Michael Jackson expected to return to the stage
As we move into Month 3 of 2009, we are met with our first substantial Michael Jackson tour rumor, which is arriving a little more than four months after our last Michael Jackson tour rumor. Pardon the skepticism, but we've been burned before. Remember Grammys 2008, when a Jackson appearance was such a sure thing that there were even advertisements? We do.
But nevertheless, this one appears to be legit. Check the above screen shot from Jackson's website, which is advertising a Thursday announcement from mega-concert promoter AEG Live. Although the word "tour" in the first paragraph may not be fully accurate, as initial indications are that you will have to travel to Jackson rather than the other way around.
BBC News reports that Jackson is expected to announce a series of "summer comeback concerts" at the O2 arena in London, the same venue Prince played for 21 nights in 2007. The BBC notes that Britney Spears, whose tour debuts tonight (review coming later here on Pop & Hiss!) has an eight-night stay at the venue in June.
Writes the BBC, "Jackson would be likely to follow a similar pattern of a run of gigs at one venue, rather than an extensive tour. At Thursday's press conference, he will hope to convince fans he is fit enough to perform a number of full shows."
It's been more than a decade since we've had a substantial Jackson tour, and one probably should not be holding any breath for a last-minute Coachella appearance, despite the AEG connection.
The announcement is at 4 p.m. London time (8 a.m. here in L.A.).
-- Todd Martens
Screen shot: www.michaeljackson.com
OH yes!! it is on baby!! I am so excited, Mike Jackson is the Greatness! what ever he performs will be awesome. ride or die fan 4lyfe!
Posted by: GenieB | March 03, 2009 at 07:19 PM
I'm hoping he does some shows in America.
Posted by: Commodore | March 03, 2009 at 09:37 PM
I love MJ and this comback will make history:)
Posted by: MJ I <3 YOU | March 04, 2009 at 04:01 AM
This is a big deal. MJ will make history and he always be the King of Pop. The media people should stop criticizing and trashing him. Leave him alone.
Posted by: Angie | March 04, 2009 at 09:31 AM
It's only shows at the O2 arena in London, with no other shows (at the moment).
Plus, as an FYI, Sony will be re-releasing Off The Wall this Aug/Sept in a 30th anniversary package with additional remixes and unreleased tracks.
Posted by: TheFaze | March 04, 2009 at 09:37 AM
I believe that MJ will launch the first part of his tour in London, but must also make stops in the US, so to give more the experience he loves to deliver.
MJ is strong and in great health!
Producer, Behind the Scenes at the Michael Jackson Trial DVD!
Posted by: Pearl Jr | March 04, 2009 at 11:25 AM
i cant wait to go see him live on stage, legend re-lives!
Posted by: Arron d | March 04, 2009 at 02:50 PM
10 nights at the O2 in July: you read it here first. If this sells, there will be more. THIS IS IT!
Posted by: fuadomar | March 05, 2009 at 07:13 AM
An Open Letter to Michael Jackson to perform @ Coachella: http://tinyurl.com/co3b8w
Posted by: David Martinez | March 19, 2009 at 12:22 PM