Las Vegas Weekly

May 20, 2009 · 12:22 PM

Michael Jackson delays London concert premiere and changes show dates

By Robin Leach

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

Photo: Courtesy

King of Pop Michael Jackson and his creative collaborator and directing partner Kenny Ortega have postponed and shuffled the opening and other concerts of the 50-show run planned at London’s 02 Arena. The opening date of July 8 has now been pushed back to July 13.

Subsequent shows planned for July 10 will switch to March 1, July 12’s concert will shift to March 3, and the show planned for July 14 will be moved to March 6.

“Due to the sheer magnitude of the This Is It concerts, everybody has agreed to move a few of the opening shows in order to meet the challenges presented by such a massive and technically complex show,” I was told. “It is a phenomenal and unprecedented show, and the organizers are determined that all of Michael’s legions of fans attending get to experience the same high-quality staging that is planned for all of the spectacular shows.”

Randy Phillips, president and CEO of AEG Live who signed Michael to his comeback deal, added, “Kenny and Michael are, at the same time, both creative pioneers and perfectionists. This show has grown in size and scope, thereby necessitating more lead time for manufacture of the set, programming the content for the massive video elements, and, most importantly, more time for full production and dress rehearsals in the world’s busiest arena, The O2.

“As much as we agonized over this change in the original schedule, we are sure the fans will understand when they experience the level of entertainment Michael Jackson intends to deliver while also ensuring the safety of the musicians, cast and crew and the crisp execution of the production. It is AEG Live’s sincere hope that those lucky enough to have purchased tickets will have enough time to change their personal schedules and travel plans if they are coming from outside London. We do not want anyone to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Michael, who is directly involved with all aspects of the styling, choreography, band selection and rehearsals, is working around the clock to ensure that this is the show to end all shows! Kenny, who has staged shows here in Las Vegas, added: “After directing Michael’s Dangerous and HIStory tours, I know what the fans expect, and myself and the team want to deliver a flawless production. We apologize to all disappointed Michael Jackson fans and remain extremely dedicated and focused on creating an exceptional live music experience.”

To counter fears that Michael is now repeating past concert and TV appearance cancellations, Randy issued the following video statement: “There’s nothing nefarious. There’s nothing going on with his health. This is strictly a production issue.” Kenny promised that the shows would feature stunts, special effects, elaborate costuming with Swarovski crystals and previous and brand new choreography.

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.

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