Michael Jackson's London gigs could be replaced with a series of tribute concerts - with stars such as Justin Timberlake lined up to perform. Bosses at the O2, which had been due to host 50 Jacko dates, have started approaching artists to fill the gap. And they have been inundated with pleas from fans to stage tributes to the superstar, according to The Mirror.
Top acts such as Coldplay and Take That are also understood to be among those approached. It is feared the promoters of the Michael Jackson gigs, AEG, will lose £12million already spent on production - and possibly tens of millions more.
They are reported to have been unable to get insurance for at least 30 of the concerts - and the insurance for the rest may not cover them for Michael's death. An O2 source said: "There is a scramble to fill the dates. Justin Timberlake is one name coming up. There have been calls from artists interested in performing, although people want to be sensitive. We've had hundreds of emails from fans begging us to hold a series of tribute concerts. It's an idea which would make them feel a little better after such a shocking week."
The 02 Arena, operated by US Entertainment giant AEG, was expecting to make £100million from the This Is It concerts.
More on this is at the Coldplay forum here onwards.
Coldplay pay tribute to Michael Jackson
Millions of fans have been holding vigils around the world in tribute of late music legend Michael Jackson. The singer, 50, was pronounced dead at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles on Thursday at 2.26pm local time after suffering a heart attack at his rented Bel Air mansion.
As the shocking news of his death reverberated around the globe, crowds gathered to share in their sorrow, from outside the King of Pop's childhood home in Encino, California to the busy streets of Hong Kong. Coldplay also added their condolences online. In a message from Coldplay's official Twitter account, it read: "MJ was the best of the best. His music and performances made the world a brighter place. His light will shine on forever. Coldplay."
In scenes reminiscent of the aftermath of Diana, Princess of Wales and John Lennon's deaths, fans were seen sobbing in the streets and lighting candles at places Jackson once visited or performed. Hundreds of people flocked to New York's famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, where the singer frequently performed with the Jackson Five in the Seventies. You can share your thoughts on Michael Jackson, his music, his legacy and your favourite Jacko tunes at the Coldplay forum here, here and here onwards [thanks howyousawtheworld, Berrywoman & bjaiken]
Chris Martin: 'Michael Jackson Comeback Bigger Than Lazarus'
Chris Martin recently described Michael Jackson's 2009-2010 shows at London's O2 Arena as “the biggest comeback since Lazarus”. Martin also told The Mirror newspaper that like thousands of Jackson's fans he was unable to buy tickets before they sold out.
"I was looking at it on the internet and thought, 'I'd better buy some for myself' and I couldn't. They were totally sold out,” he said. "To sell out like that is a testament to talent. It is just amazing to sell out 50 shows in one city in a big arena. It's the biggest comeback since Lazarus. It's good news - but not for me."
Jackson was scheduled to play 50-nights at London's O2 Arena. All of the gigs, which were to run into 2010, had already sold out. More on this article is at the Coldplay forum here [thanks ravrat]
Michael Jackson on stage
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