Tribute Concerts Cancelled

The two Michael Jackson tribute concerts, planned to be staged on August 29 and 30 at the London O2 arena, have been cancelled.

Seemingly promoters were unable to finalise deals with potential performers.

Memorial Concert

Randy Phillips, CEO of AEG, has suggested that there may be a memorial concert for the late Michael Jackson at the O2 arena on August 29 (Jackson's birthday).

Phillips spoke on BBC6:

"The number one item I'm discussing is presenting This Is It the production, hopefully with the Jacksons and maybe Janet, and other artists."

AEG Live Denies Bankruptcy

AEG Live, the promoter of the late Michael Jackson's O2 residency, has denied that it is standing on the edge of bankruptcy.

They cite the fact that they will be able to make money out of DVD sales of Jackson rehearsing, a possible 9 month tribute and some insurance recovery of monies expended (not lost revenue).

Wrt insurance, it may well be that the policy will be void if the autopsy indicates that Jackson was under the influence of drugs or had a medical condition.

Meanwhile, AEG Live are offering fans that chance to acquire free tickets for the memorial service. As there is expected to be a massive oversubscription, the tickets will be allocated by a draw.

Initially only US fans were allowed to apply for these tickets, until a British tabloid kicked up a fuss and forced AEG into a U turn allowing non US fans to apply as well.

Michael Jackson's Funeral

Reports currently indicate, be advised that this is a very "fluid" story, that Michael Jackson's funeral will be held on Tuesday at the Staples Centre (owned by AEG the promoters of Jackson's O2 residency), the home of LA Lakers in Los Angeles.

The stadium can hold up to 20,000 people, with the option for large television screens to be placed outside for thousands of other fans to watch. Apparently, 11,000 free tickets will be made available.

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which hosted the 1984 Olympic Games and can hold 92,000 people, has also emerged as a possible venue for a memorial.

Seemingly Michael Jackson will be buried in a solid bronze, gold-plated coffin worth $25K.

A Terrific Wheeze!

AEG Live, the promoter of the late Michael Jackson's O2 residency, has come up with a terrific money saving wheeze to minimise the amount it has to refund to fans who bought tickets.

AEG Live is suggesting that the fans can keep the tickets (non black market tickets costing £50 to £75), if they agree to forgo their rights to claim a refund.

The tickets feature lenticular images, which give them a 3D moving effect. Whilst that may be a small inducement, the real inducement is the possibility that the tickets will become collectors' items.

The Vultures Now Circle

It should come as no surprise to anyone, given the complexity of Michael Jackson's life, that there are many "loose ends" to tie up now that he has died a.o.:

- What caused his death?

- Why did the police need to track down Jackson's doctor (Dr Conrad Murray), and impound the doctor's car?

- Who will have custody of his children?

- Did he leave a will?

- What happens to his assets, if indeed there are any assets left after his debts have been deducted?

- Will those who were suing him in life, continue their actions and sue his estate?

- Will everyone who has bought a ticket for Jackson's O2 concerts receive a refund, it is not at all certain that they will? etc.

The vultures are now circling what remains of his estate, and will do their best to pick the carcass of that estate clean.

Self Insured

AEG Live, the company that was hosting Michael Jackson's residency this summer at the O2 Arena in London, is facing a probable loss of around £300M.

Under normal circumstances an insurance policy would have been taken out. However, given the scepticism at the time in the insurance community, over whether Jackson could complete the residency, AEG Live opted for self insurance.

Sold Out?

How odd that more tickets are now available for Michael Jackson's O2 shows that were originally billed as "sold out"!

The Hulk Helps Out

It is reported that Michael Jackson has hired Lou Ferrigno, who played the Hulk in the TV series 1978-1982, to help Jackson improve his fitness in time for his live residency at London's O2.

Neverland II

The media reports that Michael Jackson is hoping to replicate his Neverland ranch in Kent, during his upcoming London residency. Allegedly he wants Foxbury Manor in Chislehurst converted to include a bowling alley and funfair.

Will his promoters pay for this?

Too Many Gigs?

The Sun quotes Michael Jackson:

"Thank you for your love and support, I want you guys to know I love you very much.

I don't know how I'm going to do 50 shows. I'm not a big eater - I need to put some weight on.

I'm really angry with them booking me up to do 50 shows. I only wanted to do 10, and take the tour around the world to other cities, not 50 in one place.

I went to bed knowing I sold 10 dates, and woke up to the news I was booked to do 50."

