Michael Jackson Sells Out All 50 London Shows, Raises Prospects for Tour

[MonarC]

Fifty nights. One million fans. And one Michael Jackson out to prove he's still the King of Pop. How's that for HIStory-making?

All 50 of Jackson's comeback concerts at London's O2 Arena sold out within minutes of going on sale to the general public this morning, raising the possibility that the "Billie Jean" singer may take the show on the road—and even play the U.S. for the first time in nearly a decade.

"Michael is 'thrilled' by the response and wanted as many fans to share the experience with him as possible. This is the last chance to see the King of Pop in London, performing the songs we all love!" reads a message at michaeljacksonlive.com.

The series of gigs kicks off July 9, runs through September and then, following a three-month break, picks up again in January. The residency wraps up Feb. 24, 2010.

Given the O2 Arena's capacity is just shy of 13,000, Jackson has sold about 1 million tickets for his run—a virtually unprecedented feat and one that must be especially gratifying for Jackson given his myriad financial and legal troubles, most notably his successful battle against child-molestation charges.

Promoter AEG, which has labeled the record sales "music history," knew there was massive demand out there given the huge response to the presale allotment of tickets. A large number even camped out overnight outside the O2 Arena for what he has called "my final curtain call"—although he has not elaborated whether he just means these would be his performances in London or if he plans on retiring from the stage for good.

The London run began with just 10 announced shows. During the past week, Jackson and AEG added another 40 dates to bring the count to 50—or one for each year of the Moonwalker's life. Although there has been speculation the fragile Jackson wouldn't be up for such a demanding slate (indeed, U.K. oddsmakers are taking bets on how many shows he'll actually perform), the promoter says he had to pass a vigorous physical before the contract was signed.

Jackson hasn't performed a full concert since his one-off 20th solo anniversary show in 2001. He hasn't had a full-fledged trek since his HIStory tour wrapped in 1997.

Previously, his spokesman has said Jackson was preparing for a world tour, although no dates have been confirmed.

E! News
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[FOLrocks1]

I'm not a fan, but I think it's pretty sweet he can still sell out like this.

[catlover79]

I somehow don't think he is actually going to go through with these shows. Mark my word, something will go wrong and he will cancel all the dates. I'm not being mean or anything, but I just don't think it'll happen.

[TJL]

Originally Posted by catlover79

I somehow don't think he is actually going to go through with these shows. Mark my word, something will go wrong and he will cancel all the dates. I'm not being mean or anything, but I just don't think it'll happen.

I agree with you. Once the reviews start pouring in, we'll see how long he lasts.

And yes, you are being mean. Welcome to the club.

[catlover79]

Originally Posted by TJL

I agree with you. Once the reviews start pouring in, we'll see how long he lasts.

And yes, you are being mean. Welcome to the club.

Coming from the King of Mean, that's high praise indeed.

[isiahthomas]

Forget a damn concert tour. Put out some new albums Michael LOL. He hasn't done a album since Invincible and that was 8 years ago LOL. Michael is a strange guy but i'll give him credit for when he puts out albums, they're usually good. I haven't heard Invincible yet but i'll check it out one day. I liked his first single You Rock My World from the album. The Jacksons are my favorite r&b group and no matter how strange Michael is, i'll always be a fan. I love The Jacksons movie too. Whenever it comes on VH1, i always watch it.

[MickeyMac]

Yeah I agree Michael should put out a new record. Not sure if I would buy it or not, but it would help his career.

[robyrob]

i find it completely incomprehensible that if he can sell a million tickets why he would be doing so in a smaller (comparatively) arena instead of moving it to a bigger venue so he can sell more tickets with fewer shows.

[catlover79]

^ See, you put way more thought into this than the promoters/booking agents, etc.

[catlover79]

Little did I know what a prophet I was when I wrote that I had a feeling the tour wouldn't happen. I thought it would be because of a health-related issue, but not death!!

[phoebe7165]

Originally Posted by catlover79

I somehow don't think he is actually going to go through with these shows. Mark my word, something will go wrong and he will cancel all the dates. I'm not being mean or anything, but I just don't think it'll happen.

Wow, that was eerie that you wrote that, and now 3 months later. It was like you had a premonition!!

[phoebe7165]

Originally Posted by catlover79

Little did I know what a prophet I was when I wrote that I had a feeling the tour wouldn't happen. I thought it would be because of a health-related issue, but not death!!

And yes, I did read this before I posted that last post.

[waichingliu81]

Originally Posted by catlover79

I somehow don't think he is actually going to go through with these shows. Mark my word, something will go wrong and he will cancel all the dates. I'm not being mean or anything, but I just don't think it'll happen.

wow! that was some prediction you made monika. 3 months on, you seemed to have hit the mark on that one, as it turned out to be true.

[MonarC]

So so sad.

[Hollow]

Originally Posted by catlover79

I somehow don't think he is actually going to go through with these shows. Mark my word, something will go wrong and he will cancel all the dates. I'm not being mean or anything, but I just don't think it'll happen.

oh, wow. that is really creepy.

i feel terrible for his fans who were looking forward to this tour. it must be very heartbreaking.