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.

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.

Jackson In The UK

The media are widely speculating that Michael Jackson, who is in London, is to announce plans to play up to 50 nights at the 02 Arena in Greenwich London this year.

It is reported that he will make an announcement at 4PM UK time today at the O2 complex.

Let us see what reality actually emerges from the hype.

Jackson Sued Again!

Michael Jackson's litigation cases seem to be imitating buses, ie they are all turning up at the same time.

Cameroonian singer Manu Dibango filed a lawsuit against Jackson and R'n'B diva Rihanna at a Paris court on Tuesday, claiming that they stole a hook from one of his songs.

He is seeking 500,000 euros in damages.

Judges will decide on February 17 whether to hear the case.

Jackson Sued Again - Thriller

The wheel of life turns full circle, and Michael Jackson finds himself being sued again. This time by John Landis, the director of the Grammy award winning Thriller video, for failing to hand over his share of the profits.

The suit alleges:

"After a spectacular theatrical premiere the Thriller video became a worldwide megahit and an iconic pop culture phenomenon that has continued to generate profits for defendants Optimum Prods and Michael Jackson, who have wrongfully refused to pay or account for such profits to the plaintiff."

The suit alleges that Jackson failed to pay Landis 50% of the proceeds, which possibly amount to $1M.

Auction

The BBC reports that Michael Jackson may be facing up to the reality of his financial situation, and is auctioning 2000 items including the wrought iron gates from Neverland.

Memoirs

It is reported that Michael Jackson is trying to do a deal to write and publish his memoirs.

Jackson Bottles Court Appearance

Those fans and paparazzi who were hoping to catch a glimpse of Michael Jackson at the High Court this afternoon may well be disappointed.

The Mirror reports that Jackson has pulled out, and will settle the $7BN case brought by Sheik Abdulla Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khal ot of court.