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.

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.

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.

The Final Curtain

Michael Jackson took to the stage yesterday, at London's 02 Arena, to tell the audience that he will perform 10 shows in July at the Arena. The shows will be "the final curtain call".

The 02 Arena performances will begin on July 8 2009, and will run for 10 nights.

Tickets for the performances will go on sale at 7am on Friday 13 March 2009. Presale information is available from michaeljacksonlive.com, or by texting MJ to 81707. Prices start at £50, £60 and £75.

Thriller Remake

The Daily Mirror reports that Michael Jackson intends to remake Thriller.

Jackson appeared by video at the NRJ Music Awards in Cannes, where he was awarded some form of medal, and said:

"I'm coming back. And I've got a very special treat for all of my fans.

I have been recording Thriller: 25th Anniversary, with a lot of surprise guests."

The Jackson camp claim that he will hold a European comeback at the O2 Arena in London in summer.

Time will tell.

Jackson Comeback?

It is rumoured that Michael Jackson may be planning a comeback.

Allegedly he has been meeting music industry insiders and promoters, with a view to releasing a major new album and international concert tour to promote it late 2008 or early 2009.

It is also rumoured that his sister, Janet, and some of his brothers may also be involved.

A year is a long time in show business, and there is still the matter of the release of the charity single for the victims to Katrina to be "finalised".

Prince Helps The King

Prince is advising the "King of Pop" Michael Jackson on how to save his career.

Jackson has allegedly turned to Prince for help with his comeback.

Prince has advised Jackson to play a series of acoustic shows in Las Vegas.

The New York Post quotes a source:

"Prince has been suggesting that Michael play a sequence of unplugged concerts in Las Vegas just Michael and the microphone. No gimmicks, no costume changes, no smoke or mirrors, just his voice."

Earlier this year Prince had snubbed Jackson's offer of a joint tour to help him re-launch himself on the world stage.

Jackson Plans European Tour

It is reported that Michael Jackson is planning a European tour, this is his plan B following on from his failure to attract interest in a comeback tour in Las Vegas.

Seemingly Las Vegas entertainment executives believe that Jackson is too "explosive" to book at this time.

Prince Snubs King

Prince has snubbed the "king of pop", Michael Jackson, by refusing to join him on a comeback tour.

Jackson asked Prince to perform with him on a planned comeback tour. However, Prince delcined citing that he was busy.

A source is quoted in The Sun:

"Michael seemed pretty gutted about it. He said he's approached Prince to see if he would like to work together. But Prince wasn't interested in gigging with him.

There would be so much hype surrounding (his) first gig, it would end up turning into the Michael Jackson show.

Prince had his own plans. He is a legend in his own right. He doesn't need to be supported by anyone."

Vegas Show In Doubt

Michael Jackson's plans for possible comeback shows in Las Vegas are under threat, as he has reportedly demanded £100M to perform.

Not surprisingly those who are expected to fork out the £100M are of the view that Jackson is "taking the piss". Therefore talks have broken down.

I'll do it for £10M!

Jackson Rejected

Another nail has been driven into the coffin of Michael Jackson's moribund music career.

Jackson has had his requests to both Simon Fuller and Simon Cowell to manage his comeback, turned down.

American Idol

The media are speculating that Michael Jackson is teaming up with American Idol creator, Simon Fuller, to manage Jackson's comeback.

Allegedly Fuller has flown to Las Vegas to meet with Jackson and discuss how can help resuscitate Jackson's career.

The $100K Pharmacy Bill

Michael Jackson likes to do things big. Therefore it should come as no surprise to hear that he has allegedly racked up a $100K pharmacy bill.

Unfortunately, the payment of this bill has been in dispute.

The owners of Mickey Fine Pharmacy sued Jackson last Wednesday, for reneging on an oral bill-paying agreement. They stated that Jackson owed over $100K from prescriptions dating back to 2005.

Jackson has now amicably settled the dispute, according to Jackson's spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain.

Quote:

"(Mickey) Fine Pharmacy has been paid."

However, it is unclear as to whether Mickey Fine agrees with this statement.

