Las Vegas Weekly

June 29, 2009 · 9 PM

Michael Jackson tickets to be refunded or issued as ultimate souvenir

By Robin Leach

Michael Jackson at the Radio Music Awards at the then Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts in the Aladdin on Oct. 27, 2003.

Photo: Tom Donoghue/www.donoghuephotography.com

Michael Jackson’s concert promoters have decided to let fans choose whether to receive a full refund on their tickets to his This Is It shows or, instead of getting their money back, purchase the actual ticket(s) they would have received. The plan was announced moments ago in London -- at 5 a.m. Tuesday, which is 9 p.m. Las Vegas time today.

AEG Live/Concerts West President and CEO Randy Phillips, who masterminded the 50-concert run for Michael at London’s 02 Arena, said: “The world lost a kind soul who just happened to be the greatest entertainer the world has ever known.”

Click HERE for our post today of the photos of Michael at his last rehearsal at Staples Center in L.A. just 36 hours before his tragic death.

Randy continued: “Since he loved his fans in life, it is incumbent upon us to treat them with the same reverence and respect after his death.” Accordingly, AEG will make full refunds available to fans who purchased tickets through authorized agents such as Ticketmaster, Viagogo and TicketLine for any of the 50 concerts. The refunds include all service charges.

Photo: Courtesy

Michael Jackson and Kenny Ortega at work in L.A. on Michael's upcoming London concerts.

However, fans will have the option to be sent the actual tickets they would have received to attend the shows in lieu of full refunds. These tickets printed with a special lenticular process were inspired and designed by Michael for his fans to keep as the ultimate souvenir. On Wednesday morning, you can log onto www.michaeljacksonlive.com to see images of the tickets. Fans have until midnight Aug. 14 to order the tickets.

It’s believed that the tickets would’ve had their own value for collectors and will increase over the coming months on resale at auction or on Web sites such as eBay. Check back to Vegas DeLuxe tomorrow for our developing story of how the This Is It spectacular, with its elaborate sets and magic illusions, might be repackaged as a tribute show that, after playing in London, could be relocated to Las Vegas.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter HERE.

Share This