One Night Only was a canceled concert special for HBO by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, slated to be aired on Sunday, December 10, 1995, at 8 PM ET/PT. The special would feature a pre-recorded concert, which would take place in New York's Historic Beacon Theater on December 8-9.
Cancellation[]
On December 6, Jackson was rushed to hospital after collapsing from dehydration, exhaustion, and low blood levels during rehearsals.[1] Following his hospitalization, background dancers continued to rehearse for One Night Only for the next few days.
However, Jackson stayed in the hospital longer than expected, which forced One Night Only to be canceled completely. He was released from the hospital on December 12.
Lost media[]
As most of the rehearsals with Jackson and the concert itself didn't take place, very little footage is known of the artist behind the scenes of One Night Only. Only very few pictures are currently available. However, no videos or such have been discovered or leaked online, and is currently considered lost to time.
Set list[]
Multiple songs have been rehearsed, although the correct order isn't currently available.
| Title | Note |
|---|---|
| "Dangerous" | The performance was originally going to feature new choreography inspired by the film, "A Clockwork Orange". Ultimately, Jackson and his crew decided to stick with the choreography from Jackson's previous performance at the MTV Video Music Awards due to time constraints. Naomi Campbell was planned to feature in the number. |
| "Beat It" | The performance would've featured new choreography inspired by kung-fu films. Jackson ordered the crew some Bruce Lee films for inspiration. |
| "Thriller" | The performance was reimagined as an industrial punk/rock number with a slight spy undertone. The backup dancers had flashing props and would wear hats and trench coats. Jackson loved the new routine so much that parts of it were later repurposed for his 1996 short film, Michael Jackson's Ghosts. |
| "Smooth Criminal" | The performance was planned to be reimagined for the show, but the new choreography never made it into rehearsals. |
| "Childhood" | Famously, Jackson would have performed "Childhood" with French mime Marcel Marceau miming the lyrics as Michael sang them. Jackson adored this version of "Childhood" and loved getting the chance to work with Marceau. |
| "Billie Jean" | The performance may or may not have had new choreography added to it. |
| "The Way You Make Me Feel" | N/A |
| "Bad" | N/A |
| "Jam" | N/A |
| "Earth Song" | N/A |
| "You Are Not Alone" | N/A |
| "Black or White" | N/A |
| "Smile" | N/A |
Known Personnel[]
Lead Performer
- Michael Jackson
Musicians
- Brad Buxer (Musical director)
- Ricky Lawson (drums)
- David Williams (guitar)
- Jennifer Batten (guitar)
Vocalists
- Kevin Dorsey (background vocals)
- Dorian Holley (background vocals)
- Darryl Phinnessee (background vocals)
- Siedah Garrett (background vocals)
Credits
- Kenny Ortega
- Jeff Margolis (Director)
- Debbie Allen (supervising choreographer)
- Lavelle Smith Jr (Choreography)
- Travis Payne (Choreography)
- Jamie King (Choreography)
- Barry Lather (Choreography)
- Michael Bush (costume design)
- Dennis Thompkins (costume design)
- Marcel Marceau (Guest appearance)
Notes[]
- Lavelle Smith Jr and Travis Payne choreographed "Dangerous" and "Beat It", Barry Lather choreographed "Thriller" and "Smooth Criminal", and Jamie King choreographed "The Way You Make Me Feel".
- Dance rehearsals for the special were held at Sony Studios in New York City.
- The new "Dangerous" choreography would later be used for the MJ & Friends show.
- Naomi Campbell was slated to make an appearance during "Dangerous".
- The new “Thriller” routine would be later used in "Ghosts".
Gallery[]
Rehearsals[]
