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Two Michael Jackson tribute concerts planned for the O2 Arena at the end of the month have been cancelled after promoters failed to sign up enough performers in time.
AEG, the US entertainment giant that had booked Jackson to play 50 gigs at the east London venue, had intended to hold two star-studded tributes on 29 and 30 August.
Artists including Leona Lewis, Usher and Justin Timberlake, in addition to members of Jackson's family, were among the stars lined up to perform covers of his hits.
But after a number of disputes arose, including members of his family questioning whether the pressure of the gigs was to blame for Jackson's sudden death, AEG has had to pull the plug on the concerts.
A source close to the event said: “If they ever happen, it will not be until next year.
“We didn't want to rush out something that was sub-standard — we would rather wait until we have got the best possible people.”
Another promoter announced yesterday that they would be staging their own tribute to Jackson — in Austria.
World Awards Media GmbH said Jackson's family and a “high-profile line-up of international stars” are planning the show to be held later this year at Vienna's Schoenbrunn Palace.
Permission was granted yesterday in the Los Angeles Superior Court for a film based on Jackson's rehearsals for the London shows to be released. Jackson's family approved the deal after Colombia Pictures paid £36 million to AEG for more than 100 hours of footage of the star.
Reader views (7)
All the people who brought tickets for the Micheal Jackson concert wanted to see Micheal Jackson and not some make shift show.
Get the new stars together dont mention Micheal Jackson and see how many tickets they dont sell
- Terence Mccarthy, South Africa
Michael who?
Move over move on!
- Mick, LONDON
Jackson = yesterday's news; forgotten already and shunned by former friends and singing mates.
- Thomas, London, England
I love Michael Jackson but I'm glad this fiasco has been cancelled. It was only, yet another, money grabbing event. Let the man rest in peace. He got no peace when alive so let him finally have peace in death. He was, quite simply, the best entertainer. EVER. RIP Michael. Greatly misunderstood, greatly loved and greatly missed. Always...
- Jb Sussex, hove sussex uk
Well who wants to be associated with someone who holds his children over balconies. Had he been arrested for this he might still be alive.
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex
I agree with Joanna totally.
Even when he is dead; the vultures still circle.
- Mickinlondon, london.
Good. This was not a memorial. This was a money grabbing exercise by the tour promoters and the jackson family.
- Joanna Carling, london
