Michael Jackson confirmed today that he will play 10 shows at London’s O2 arena starting on July 8. At a press conference that took place in the venue earlier today, the singer also announced that the so-called "This Is It" dates will be his "final curtain call." Of course, fans of Frank Sinatra — or pretty much any other star singer who has ever announced their "retirement" — may care to take said "curtain call" comment with a shovelful of salt. Ticket prices for the shows start at 50 pounds sterling.
DuringJackson’s heyday, the Thriller megastar was one of the most popular and lauded live performers on the face of the planet. But, then, during his heyday, Ronald Reagan was president and "reality TV" meant "the news." In fact, the King of Pop hasn’t properly toured since the mid-’90s and, recently, has often appeared frail. So, PopWatchers, are any of you excited enough at the prospect of seeing Jacko live to fly to London? And what do we think about his claiming this is the "final curtain call?"
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This was one of the strangest press conferences I’ve seen in quite a while:
http://gotchamedia.blogspot.com/2009/03/michael-jacksons-comeback-this-is-it.html
Very much doubt it’s his “final” curtain call. How many comebacks have Cher, Liza, and Barbra staged? Yeah. I’ll hold off on getting my plane ticket and wait for a tour date a little closer to home. Once a Michael Jackson fan, always a Michael Jackson fan.
I would like to see him, but I wouldn’t pay anymore than a couple hundred bucks for the show. So that pretty much rules out London.
I would like to see him, but I wouldn’t pay anymore than a couple hundred bucks for the show. So that pretty much rules out London.
good riddance
Sadly, Michael Jackson is the most over rated has-been in music history. Do you really want to see him moonwalk again? I’d like to remember him as the skinny kid from Billie Jean, Beat It and Thriller, not the child-molesting transgendered woman he’s become. I can’t support anything he does now.
The press conference was a little strange, but what can you expect? I was surprised to see that M.J. seemed coherent, and actually didn’t look too bad. The most recent pics showed him appearing frail and sick. Whether you like him or not, his influence on music and pop culture is undeniable. I hope that he does great with his shows, and maybe leaves us with the ability to remember him as the amazing talent he once proved he was and not so much the eccentric-baby-dangling-accused-child-molester of a joke he has become to the media.
I agree with J. Who is this clown anyway? He’s in it for the money. his lavish lifestyle is ruining him and he probably doesn’t have anything left for his kids. Not to mention Debby’s payout.
And you know what? PEOPLE will PAY big time to see him. What a bunch of suckers.
Yes his loyal fans will pay to go see him, people that dont like him why bother leaving comments
Not the kind of press conference I was expecting. What’s even more odd is that he can pull in these adoring crowds after fighting horrendous lawsuits for over a decade. I hate to be so cynical, but did he hire that crowd? And didn’t he say, they were the last performances in London? Meaning the final ones will be performed in London, or just that he’s not going to play London again? Sorry, I’m sick and have way too much free time and Nyquil. I wouldn’t usually waste this much time on something that probably won’t happen.
You know what i think is funny? all of you don’t actually know who this man really is..he’s a great guy. and do you believe everything you hear about something on the news? what if they said you were gay or a child mollester on the news? not true right? exactly…don’t believe everything you hear…love the man for who he is and what he’s done to the music history and what he’s going to do now for us…have some respect people. would you like it if someone put you down all the time over anything and started ridiculous rumors about you? wouldn’t like it would you? thought so…so once again have some respect for the KING of pop.
Whatever he is or was, the dude has serious emotional issues. I mean with all of that money he made in the early 70’s and in the 80’s, the man
f-ked up his whole entire body. He did!And I don’t care if he claims he has impideligo. I have seen what that is, and it does not turn your skin beige!
However, on the brighter side, he’s always had a remarkable voice. Thriller was a staple in the 1980’s. But after the problems he had I am sad to say that the thrill is gone.
Okay, well clearly the current Michael Jackson fanbase does not represent the average sane individual. I mean, you saw the spectacle outside the courthouse during the verdict of his molestation trial right? THAT is your Michael Jackson fanbase that will bring in millions in ticket sales. I would go because 80s Michael is still worth seeing but my guess is that ticket prices will be astronomical and well, the man looks creepy. I’ll wait for it on YouTube.
