Las Vegas Weekly

March 3, 2009 · 12:02 PM

Breaking News: Are Michael Jackson concerts on? Details expected Thursday

By Robin Leach

Michael Jackson.

Photo: TVT

Are the Michael Jackson concerts on or off in London? We’ll know right here at 8 a.m. this Thursday! British television and London newspapers have erupted in headlines and breaking news reports in the past hour about an announcement being made at London’s 02 Arena on Thursday afternoon British time.

They are all reporting that the 50-year-old pop singer, who lives between here and Los Angeles, will play several dates this summer at the London arena. It would be his first full concert since being cleared of child abuse charges in 2005. It also would be his first solo engagement since the 2001 album Invincible was released.

Although Michael has been rumored to be working on a new album -- with Will.I.Am among others -- there is no advance word of its release to tie in with the London concert announcement. Ticket information reportedly also will be revealed Thursday.

Vegas DeLuxe first revealed Michael’s discussions about the London 02 Arena dates a year ago because the Anschutz Entertainment Group in Los Angeles owns 02. The company known as AEG/Concerts West controls star bookings at several Las Vegas venues including the Cher, Bette Midler and Celine Dion engagements at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace and the new Joint at the Hard Rock with The Killers and Paul McCartney set for opening weekend.

Our reports back then were denied by all, and then they resurfaced again in the Times of London a month ago. We were again told it was just “regurgitated rubbish.” Now, apparently, those first stories we had are about to come true.

Or is it more of the maybe from Michael? Or just another story to avoid speculation about his health? We’ve heard rumors that he’s been unwell and too weak to perform night after night, and then the opposite that he's well, strong and ready to go! We’ll hopefully know the answer right here Thursday morning! He has constantly denied all possible reunion concerts with his family.

Prince played a successful monthlong summer residency at the 02 Arena in 2007, and Britney Spears is booked there for six consecutive nights with her Circus Tour. The 02 is reportedly the biggest-selling arena in the world.

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