14 DAY TRIAL // “This Is It,” Michael Jackson’s 50-date performance at London’s O2 Arena was supposed to be the biggest musical event in history, organizers AEG Live promised when they announced it. Now that the singer is gone, it seems the series of concerts will still go on, either with Michael being replaced by the Jackson Four or with him as a hologram, much in the manner of Elvis Presley, 30 years after his death, reports in the British media are saying.
As we also reported yesterday, AEG Live stands to lose between $25 and $30 million on refunds for the tickets, granted the rumor that fans will be offered a special-issue hologram ticket instead of money is not true. With this in mind, it’s only understandable why the organizers are thinking of going ahead with the performances by replacing Michael with the Jackson Four and perhaps Janet as well, as the Daily Mail says.
“Michael Jackson’s London concerts could be salvaged by a plan to regroup former members of the Jackson Five. Backers desperate to avoid massive losses from the cancelled shows are said to have persuaded the late singer’s brothers and sisters to take over some of the 50-date performances. The money-spinning masterplan is believed to have been hatched by Michael’s father Joe in league with promoters AEG.” the British tab writes, after speaking to well-connected sources.
Jermaine, Jackie, Tito and Marlon are reportedly already working on choreography and music for the shows, with sisters Janet and La Toya in talks to join them at a later time. However, not all 50 dates will be held, as organizers are now negotiating with the singers to have at least five of them done, which will somewhat cover the losses if the prices for the tickets are raised considerably.
At the same time, News of the World claims to have it from very reliable sources that Michael will be “embarking” on a world tour as early as next year, in the form of a hologram. Joe Jackson and the rest of the Jackson clan reportedly came up with the idea of getting up on stage and being joined by a hologram of Michael, just like he always wanted. Of course, the tab says, this will also ensure plenty of financial gain for Joe Jackson, who was completely left out of Michael’s will.
“They think the best memorial to Michael would be to have him back on stage for that final time – like he wanted. Michael’s dad and brothers think a world tour, where footage of Michael is projected on stage alongside live musicians, will go down a storm. They also believe Michael’s children will appreciate seeing him on stage in front of his fans as that’s something they never did. They think Michael would love the idea that he did fulfill his comeback dream by following what Elvis did. It is the perfect tribute to their superstar brother.” News of the World writes.
For more on this, do keep an eye on this space.