Paul Rizzo and Mike Vee aren’t big names but their talent means they are often mistaken for big stars.
The two have very different backgrounds but share a passion — paying tribute on stage to their showbiz idols.
Polite and approachable Michael Jackson impersonator Paul Rizzo takes his role seriously.
He is planning to undergo cosmetic surgery on his nose, eyes and cheeks, so he can look more like Jackson did during the height of his popularity in the ’90s.
The Australian Michael Jackson Tribute Show at the Frankston Arts Centre later this month is already booked out.
‘‘We always do the anniversary show at the Frankston RSL, it’s always a very, very good crowd so I’m really, really looking forward to performing at the arts centre,’’ Rizzo said.
Rizzo’s adoration for Jackson began as a youngster when his brother’s class was practising for a school production.
‘‘His friend brought around a videotape of Billie Jean. It was the first time he did the moonwalk.
‘‘I thought he was the quintessential artist. I was absolutely transfixed. I didn’t understand how someone could hold the whole audience in the palm of their hand. I was hooked.’’
Rizzo’s first Jackson performance came at the age of 14.
‘‘Everything just became clear, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.’’
Rizzo’s aim is to be world’s most specifically detailed Jackson impersonator.
The Australian demand for his act is growing by the day and he is working on breaking into the American market.
Michelle Sims of Black Tie Catering and the Frankston Arts Centre said The Australian Michael Jackson Tribute Show was so popular that the centre would consider running it over two nights next year.
Ms Sims said affordability, location and the cabaret environment associated with tribute acts had brought people of all ages to the arts centre throughout the year.
‘‘The popularity has grown with each show, people keep booking.
The cabaret shows were popular with our parents’ generation and then it dropped off but the price to see the real thing can be outrageous.
‘‘This way they can come and have dinner, a dance and it’s affordable.You can lose yourself and pretend it is the real thing.’’
The popular series of one-night-only impersonators began earlier this year with the Miley Montana show, which was packed with mothers and daughters.
This was followed by 100 per cent Kylie, the Kylie Minogue tribute, and then Chain Reaction, the Australian John Farnham Tribute Show, which starred Mike Vee and was particularly popular with middle-aged audience members.
Impressionist Vee doesn’t need any surgery to look like John Farnham, the resemblance is natural and so is the down-to-earth nature he shares with Whispering Jack — the big surprise is that the tonal quality of Vee’s voice is the same as that of his idol, even in conversation.
‘‘Most Farnham fans will come along and enjoy the show but they soon find out that I’m not trying to be John Farnham or pretend I’m as good as him.
‘‘I’m just doing the songs that I enjoy and putting a touch of my own self in there. It’s not put on,’’ Vee said.
Vee first found fame when he opened the 2008 television series Australia’s Got Talent with his rendition of Help.
Program judge Red Symons told Vee: ‘‘You not only sound like John Farnham, you look like you ate him.’’
The exposure from his television debut gave Vee the opportunity to take lessons with Farnham’s backing vocalist Lindsay Fields.
‘‘He paid me a compliment, he said I used my voice in a very similar way to John. Five million people watched the show that I was on and they put me on first because they thought I was the most dynamic, which was nice.
‘‘After going on the show, I had a lot of interest in agents from different states, saying they’d like to come and see the show.
‘‘So what I did was form bands in each state. It gave me an opportunity to work with talented musicians and musicians who like John Farnham’s music as well.’’
Vee said he used his experience from working in theatre to entertain audiences and was still surprised at the number of Farnham fans who came to his shows.
‘‘I studied all of the videos and moves because we don’t just get up there and sing the songs, we try and put on a show.
‘‘Touring all over Australia, you have no idea how many John Farnham fans there are. It’s freaky.
They’re obsessed. The show appeals to audiences from 25 to 80.’’
Vee finally had an opportunity to meet Farnham backstage at his concert The Main Event.
‘‘I met John and he said he was very honoured that someone had dedicated a show to him. He is a very down-to-earth person and that’s why everybody loves him. He’s an Australian icon, a legend.’’
Following his success in Frankston, Vee will perform at the Peninsula Community Theatre in Mornington in February.
Another peninsula venue, this time in Hastings, will host The Australian Rihanna and Lady Gaga Tribute Show next month.
Band mates Neal Denton and Leo Damiani heard Valerie Gery belting out Rihanna hits at a football club function and saw the potential, later employing Lady Gaga impersonator Lisa Brien, who became the latest act to emerge in a revival which seems to be in its early years.
Local promoter Norbert Graetzer of Drawcard Entertainment said tribute bands were growing in popularity at the Peninsula Community Theatre and that night programs attracted people of all ages, while daytime programs were more popular with older people.
‘‘We put on a raffle, scones, jam and cream and a good show. It’s nice for them to get out and see a nice show in the morning,’’ Mr Graetzer said.
‘‘We’re also working on providing entertainment for kids during the school holidays.’’
On the peninsula, favourite performances include tributes to Robbie Williams, Roy Orbison, ABBA and The Eagles but new tribute acts emerge as quickly as the pop stars they idolise.
As director of Drawcard Entertainment, Mr Graetzer’s main priority is raising money and the profi le of local charities through the tribute performances.
‘‘We want to raise the profile of local charities on the peninsula by connecting them into our shows,’’ he said.
‘‘I personally think we can do it through the music and I view it as a way of creating something special on the peninsula.’’
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