Jonathan Moffett

@jsugarfootm • 11,368 subscribers

aka “SUGARFOOT”. I’ve drummed/recorded for Michael Jackson (1979-2009), The Jacksons, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, George Michael, etc.

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Jonathan Moffett

Shorts

Don’t let critics decide for you…this film is special. I’ve spent years with Michael Jackson…and Jaafar Jackson honored that spirit. I was there…I felt it. If the people who lived it feel it…and the fans feel it…that’s what matters. #michaelmovie

Videos

Watch Anya Live

A lot of you may have seen the little snippet of “Human Nature” from the #michaelmovie recreating the Victory Tour….but here’s the real moment from back then. Performing this live with Michael Jackson on the Victory Tour was something truly special!

During Michael Jackson’s live shows, I’d add drum accents in real time to enhance the choreography, movement, emotion, and energy on stage. Almost like a foley artist…but through percussion.

Michael Jackson fans often ask about that break &amp; drum accent before “see that girl…” in “Human Nature.” Believe it or not, the pause was Michael’s idea. Our approach back then was much lighter than the strong drum accent fans recognize today, which evolved over the years.

Reuniting on stage with Jennifer Batten in Changsha, China for “Beat It” was special. Performing this music again in front of nearly 15,000 fans who continue to celebrate Michael Jackson’s legacy was something I’ll never forget. ❤️🥁🎸

“Human Nature” as I played it during the This Is It rehearsals in 2009. As we approach this time of year, a lot of memories come back. Missing Michael and grateful for the moments we shared. 💔 #michaeljackson

Some of the early Jackson tours don’t get talked about enough. Victory Tour was my third tour with Michael &amp; The Jacksons…and some of the most exciting years of my life. Watching Michael grow into the icon the world came to love was special to witness from behind the drums!

Really humbled seeing the renewed love lately for my “Smooth Criminal” performance with Drumeo from 2018. Always an honor celebrating Michael Jackson &amp; the music we performed together. Grateful so many of you are still enjoying and sharing it all these years later.

Performing “Billie Jean” in Changsha, China was an emotional moment for me. Standing behind the drums with Michael Jackson in my heart and spirit…bringing his music back to life for nearly 15,000 fans gathered together to celebrate his legacy and feel that magic again. ❤️

“Human Nature”. Never released rehearsal audio from my private collection of tapes. #michaeljackson

Watching the Victory Tour brought back to life on the big screen was emotional for me. Seeing my character behind the drums again…the same kit, the same energy…they really captured that era. Surreal reliving a moment I was blessed to live through. ❤️ #michaelmovie

What other movie stirs up an audience like this…honestly, none. China, you were amazing. #MichaelMovie

After the Destiny, Triumph, &amp; Victory Tours…Michael wanted me to become the music director for the Bad Tour after seeing my work on Jermaine’s tour. Unfortunately, I had already committed to Madonna’s “Who’s That Girl” Tour. One day I’ll tell the full story. #michaelmovie

Unveiling the gold Michael Jackson HIStory statue in Changsha, China…standing there with the original HIStory Tour band brought everything full circle!

“HIStory”….the exact arrangement I performed with Michael on the HIStory Tour in 1997. Different era in life….same spirit behind the drums. 1997 and today connected through the music. ❤️ #michaeljackson Full video:

“Rock With You”….played this on tour with The Jacksons….Destiny, Triumph, Victory….always special to me. Honoring J.R. Robinson while bringing that live feel back….then and now. Watch full video: #michaeljackson

“Man in the Mirror” by #MichaelJackson. One of the greatest songs ever written in the history of music.

To celebrate “Like A Prayer” climbing back on the Billboard charts, I’ve decided to finally redo this song which I originally recorded with producer Patrick Leonard and #Madonna in the late 80’s! #DeadpoolAndWolverine Deadpool Movie Ryan Reynolds Hugh Jackman

“They Don’t Care About Us” from the HIStory Tour had a very specific feel to it. That groove was strong…almost like a march. In this clip I’m trying to remember the arrangement again. Been a while since I’ve sat down and played this version from the tour… #MichaelJackson

Not many people know I was the original drummer on Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” song. I decided to add drums to the choir version from the Deadpool &amp; Wolverine movie for fun! Deadpool Movie Madonna Ryan Reynolds Hugh Jackman #DeadpoolAndWolverine #likeaprayer #madonna

Michael Jackson fans often ask about that break & drum accent before “see that girl…” in “Human Nature.” Believe it or not, the pause was Michael’s idea. Our approach back then was much lighter than the strong drum accent fans recognize today, which evolved over the years.

Some of the early Jackson tours don’t get talked about enough. Victory Tour was my third tour with Michael & The Jacksons…and some of the most exciting years of my life. Watching Michael grow into the icon the world came to love was special to witness from behind the drums!

Really humbled seeing the renewed love lately for my “Smooth Criminal” performance with Drumeo from 2018. Always an honor celebrating Michael Jackson & the music we performed together. Grateful so many of you are still enjoying and sharing it all these years later.

After the Destiny, Triumph, & Victory Tours…Michael wanted me to become the music director for the Bad Tour after seeing my work on Jermaine’s tour. Unfortunately, I had already committed to Madonna’s “Who’s That Girl” Tour. One day I’ll tell the full story. #michaelmovie

Not many people know I was the original drummer on Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” song. I decided to add drums to the choir version from the Deadpool & Wolverine movie for fun! Deadpool Movie Madonna Ryan Reynolds Hugh Jackman #DeadpoolAndWolverine #likeaprayer #madonna