In broadcast first, network will put full-length shows on video site for free -- in Britain.
Jacko Delays His July Comeback Concerts
The show needs more preparation -- and there are questions about Jackson's ability to physically perform.
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Well, this is no surprise.
Michael Jackson's 50-concert comeback series at London's O2 Arena has been delayed, organizers said on Wednesday.
The opening concert has been moved back five days, to July 13, and three more shows scheduled for July have been moved to next March.
"This show has grown in size and scope, thereby necessitating more lead time for manufacture of the set, programing the content for the massive video elements, and, most importantly, more time for full production and dress rehearsals," said Randy Phillips, president of concert promoter AEG Live, in a statement.
But a longtime family adviser told TheWrap that the singer is “physically, emotionally and professionally unable to perform” for the 50-night engagement – and that Jackson who reportedly had been rehearsing at an undisclosed location near Los Angeles International Airport had actually shown up only twice at the rehearsals.
“He’s so predictable,” the family insider said, adding that when Jackson did show up he appeared to be “lethargic.”
TheWrap reported preparations for the tour early last month, as Jackson began prepping -- questioning then whether the 50-year-old performer was up physically for the grueling series of concerts, and whether he was giving himself enough time to prep for it.
Jackson was attempting to put the show together in less than two months. Complicating matter is that is has been 12 years since his last tour, his last public appearance was three years ago at the World Music Awards, when he barely whispered a few lines of “We Are the World ” – and the show was an almost unprecedented extravaganza.
It is rumored to have fantastic elements including a jungle with elephants, monkeys and parrots, a high-wire act with Jackson performing like an airborne Peter Pan -- and even a duet with his 12-year-old son Prince.
Stacy Brown, a longtime Jackson watcher and the co-author of "Michael Jackson: The Man Behind the Mask," told TheWrap he was not surprised by the latest developments in the turbulent career of a man once considered that greast entertainment of his era.
"If anyone is shocked by this postponement, they've been living under the proverbial rock when it comes to Michael Jackson and his promises to do concerts,” Brown said. “When this was initially announced as a 50-show farewell, I thought, who is the sucker this time? Jackson knew he wasn't ready and AEG, I think, fooled itself into believing that all he needed was psychological readiness. That they could coax him into this and his desire and abilities would take care of the rest.”
Jackson sold more that 750,000 tickets to the concert series in less than a week of the announcement of his return to the 02 arena, considered one of the premier venues in the entertainment industry. Full refunds will be given if ticketholders can't make the new dates.
The postponement legally could be construed as his breaking his contract with AEG Live, the family insider said.
Comments
ubuntu Says
Rest in Peace the king of pop! games
nafisa Says
"a man who was considered the greateast entertainer"
get ur facts right...he was and he will always be the greatest entertainer.these shows were not his idea of getting his throne back.it was already with him liek always..it was his way of reminding the haters and the critics who the real daddy is. everyone is allowed to take a break..nd as per the global phenomena and the influence that mj has had on the countless ...or should i say all the celebrities in the world...and the fact the thriller still remains the biggest selling album and will always remain the biggest selling album just goes to show..that "he wasnt the greatest entertainer" but "he is the greatest entertainer and will always be"
thank you
Jason Says
It is time that every one acts as an American citizen, instead of acting as white against black, Spanish against black, Russian-American more than American, Asian-American more than American, Arab-American, or others. We all have to act as American citizen, deeply loving our country and its entire population. We have to put the honor and the interest of our country more than our ethnies, the color of our skin, or the country that our parents came from.
In fact, as true patriotic citizens, we must consider Michael Jackson as an American pride, and he could be the most. You like it or not.
Unfortunately, a group of hateful people believe and act as whites with Neo-Nazi philosophy, which is that a black person couldn't be the most or the first. They are extremists and activists in denying that Michael be the greatest singers ever, greater than Elvis (American), Beatles (UK), Rolling Stone (UK). They are fighting him as their first enemy, insulting him for no reason, and ready to hurt him in the first opportunity. They don't see the great Michael as a patriot American citizen that they have to support for the honor and the pride of our country. They rather see him as black, very different from them, so he should not be so successful.
Such philosophy is so sad, and it doesn’t serve our country. It could also be the cause of problems that the country is facing now. People put the interest of their group over the interest of our country. His show will be a great event in the UK with great positive impact in their economy, tourism, employment, and others. It should have happened to our country.
Hate him or not, he is the greatest ever singer, and the world really like him. He is so silly and unnecessary evil to Betray Michael ,just because you believe that a black person could not be so successful..
Lora Says
" a man once considered that greast entertainment of his era"
Seems like even spell-check would've caught "greast", which I don't believe is an actual word
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