Will Michael Jackson Perform at the O2?
Fans Wonder Whether Concerts Will Go Ahead Amid Ongoing Problems
Jun 21, 2009
Since the March announcement that his 'This is It' farewell concerts in London will begin in July 2009, the bets are on as to whether Jackson, the 50-year old one time pop legend and 'Thriller' hit maker will make it through a 50-date touring marathon at the O2 as various issues surrounding the tour continue to surface.
Concert promoters have repeatedly affirmed Jackson's commitment to the seven-month long dates, but still many wonder if the frail star has taken on too much.
Skin Cancer Rumours
Doubts began to arise soon after the initial 10 concerts was increased to 50 dates due to huge demand, and rumours about his ill-health became rife: "Defiant Michael Jackson is determined to make a full recovery after doctors assured him that his skin cancer is treatable...experts found spots of skin cancer on his upper body and pre-cancerous cells on his face."("He'll Beat It", The Sun, May 16 2009)
The claims were refuted by the Jackson camp who insisted that the star is in perfect health, but that didn't stop many questioning his decision to play a gruelling 50 dates, especially as he'd been seen in a wheelchair months prior to the announcement.
Concerns over his health has also made it difficult for the concert promoters AEG Live to insure the O2 shows and stand to lose millions if Jackson fails to finish the tour. "The company is understood to have managed to secure cover for the first 10 dates...Randy Phillips, chief executive of AEG Live, said [they]would be willing to self-insure for the shows to go ahead..."It's a risk we're willing to take to bring the King of Pop to his fans."" (Michael Jackson Promoters Struggle To Insure London Concerts", The Telegraph, March 13, 2009)
This Is It Concerts Postponed
Hot on the heels of the health scares came the news that the first show, scheduled for July 8th has been moved to the 13th and subsequent shows on July 10th, 12th and 14th postponed to March 2010 to allow Jackson more rehearsal time.
One fan stated "I have tickets for opening night, which was 8 Jul and is now 13 Jul. I'm happy with the date change - it's closer to my birthday! I feel really bad for those who have tickets for the other dates in July though. I'd ask for a refund if I were them - he'll be all out of steam by March 2010." ("Michael Jackson Concert Delay: Your Reactions", BBC News, May 21, 2009)
Lawsuits Against Michael Jackson
Then came the $400m lawsuit, the latest of many that have plagued the star in recent years: "Promoter AllGood Entertainment Inc. is behind the lawsuit, which alleges that Jackson's [O2 Concert] violates a contract that requires Jackson to perform at a Jackson family reunion concert in 2010, and he can't individually give a show before that date or for a certain period of time afterwards." ("Lawsuit Won't Stop Jackson Concert Series", msnbc.com, June 14, 2009)
With all the issues surrounding the concert before it has even begun, many ticket-holders for the later shows nervously await their dates hoping Jackson's health and stamina will hold out, whilst others that have worked with him, like one ex-legal representative, have doubts: "He's a serial betrayer of business deals. He'll probably play a couple of shows, then get a doctor's sick note. Jackson's not a well man. To do 50 concerts you need real strength, mentally and physically. He couldn't even read the teleprompter at the press conference." ("Will Michael Jackson Survive His Concert Marathon?" The Times Online, May 31, 2009)
Whatever the opinion, the eyes of the world will be on the O2 from July 2009 until February 2010 to see whether the King of Pop can reclaim his crown.
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