Darryl is seen also in the Michael Jackson movie, "This Is It." He'd been rehearsing with Michael for the new tour.
"I've been on three world tours with Michael so it was a continuation, but it had been about a 15 year span so this was just a wonderful reunion," said Phinnessee.
Darryl says he last saw Michael as he left rehearsal at 11:45 p.m., the night before the singer died. It was before any drug abuse issues came up.
"Michael was vibrant. Michael was alive and you'll see it in the movie," said Phinnessee. "It's completely blind-sided me and everybody else."
As you'll also see in the movie, Michael was very nurturing with the people who worked with him.
"Michael is a gentle soul, just a beautiful person to be around," said Phinnessee. "He's very humble, quiet and soft-spoken. He then turns on this dynamic thing which is Michael Jackson."
Darryl isn't ready to talk about Michael yet as someone who's passed on.
"I don't know that it will ever change from the present tense," said Phinnessee. "He's a beautiful being, and that stays with me."
