Is the King of Pop already fizzling out?
No doubt to the delight of British bookies who predicted the shows wouldn't go on, Michael Jackson announced today that he was pushing back the dates for his heavily hyped comeback concerts set for this summer in London.
His 50-show residency at the O2 Arena, dubbed "This Is It," had been slated to kick off on July 8. The new start date—at least for now—is July 13.
And what exactly is the reason for the delay?
"There's nothing nefarious," Randy Phillips, CEO of concert promoter AEG Live, said in a video news conference Wednesday. "There's nothing going on with his health. This is strictly a production issue."
AEG claims the "massive and technically complex show," which will feature special effects, live animals, intricate illusions, stunt work, elaborate costumes and plenty of dancing, is requiring more prep time than originally planned.
"We apologize to all disappointed Michael Jackson fans and remain extremely dedicated and focused on creating an exceptional live music experience," said the show's choreographer, Kenny Ortega (better known as the director and choreographer behind Disney's High School Musical franchise). "Promoters said anyone who chooses not to attend the rescheduled shows will be entitled to a full refund."
Ortega says he will use the extra time to work out some new moves for the Moonwalker.
Performances set for July 10-14 will now be rescheduled for next March, likely ticking off those fans who thought they had the coveted seats to Jackson's first live shows in more than a decade.
Jackson is said to be rehearsing six hours a day in a Los Angeles studio with eight dancers—six men and two women—handpicked from dance companies from around the world. He is also working with the same magician who created illusions for Britney Spears' Circus tour.
The 50-year-old entertainer stands to earn upwards of $50 million if he manages to fulfill the entire sold-out residency.
But even if the production gets squared away, there's a chance Jackson could be derailed before taking the stage. Rival promoter AllGood Entertainment is threatening to sue the performer for breach of contract for refusing to participate in a Jackson family reunion show with the rest of his brothers and sister Janet. According to the terms of that deal, Jackson had allegedly agreed to a noncompete clause barring him from any other live concerts before the family show.
At a top-secret meeting with family members and business associates last week, Jackson said he won't do the family act. He claims his former manager signed the deal with AllGood without the Gloved One's permission. AEG Live has called the claims "meritless" and said the London shows will go on.
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