe and her native Australia.
Retaining her femininity
Orianthi's road tours are with predominantly male musicians she treats like brothers.
How has she managed to retain her femininity in a male-dominated field?
“I may be one of the guys. But I must be myself,” she replies.
It was not easy being herself at first. One of Orianthi’s school teachers asked her to try the harp instead because it’s “more feminine.” Orianthi stuck to her guitar, and the rest, as they say, is history.
To those who want to follow in her footsteps, Orianthi has this to say, “Never give up. Continue what you’re doing.”
By continuing what she's doing, Orianthi can't ask for more. She's having the time of her life.
