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The O2 arena is on track to be named the world's most popular concert venue for a second year running - despite facing 21 empty nights following Michael Jackson's death.
AEG, the east London venue's owner, has been able to arrange only six new shows for this year since the singer's sudden death last month.
But AEG says that by the turn of the year, it will still have hosted 175 events in 2009 - 25 more than last year - at the 20,000-seat venue.
It is confident that the O2 will be named ahead of Manchester's MEN arena and New York's Madison Square Garden as the world's top concert arena by industry analysts Pollstar.
An AEG source said: "Yes, the empty nights will cost millions, but it will not affect our bottom line. If the Michael Jackson shows had gone ahead we would have broken all records. This year will still be a hugely successful one." Bosses had been hoping to bring in a "marquee name" to fill the 27 nights from July to September on which Jackson was set to perform as part of his 50-date residency.
But a number of the artists they approached were unable to rearrange their tour dates at such short notice.
AEG chiefs, however, remain confident that stars can be signed up for shows in early 2010 - when Jackson was to perform 23 shows.
The six new shows for this year include two star-studded Jackson tribute concerts with Justin Timberlake, Leona Lewis and Ne-Yo, in addition to performances by the late singer's brothers likely to take placenext month.
AEG has arranged an extra night for comedian Michael McIntyre in November, one more night in August for the animatronic show Walking with Dinosaurs, and Voice in a Million, featuring gospel choirs, in September.
The venue also announced a one-off event today taking place on 11 September, with singers including Joss Stone, Tom Jones and Robert Plant.
O2 Rockwell will be held in aid of Nordoff-Robbins a charity which helps disabled people through music therapy It will bring together a host of surprise guests performing cover versions and duets.
Reader views (7)
It's a great venue with a wide choice of restaurants and bars within. Yesterday we saw Federer v Nadal at the Barclays ATP Tennis Final and I can only say what a brilliant time we had. Such a great atmosphere,it was like going to see a show. Spectacular. I would definitely go back there again. As good as Wembley, if not better! Only thing that let's it down is the regularity of the Jubilee line. Otherwise not to be missed.
- Tara, London, 29/11/2010 20:36
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Peter, London - The O2 which was originally The Dome was a TORY PROJECT dreamt up by Michael Hestletine and inherited by an incoming Labour government in 1997.
The O2 is a wonderful place with plenty of restaurants and besides the main entertainment arena there are other exhibitions available.
While during the school holidays they arrange entertainment for children this year it is roller skating a couple of years ago it was an inside beach where it was guaranteed not to rain!!
Night time transport could be improved if the N1 night route was diverted to serve North Greenwich.
Its just a pity a tunnel was not built between North Greenwhich and Canary Whalf to allow through bus services to operate or even extension of the DLR to North Greenwich then down the peninsula to Bexley etc.
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex, 02/08/2009 17:06
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Agree with the comments here - the O2 is unspeakably hideous and vastly overpriced.
- Cally G, Essex, UK, 28/07/2009 16:47
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What qualifies this waste of space as a good venue ?
It's rubbish left over from a Government fiasco, sold to the highest (low) bidder.
- Cap, london, 28/07/2009 16:24
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Still a hideous waste of money from our inept nulab government. Would never go there even if they paid me.
- Peter, London, 28/07/2009 13:42
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Its a rubbish venue. Soulless and devoid of character. Car parking charges are excessive and leaving car parks takes hours due to non-existent traffic management. Drinks, etc are over priced and rubbish selection. Never used Jubilee line but I hear that is worse than driving. Wrong venue in the wrong place.
- Dannyp, Egham, 28/07/2009 13:15
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A great venue but what a shame Transport for London does not support it better. If the Jubilee Line is down travel is a nightmare.
- Bj, London, 28/07/2009 11:29
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