Michael Jackson is back and set to perform his famous moonwalk and back catalogue of hits once again. Hold on to your Fedora hats, it's set to be one hell of a tour!
After a 12-year wait, pop legend, Michael Jackson, has announced he will be performing a series of comeback concerts, at the 20,000 seater, O2 arena, in London, this summer, declaring, "I will be performing the songs my fans want to hear."
This Is It, is the latest in a long line of tours the pop icon has performed in during the past 40-years and, according to Mike, it will be the last time he will showcase his incredible talents in the UK.
In an official statement from his website, the singer of classics such as Billie Jean, Thriller and Bad said, "The time has come. It is now I see and feel that calling once again, to be part of music."
Although the former child star and one time lead singer of the Jackson 5, has not toured since 1997 he made a rare appearance at a scheduled press conference, in South London, to make, what was billed, on his official website, a 'special announcement'.
With that 'Jacko-mania' began, creating an immediate media frenzy with the world's press descending on the capital, and thousands more fans congregating on North Greenwich to get a glimpse of their hero, with some even camping out for as along two nights, in the arctic conditions.
With that 'Jacko-mania' began, creating an immediate media frenzy with the world's press descending on the capital, and thousands more fans congregating on North Greenwich to get a glimpse of their hero, with some even camping out for as along two nights, in the arctic conditions.
Adam Foot, a 20-year old, student at Liverpool University said, "I have been here, at the front of the queue, in my sleeping bag for two nights. It’s been cold but it’s definitely worth it to be at the front and to see him for real. I can’t wait."
Jackson, who celebrated his 50th birthday, last August, announced, in the freezing auditorium, that he is returning to the stage to perform a historic 10 shows in the UK this summer defiantly declaring, "These will be my final show performances in London. This will be it."
He added, with what seemed a hint of sadness, but no regret, "when I say this is it, this really will be it. I mean it. This is the final curtain call."
Unsurprisingly, the multi award winning superstar's statement was met with a chorus of cries from his legions of fans who had trekked to the arena from all corners of the globe, pleading with the style-setting singer to reconsider. The announcement follows months of speculation about a string of shows, which included a proposed return in Las Vegas, but nothing ever materialised, which I'm sure many of his British fans are only too pleased about.
The tour, which is scheduled to open on July 8th, is certainly one of the most eagerly awaited show returns of all time, particularly as Jackson, winner of 13 Grammy Awards, has not played a series of concerts since 1997, when he last toured, with his last live performance coming in 2006, at the World Music Awards, also in London, where he performed Heal the World. Before Michael left the stage through an elaborate red satin curtain, the megastar, declared to his legions of fans, "I love you. I really do. From the bottom of my heart."
Rob Hallett, AEG's President of International Touring said, "We are delighted to facilitate the return of The King of Pop, long may he reign!"
He added, "Michael at The O2 this summer will be the highlight of the musical year. When Michael Jackson performs, the eyes of the World will be watching. This will be his only concerts in the WORLD this year!"
Since Michael's 'special announcement', a further 40 shows have been booked, running from July - February 2010, due to the high demand. Randy Phillips, President of AEG Live, commented, "The last week has been the most astonishing. I have seen in my career in the entertainment business. I, for one, am counting the days, minutes and seconds until that first show. I just cannot wait."
The news of Michael Jackson's return caused tickets to sell at an average rate of 40,000 an hour, which works out at an astonishing 11 per second! Fans from as far a field as Japan, Belgium and Dubai queued to purchase their tickets but, first in line was Ayesha Obi from Lewisham, in South East London. Holding her front row tickets, Ayesha, 19, started crying with emotion and excitement and said, "I queued for two whole days, it was well worth the wait. I am ecstatic!"
So there we have it. 'The King of Pop' is set to perform his greatest hits for the event of the summer and the concerts of the decade. This really is 'It'! Michael Jackson is once again set to 'THRILL YA!'
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