Las Vegas Weekly

February 23, 2009 · 8:04 AM

Michael Jackson comeback reports are regurgitated rubbish

By Robin Leach

Michael Jackson.

Photo: TVT

Writers went into overdrive this past weekend around the world about Michael Jackson in a tug-of-war battle between Las Vegas and London venues. They alleged he would be making his official comeback this summer at either the 02 Arena in London or at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Trouble is the rumored story is more than a year old, and I carried the official denials from inside Michael’s camp back then. I assure you that the weekend rumblings can be ignored, as nothing new has occurred.

“Pure and utter speculation” was the way the giant AEG theatrical operation dismissed the Times of London report about a run of shows at its gorgeous O2 Arena. Unfortunately, once the Times story was printed, newspapers here ran with it without checking, and it even turned up locally -- elsewhere, I should add -- yesterday morning.

It is nothing more than a recycled story killed off a year ago! The Times even added to the drama saying the former King of Pop could retrieve his crown with a run of summer concerts blocked off at the 02 with VIP tickets going for more than $1,500 apiece! The Vegas version had AEG folks in final negotiations with Michael and insurance companies to issue bonds for his appearances!

Then the story said a tug-of-war battle was underway with resort casino hotels in Vegas who would better his estimated $70 million British haul with a near $100 million run of summer shows here. Obviously, the writers were in Never Never Land, not realizing the battering our economy has taken with falling ticket sales, slashed prices and 2-for-1 deals! Primm casinos are even giving tickets away for free!

So fans, as much as I’d love to see his comeback shows, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but it’s fantasy and simply regurgitated rubbish from a year ago that we confirmed back then with Michael’s people as a dream that won’t come true.

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