14 DAY TRIAL // Later today, Michael Jackson will announce the live dates for his performances at London’s O2 Arena in July. While speculations have been running rampant on whether the singer’s health will allow him to pull off such a physically-demanding feat, posters plastered all over London are already advertising the tour, so there’s no doubt that this summer will mark the return of the King of Pop on the stage, BBC News reports.
“Jackson is due to meet the press and make a ‘special announcement’ later. Fans have gathered outside the venue, in Greenwich, where a stage has been set up for the announcement. Posters have already started to appear on the London Underground advertising 10 shows in July. Jackson last performed live in 2006, also in London.” BBC says.
The red posters advertising the shows feature an older photo of Michael, one hand up in the hair as he’s caught in the middle of a dance routine, and bear the tagline “This Is It,” which is a clear indication as to the name of the series of live shows, the same BBC report adds. Tickets for one night will retail for upwards of £75 and well over £500, word in the industry has it, which would make Michael’s comeback the priciest one to date. Rumors also have it that Jackson stands to make £1.5 million a night for each live performance.
“It will be the greatest comeback in the history of pop and there would be no problem selling out the O2 every night. No one is concerned about his reputation and people don’t feel it is a risk. Organizers are confident people will come from all over the world to see him. There have been rumors about his health but that is not an issue. He is capable of doing all the shows. Bringing a star like Michael Jackson to the O2 is not simple. But things have really progressed and it is on the verge of being tied up.” organizers for the live shows were telling the Daily Mail a while back, when rumor first broke about Michael’s comeback.
With all the promises and amidst talk that the singer has undergone rigorous medical checkups to ensure organizers that his health allows for live shows, there are voices that warn fans to hurry up and buy tickets for the first slew of performances, since it’s likely they will not get to see their idol if they choose a later date. Stay tuned here for updates on Michael’s announcement.