Jackson Plans Another Comeback

It seems that, despite the drubbing that Michael Jackson received for the World Music Awards debacle last week, he is game to have another go at relaunching himself.

Jackson is planning a comeback in the New Year with the help of David Blaine, the magician.

A Jackson "source" is quoted as saying:

"There is nothing more sacred to Michael than his electricity on stage, press reports claimed he will never sing again like he used to, they are in for a shock.

The attacks have personally hurt him, he has always prided himself on his abilities as a live performer. His response will be dramatic and the answer is going to be onstage, it is something nobody else could create."

Seemingly Jackson spoke to Blaine shortly after the World Music Awards debacle.

Cynics might take this latest "comeback" story with a large pinch of salt. After all, the world is still waiting for the charity release aimed at helping the victims of last year's hurricane Katrina.

The Bush Interview

Billy Bush conducted an "interview" with Michael Jackson, when he was in Dublin.

Those of you expecting insight and probing questions into Jackson's life, will be very disappointed. Bush has allowed Jackson to dictate the terms of the "interview" (Jackson in fact stated that he didn't want an interview), and has used it for some low level PR for his theoretical "comeback".

The "interview" can be accessed via this link Bush.

Jackson Splits

Michael Jackson has split with the Bahrain based record label, Two Seas Records, only five months after signing on.

Jackson's spokeswoman, Raymone Bain, confirmed that Jackson is no longer affiliated with the label; even though he cofounded it only last April, and even though it was to be used as the vehicle for his comeback album.

Jackson formed Two Seas Records with Bahrain royal family member Abdulla Hamad Al-Khalifa. It had been planned that British music executive Guy Holmes would serve as CEO and oversee production on Jackson's new disc, which had been aiming for a 2007 release.

However, it is reported that the deal between Holmes and Jackson had never been formalised. Quite what Abdulla Hamad Al-Khalifa, who has tried to help Jackson, thinks of the split is not reported.

Needless to say, this volte face brings into question the likelihood of Jackson ever releasing his much vaunted Hurricane Katrina benefit single "From the Bottom of My Heart".

It seems that in order to keep himself in the public eye, and to appear to be busy, Jackson has formed the Michael Jackson Company to oversee his finances and to possibly become a record label.

Reality will eventually hit home, when the money runs out.

Jackson Plans Makeover

Reports, if they are to be believed, indicate that Michael Jackson is contemplating yet another change of image.

Jackson discussed his comeback with DJ Whoo Kid, when they met in Bahrain.

Whoo Kid is quoted as saying that he offered some tips on make up etc:

"I told him he needs to cut his hair, get some million-dollar earrings, get a million-dollar watch and take all them spaceship clothes off.

He said: 'I have to change my whole outlook.' He said he was trying to work out."

We shall see!

50 Cent

Reports suggest that Michael Jackson is planning a comeback by recording a song with 50 Cent.

Allegedly 50 Cent met Jackson at the Bahrain Grand Prix last week.

A source is quoted as saying:

"Michael was talking to 50's DJ Whoo Kid who spoke to 50 there and then about it. The track would catapult Michael back into the limelight, which he is desperate for, and 50 has always been a fan."

I would take all of this with a heavy pinch of salt, and remind people that Jackson has yet to release his much hyped song for the victims of hurricnae Katrina.

The Shop

The Jackson family are apparently touring cable networks, touting a proposed pilot for a reality series in which Michael Jackson's siblings take feature roles.

Cory Rooney is producing the upcoming MTV series called "The Shop".

The show would feature the sons of Tito Jackson, who succeeded overseas as the members of boy band 3T during the 1990s but are trying to make a comeback as adults.

In the show they receive help from their father, as well as other aunts and uncles.

Joe Backs Michael's Move

Joe Jackson, the father of Michael Jackson, has backed Michael's move to Bahrain.

Jackson is going to sell Neverland, and make Bahrain his official headquarters.

Joe Jackson is quoted as saying:

"He'll come back to (America to) visit, but not to stay, not to live. They didn't treat him right here. I know if I was him, I wouldn't come back."