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Justin Timberlake 'cautious' about Michael Jackson tribute show
By Amar Singh Last updated at 12:19pm on 30.06.09
Justin Timberlake said today that he feared that performing in a tribute concert to Michael Jackson would damage his career.
The 28-year-old singer is amongst the stars on a “wish list” drawn up AEG, promoters of Jackson's ill-fated 50 London shows, for a series of special memorial gigs featuring an array of performers including Beyonce and Stevie Wonder.
But in an excusive interview with the Evening Standard, Timberlake revealed that he was cautious about signing up to a concert dedicated to his idol's memory.
He said: “It is extremely tragic - there really was only king. It's an honour to be considered for a tribute to the greatest of all time but also there is a level of just me as a fan that would feel very cautious about doing something like that.
“Like anyone else in the world I'm his biggest fan. I just feel like if there would be any pretension, it would not be good. That's my worry. I understand tributing' somebody who is so influential to every artist of our generation. It would have to be done properly.”
AEG chiefs have begun talks to create a series of gigs to fill some of the the dates kept aside for Jackson's residency.
In addition to Timberlake, stars being lined up to perform at the O2 arena gigs also include Diana Ross and Ne-Yo.
Timberlake, who performed with Jackson at the 2001 MTV awards, added: “Michael's music affected the world - in a lot of ways it helped fight segregation. There are so many of us - white and black - who wouldn't be what we are without his effect on popular culture.”
The Tennessee-born singer is in London to launch his clothing brand William Rast in Selfridges, alongside his business partner Trace Ayala.
He said: “Our style is pretty fitted - there's a lot more tailoring than other labels. We have a perfect mixture of European style and US style and since you guys are in the middle it should go down well. I find that British style is influenced by America but the fits are a little slimmer and we have taken that into account.”
“To have our first shop in Selfridges is great. A lot of people say Selfridges is the best store in the world so its an achevement for us to have a William Rast shop here. It's kind of like Wimbledon - you feel like you want to show up at the holy grail of shopping.”
Timberlake revealed that after a day spent at Wimbledon, he had become a fan of Andy Murray.
He said: “Murray looks strong. I'm really impressed with his game, he's a scrambler Those workouts are paying off because he is getting everywhere. Sentimentally I'm going to back Roddick to win because he's from America but if Andy doesn't make it I would like to see Murray win because he is on his home court and I dig stories like that.”
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Reader views (6)
I really hope Chris Brown performs a tribute.
- Ripmj, UK
I think he means that if not done properly in the spirit of MJ, people will criticize him.
- Ep, new york USA
Dom - me three! and also to Triffidqueen: i totally agree with you. What is so bad of JT is that he always gushed about knowing the jacksons well and respecting their music. However guys, remember the infamous superbowl 'wardrobe malfunction' with Janet? well JT maintained he did not know that janets top was meant to fall, leaving janet to cop all the flack. when if you look at the tape again JT pulls at her top and looks down expectantly.
- Kh, London UK
Justin really needs to deflate that big ego of his before it goes pop!
A tribute concert is to celebrate the music of MJ, that's all it is. They did one for Freddie Mercury after he died with the rest of queen, which worked. MJ did so much for music and it would be fantastic if a concert did take place.
Take your head out of your rear end, Justin. There are bigger and better stars out there than you, who would jump at the chance to perform a MJ song.
- Triffidqueen, Desk in London
Dom - I second you! Spot on!
- Cally G, Essex, UK
What career?
- Dom, London
