AEG EXCLUSIVE: Michael Jackson On Stage Just Two Days Before His Death
 
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) Michael Jackson appeared healthy in a video clip obtained by CNN of his rehearsal two nights before he died.

Michael Jackson is shown rehearsing at the Staples Center on June 23, two days before his death.

1 of 3 AEG, promoter of Jackson's planned London shows, released the short video of Jackson rehearsing on a stage in the Staples Center arena on June 23.

Jackson sang "They Don't Care About Us," a song from his "HIStory" album, as he danced along with eight male dancers.

The Staples Center will also be the site of Jackson's memorial service.

The service is scheduled for Tuesday at the 20,000 seat Los Angeles arena, according to a person briefed by a family representative.

No other details have been revealed about the service. The memorial is set to begin Tuesday at 10 a.m.

AEG Announcement: Concert Tickets Refund Information

REFUND POLICY ANNOUNCED FOR MJ THIS IS IT TICKET HOLDERS

LONDON (June 30, 2009) – At this time of mourning for Michael Jackson, we are together in our sadness at the loss of one of the greatest entertainers ever.

"The world lost a kind soul who just happened to be the greatest entertainer the world has ever known,” said Randy Phillips, President & CEO, AEG Live. “Since he loved his fans in life, it is incumbent upon us to treat them with the same reverence and respect after his death."

AEG Live (UK) Ltd, concert promoters, announced that full refunds will be available to fans who purchased tickets through authorised agents for any of the 50 Michael Jackson 'This Is It' concerts which were to take place at The O2 Arena in London.

These refunds will include all ticket service charges.

Ticket holders requiring information about receiving a full refund should go to www.michaeljacksonlive.com from Wednesday, July 1, 2009. The refunds will be processed by each of the authorised ticket agencies (e.g. Ticketmaster, Viagogo, See or Ticketline).

It was also announced that fans will have the option to be sent the actual tickets they would have received to attend the shows in lieu of the full refunds which are being offered.

The tickets printed with the special lenticular process, were inspired and designed by Michael Jackson for the fans attending his shows. Images of the specially created tickets will be seen on www.michaeljacksonlive.com. The special offer to receive the actual tickets that the purchaser would have received to attend 'This is It' will remain valid thru 23:59 GMT, August 14, 2009.

Final performance of Michael Jackson for “This Is It” Tour

These are the first exclusive images taken from the forthcoming Michael Jackson DVD release This Is It.

The pictures show the King Of Pop performing some of his greatest hits only 2 days before he has died in Los Angeles.

Looking at this pictures we can't understand why and what's really happened??
Who will ever answer on this question?? Shocking...

We Love You & Miss You Michael So Much! You Are Always Will Be In Out Hearts! Rest In Pease!
Yours, MJBFC Team.

Source: TMZ, MJSTAR, MJBaltic.Com

Final performance of Michael Jackson for “This Is It” Tour

Michael Jackson’s last rehearsal at the Staples Center on Wednesday, the eve of his death, was recorded in multi-camera, high-definition video and multi-track audio, and could be released as the performer’s last album, according to several people close to the now-defunct concert tour.

The recordings were made as part of concert promotion company AEG Live’s deal with Jackson, which included a plan to produce both an album and DVD of what Jackson had billed his “final performance” tour, titled “This Is It.”

The entertainer died of heart failure on Thursday.

Randy Phillips, president and CEO of AEG Live, the nation's second largest concert promoter, emailed that he would not comment for the story.


The recordings also could be used to produce both a DVD or Blu-ray disc of the entertainer’s last performance - the entertainer singing his greatest hits.

One AEG official boasted to a colleague this weekend, “We have a live album in the can.”

And what an album it would be. Amazon, record stores and retailers like Barnes and Noble sold of all Michael Jackson stock almost immediately and in a matter of minutes following the news of Jackson’s death, in the case of Amazon.

Press reports have said that AEG Live stands to lose tens of millions of dollars from the unexpected cancellation of Jackson’s 50-date London tour.

But any audio and video release of the final concert would undoubtedly sell millions, if not tens of milllions -- of units worldwide and would be the music industry’s equivalent of a license to print money.

Jackson had failed to appear at many of the scheduled rehearsals in Los Angeles over the past two months. But he did show up at a full rehearsal at the Staples Center of his scheduled July 13 London concert on the night before his death.

The rehearsal, which went on for several hours, included dancers, musicians and aerial performers. Three people close to the production said it had been captured by multiple cameras, and the audio digitally recorded in a manner that could be used to produce a surround-sound DVD and audio products.

Source: The Wrap, MJBaltic.Com

HOT NEWS: Kenny Ortega Hints At 'This Is It' Vision To Be Shared

The day before Michael Jackson suffered a cardiac arrest and died, the King of Pop seemed completely fine, a magician working on his upcoming tour tells Usmagazine.com exclusively.

Ed Alonzo who also worked as a concert magician on Britney Spear's Circus tour was hired by the late singer to help design some of the magical illusions for Jackson's London shows.

"Michael was on stage performing the numbers, singing and dancing with the cast," Alonzo told Us about seeing Jackson Wednesday evening at rehearsals. "It was a privilege to be able to watch the concert that no one will see now."

He said Jackson was wearing a white shirt and pants and arrived at the Staples Center in L.A. around 6:30 p.m.