I wouldn’t walk across the street to see this freakish has been. Give it up Jacko!
well i just read and saw pictures about his failing health so i have to wonder is he really fit to perform all of these concerts?? and because of health problems he couldn’t appear in court to face a law suit by that Saudia Prince. MJ has had his time, and i agree, i would like to keep the images of him when he was at his zenth. even though he paved the way for the generations after him,
it’s hard to phathom that inspite of all of the negative articles over the years that he still wants to perform. and wether true or false, you have to admit, great damage has been done to his image. people could boo him or love him. that’s something to think about. and one article says there was only 1500 fans there. that’s not a lot, considering.
For all his failings, I still am an MJ fan. If he ever plays DC I’ll see him do a live show. Hopefully his health will recover and he’ll launch a legit comeback.
Wow it seems Dylan Whitaker is the only one on here making actual sense and the rest of you are so pathetic that you still don’t even know it. Can’t wait to see those performances from MJ!
I live in Cleveland Ohio and all I got to say is LONDON HERE I COME
For the record, MJ was aquitted of the charges and the mother of the child was arrested for welfare fraud not long after. What does that tell you?
MJ is a mess. There’s no doubt about that. But I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember. The music that came out of that family is a HUGE part of the soundtrack to my life.
He’s also one of the best vocalists this world has ever seen. Let’s not even discuss him as a performer.
The Ushers, Chris Browns, Justin Timberlakes, ect. of the world are still biting him whether they admit it or not.
As a lifelong, die hard fan, I hope he can pull this off but I have my doubts. I wish him well.
I’m definitely going. Come Hell or high water, I’m going to see this man live. My first and last chance, so I have to take it – no matter what the cost.
If it would guarantee that he would go into seclusion and stop being crazy, I would pay to go to London and watch a concert. Wishful thinking, though.
The Michael that we knew is dead.
This freakish, pitiful, narcissistic fairy makes me wish he was still with us.
London, here I come.
Long live the King of Pop!!
London, here I come.
Long live the King of Pop!!
This should be extremely interesting. If he succeeds, he’ll be back. Can he still sing? Van he dance? Watching people attempt to sing Michael Jackson songs on American Idol or just listening to covers of his hits reminds me how great he was. You can’t take that away, whatever his nose is. Those records are still phenomenal. In his prime, he completely blows imitators and disciples like Justin Timberlake off the stage. No one today can touch him. What he’s got left will be fascinating- hopefully not tragic, to watch. He’ll still Look weird, of course- but is the music still in him?
I agree with Dylan. I have been a huge fan since childhood, i have registered for pre tickets (fingers crossed) and I will be going to the concerts. People you should only believe one piece of information in the newspapers and thats the DATE.
If you belive that MJ slept in a oxygen chamber, had a bleach bath, etc then the media have won over you.
I am in the far east and for this concert i am definetly attending, this will be HisStory again!
I couldnt believe my luck when I was told he will perform again (believe it or not, i never watch the news) and i feel like its the last chance. I just wonder wether i shall go for his first or last concert? What if it will be too much for him after a few, but at the first one there might go some things wrong, i mean it has been quiet some time for him…. It serves to be an uk o2 customer, like that you can get priority tickets!!! I ll see you there!
Michael is back!
It’s been too long, we missed him. I saw him last at MSG in 2001. It was the greatest night ever. Now, all I have to do is find a way to get to London by July.
beelkay do you know the man? I didn’t think so. e craven just go away and never open your mouth about him again and also the people who keep whining about his looks get over yourselves already for godsakes people it’s old news and it’s 2009! Some of you haters ignorance never ceases to amaze me how much you guys underestimate this MJ’s influence on generations of artists.
This is tremendously exciting. I think you have to be pretty jaded to not appreciate how amazing this announcement is. He is truly the greatest entertainer of his era and a phenomenon, like Sinatra was, Elvis and the Beatles. After that is Michael and really no one else yet (you can argue for Madonna but she doesn’t have the talent or the numbers to compare).
I am thankful for him.
For MJ fans, please check out my special Michael Jackson O2 Arena London Live Performance vlog on youtube at http://www.youtube.com/jeffreypaulbobrick
Thanks!