Corey Feldman Joins Alien Ant Farm for “Smooth Criminal” Cover in Hollywood

During a 54th anniversary show for the Rainbow Bar & Grill on Saturday, Alien Ant Farm performed in the venue’s parking lot. Their set included their 2001 hit, a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” They were joined on stage by actor Corey Feldman.

Frontman Dryden Mitchell introduced Feldman as his “childhood hero.” The appearance carried a particular resonance, given Feldman’s well documented friendship with Jackson in the 1980s. The performance also happened the night before the premiere of the “Michael” biopic in Hollywood.

Alien Ant Farm’s cover, which turns 25 next month, remains their defining track. Feldman, who once regularly defended Jackson against abuse allegations, has distanced himself from that position in recent years. The moment served as an odd cultural confluence, linking nu-metal nostalgia, Hollywood lore, and the enduring, complicated legacy of Michael Jackson.