Michael Jackson's representatives have denied reports that he postponed the first four dates of his O2 Arena residency due to ill health. Instead, they cited the "sheer magnitude" of the production as the reason behind the delay.
The opening concert, originally scheduled for 8 July, will now take place on 13 July, while the concerts scheduled for 10, 12 and 14 July have been pushed back to March 2010. The rest of the 50-date residency remains unchanged.
Jackson's announcement comes less than a week after a tabloid report that the singer has skin cancer. That allegation was strongly denied by his representatives.
The concert promoters, AEG, also reassured fans that the singer's health is not an issue. "I would trade my body for his tomorrow, he's in fantastic shape," said AEG Live president Randy Phillips. Kenny Ortega, the show director who has been working with Jackson's backing dancers, added that the original schedule didn't give them enough time to rehearse. "It just wasn't practical for safety reasons and professional reasons," he said.
The 50-year-old King of Pop is already reported to be in rehearsal for his concert series, dubbed This Is It. The $20m production will feature pyrotechnics, acrobatics, 12 backing dancers and a supposed "sequel" to the moonwalk. The opening concerts are being postponed, according to a statement, "in order to meet the challenges presented by such a massive and technically complex show".
"This show has grown in size and scope, thereby necessitating more lead time for [the] manufacture of the set, programming the content for the massive video elements and ... for full production and dress rehearsals in the world's busiest arena," said Phillips. "As much as we agonised 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."
"Crisp execution" seems a lot to ask from the first concert in 12 years by the world's most bizarre, troubled and talented superstar – but then again, tickets didn't come cheap. Fans who bought passes for one of the postponed shows and cannot attend the new date will be able to return them for a full refund, including booking fee.
Michael Jackson delay not due to ill health, say promoters | Music | guardian.co.uk
Who didn't see this coming
I will be utterly amazed if he manages turn up to do even half of his proposed dates nevermind sing at them! I really hope for all those fans who want to see him perform that he does give the best performance of his life.
Michael Jackson delay not due to ill health
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