Las Vegas Weekly

November 13, 2008 · 8:05 AM

With Neverland Ranch saved but gone, is Michael Jackson coming to Vegas?

By Robin Leach

Michael Jackson celebrated his 50th birthday at Planet Hollywood in Caesars Palace on Aug. 29, 2008.

Photo: Denise Truscello

A Vegas hotel financier has rescued Michael Jackson’s financially troubled Neverland Ranch, and The Gloved One may have to bring his new anticipated concerts to the Hilton here as a result.

Thomas Barrack’s Colony Capital owns the Las Vegas Hilton and is an investor-partner in several other Vegas resort casinos. Another division of Colony took title to the King of Pop’s Santa Barbara ranch in a unique joint venture with Michael himself that is said to have bought the outstanding $23.5 million mortgage on the property.

It apparently will be renamed the Sycamore Valley Ranch and never be referred to as Neverland again!

Now TMZ is saying that there’s buzz in Vegas that Michael, as part of the deal, would have to perform at the Hilton while living at another Colony investment, the Red Rock Country Club.

I checked with Hilton executives, who told me they’ve heard absolutely nothing about the Michael Jackson shows.

However, two things to bear in mind in all of this: Impersonator ventriloquist Terry Fator ends his contract at the Hilton next month and moves over to The Mirage in February, plus the sprawling Star Trek exhibit at the Hilton is supposed to be moving to downtown. Either of those moves would free up time and space for any proposed Michael Jackson venture.

But, as I said, nobody at the Hilton here I checked with last night has heard word one!

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