Michael Jackson Tribute Band's First Performance

WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- Heralded by many music-lovers as the greatest Michael Jackson tribute band, "Who's Bad" is in more demand than its ever been since it was founded six years ago.

"I feel most importantly now a greater sense of responsibility now that he's gone to get his music out there, to keep his music alive," said Vamsi Tadepalli, the saxophonist who stared the band as a student at the University of North Carolina. "I never get nervous for shows but I'm nervous tonight."

The six-member group arrived to play at the 9:30 club around 4pm Friday. The show was scheduled several months prior but after the pop legend died, a high demand pushed them to schedule a second performance for the night.

"This is my purpose," said Joseph Bell, the lead singer who joined the band two years ago. "I'm not trying to impersonate Michael Jackson. I want to sing his songs. I relate to him. So many people do. Musically, he's a legend and he's a person who cared so much about people."

Wednesday's shock to the world thrusted the tribute band into the spotlight. New venues want to book the group and members say they're up for the challenge to carry on "the man's" music.

"We're going to play as many shows as we can all across the country and the world to celebrate his life," said Tadepalli. "It's an honor."