It may be wise for Jackson's PR people to have a word with him about this.

Postponment Petition

The postponement of Michael Jackson's residency at the O2 London, by 5 days, has caused consternation with a number of fans who had bought tickets for those days.

They have had their concerts rescheduled to March 2010.

Some have set up an online petition protesting the delay.

Another Day, Another Lawsuit

As predicted yesterday on this site, the prospect of Michael Jackson actually earning some money has brought people out of the woodwork sniffing for a way to make money out of him.

Jackson now faces his third lawsuit this month. AllGood Entertainment Inc, an American promoter, has challenged the legality of Jackson's London O2 dates and is threatening to sue him for breach of contract.

AllGood allege that Jackson is barred from performing concerts before a Jackson family reunion performance in July 2010.

The alleged contract claims that Jackson will appear alongside Janet Jackson and the Jackson Five, at a concert in Texas on 3 July 2010. AllGood claim that Jackson agreed not to play any other concerts before the Jackson Five comeback.

Doubtless this all grist to the mill of Jackson's lawyers. However, it can hardly be helpful to his pre stage nerves.

Et Tu Bain?

One recurrent feature of Michael Jackson's regular interaction with the legal system is the fact that cases are often brought against him by one time "friends" and associates, who feel that the "relationship" that they once "believed" was so "special" has ended.

True to form Jackson's one time publicist, Raymone Bain, has brought a claim against Jackson for $44M for alleged breach of contract.

Bain claims that she brings the suit with "deep regret", and that she "greatly admired and respected" Jackson.

However, $44M is $44M, she is quoted as saying:

"Unfortunately, Mr Jackson has elected not to honour the financial obligations of our contractual relationship, despite my numerous attempts to amicably resolve this matter. I am sincerely disappointed in Mr Jackson's failure to honour his obligations."

Earlier this week Ola Ray, who played Jackson's date in the 1984 video Thriller, announced she was suing Jackson for unpaid royalties.

I suspect Jackson will find that others will come out of the woodwork for a bite of the cherry, as they sniff that there is money to be made from his O2 appearances later this year.

Deja Vu?

It seems that history is about to repeat itself, if reports are to be believed that Michael Jackson is to invite his son, Prince Michael I, to share the stage for his London O2 Arena performances.

Given the emotional and psychological damage that being in the spotlight has done to Jackson (he was put on stage by his father), is it wise that he subjects his son to the same?

Animal Rights Protest

Animal rights campaigners have called on Michael Jackson not to use live elephants and tigers during his comeback performances at the O2 Arena in London this summer.

Craig Redmond, director of the Captive Animals Protection Society, is quoted in the Telegraph:

"Exploiting animals in this way really is a thing of the past and not something that someone like Michael Jackson should be doing.

It would be like a circus act – a practice opposed by most people in the UK – and we are appealing to him and his management not to spoil the show by using animals."

I don't think the animal rights lobby should worry too much, I suspect that the cost of obtaining and insuring the animals far outweighs the additional revenue streams that they will generate (given that the tickets are now all sold anyway).

A cynic might argue that the complaints raised by the campaigners are in fact adding to the hype of the tour.

As I have already noted, Jackson's PR people are very professional and know what they are doing.

The Hype Continues

The tabloids report that Michael Jackson wants to ride an elephant onto the stage at each of his 50 concerts at the O2 Arena. He also wants a panther, snakes, tropical birds and three monkeys for the set that will have a jungle, circus and weather theme.

For good measure he wants to employ 100 Masai warriors as well.

Why not?

Given Britain's animal welfare laws, and the cost of obtaining/looking after the animals, I cannot quite see this plan coming to fruition.

Emulating George I

Emulating George I's progress by barge along the Thames, Michael Jackson will be taken to his 50 shows at the O2 Arena by boat; having told organisers that he is scared of helicopters and of being stuck in traffic.

O2 Farewell

Unsurprisingly the 10 nights for Michael Jackson's farewell appearance at the O2 Arena have been increased to 50.

My compliments to his PR people, a very professional job so far.

The Hype Worked

Despite only appearing onstage late, for but a few minutes to announce his 10 concerts in July at the O2 Arena, Michael Jackson has ensured that the events (if they go ahead) will be sold out.

It is reported that over 1 million people have applied for tickets, which go on sale Friday 13th at between £50-£75.

Doubtless his PR people will be telling him to do more than 10 shows, to maximise his revenue stream.