"By the time that Michael came in, all we had to do was just show [the plan] to him. He was such a quick learner," he said. "He would learn this stuff in seconds. And jump right into it! The choreography, all of it... He looked fantastic."

When it was time to sing, Jackson mentioned a seemingly minor ailment.

"He claimed that he felt he had a little bit of laryngitis. He said 'I'm not going to sing this full-out because I have this laryngitis.' But he looked great and these pop-locking moves that he was doing on stage with the crew were just breathtaking... He didn't seem tired. He went from one move to the next. It was an unbelievable experience to be with him and to see it all come together."

Mentally, Jackson seemed completely fine.

"He was joking with the crew on stage," he said. "There was a cameraman on stage ... that was a foot away from him that was kind of crouched down and Michael said some kind of funny gesture like, ‘Oh you're very close, look how close you are.' And he reached down and touched the cameraman on the top of the head in a joking manner. You could see on the screen how big Michael's image was on these projection screens. He was playful and light-hearted."

Alonzo spent the rest of the evening watching him perform.

"I just thought, 'Wow, he still has it,'" he told Us. "When he did 'Thriller,' I was just in awe. I stayed for a while, probably until about midnight. And then they started to rehearse the 'Thriller' number with a gigantic spider on stage and I thought, 'Well, it's getting late...' Had I known, I would have stayed another half hour and watched more."

He said that Jackson, who appeared to weigh only 120 pounds despite his over-6-foot-tall frame, rehearsed with the dancers until 1 a.m.
At rehearsals the following day, none of the crew knew anything was wrong until media reports began circulating the following afternoon.

"I wasn't sure what was happening," he said. "People were just looking at their phones and looking at websites and texts that they were getting. I think the news was now coming out. [Show producer Kenny] Ortega was on and off the phone probably five or six different times. And the news was slowly coming in, but it was not definitive. And Kenny finally looked at us and said, 'We need to call a group meeting.'"

Alonzo added: "He said, 'Michael Jackson was taken to the hospital. We're not sure at this point what has happened, but Michael Jackson has passed away.’ And then there was just this gasp. It was the words we didn't want to hear."

With the collected group of dancers and crew members in shock, Alonzo said Ortega got choked up as he told them all that they would "wrap for now."

The latest entry on Kenny Ortega's blog suggests that we haven't seen or heard the last of Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' forthcoming performance. The King Of Pop shot exclusive video footage and performance video in preparation for the 'This Is It' tour, it is highly anticipated this exclusive footage may get to see the light of day.

"As we close our eyes on this sad day, DREAM, BELIEVE, THIS IS NOT IT.
In time, we will celebrate and honor his vision with you all."

Source: MJJCommunity.Com, MJBaltic.Com

BREAKING NEWS: Michael Jackson Passes Away From Cardiac Arrest

Michael Jackson, the child star turned King of Pop died on Thursday. He was 50.

Jackson was pronounced dead at about 2:26 p.m. PDT (5:26 EDT) after arriving
at a Los Angeles hospital in full cardiac arrest, said Fred Corral of the Los Angeles County Coroner's office. The cause of death was not known and an autopsy
would likely take place on Friday, he said.

Jackson's sudden death had been reported earlier by U.S. media, which said he was taken ill at his home and rushed to the hospital by paramedics who found him not breathing when they arrived.

Known as the "King of Pop," for hits that included "Thriller" and "Billie Jean," Jackson's dramatic, one-gloved stage presence and innovative dance moves were imitated by legions of fans around the world.

He transformed music videos and his lifetime record sales tally is believed to be around 750 million, which, added to the 13 Grammy Awards he received, made him one of the most successful entertainers of all time.

According to the "Guinness Book Of Records," Michael Jackson is named as the Pop Star who supports the most charity organizations.

Quincy Jones, who helped arrange the music on the album "Thriller" and produced the "Off the Wall" album, told MSNBC: "I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news."

"For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger released a statement regarding Michael Jackson:

“Today, the world has lost one of the most influential and iconic figures in the music industry. From his performances with the Jackson 5, to the premiere of the ‘moonwalk’ and ‘Thriller,’ Michael was a pop phenomenon who never stopped pushing the envelope of creativity. Though there were serious questions about his personal life, Michael was undoubtedly a great entertainer and his popularity spanned generations and the globe. Maria and I join all Californians in expressing our shock and sadness over his death and our hearts go out the Jackson family, Michael’s children and to his fans worldwide,” Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a brief statement on Thursday evening.

Please CLICK HERE for more information and to see reaction on what happened

Source: MJJCommunity.Com, MJBaltic.Com

BREAKING NEWS: Michael Jackson Passes Away From Cardiac Arrest

Pop star Michael Jackson has died in Los Angeles, aged 50.

Paramedics were called to the singer's home around midday local time on Thursday after he stopped breathing.

He was pronounced dead two hours later after arriving at hospital in full cardiac arrest, said Fred Corral of the LA County Coroner's office.

Uri Gellar, a close friend of the star, told BBC News: "I'm devastated - it's very, very sad.

The star said this summer's concerts would be his "final curtain call"

"I'm still trying to hold on to the glimmer that it's not true. It's too surreal for me to absorb that Michael is no longer with us."

Hip hop star P Diddy wrote on Twitter : "Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat.

"He made the music come to life! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!"

Speaking outside the UCLA medical centre in Los Angeles, civil rights activist Rev Al Sharpton paid tribute to his friend.

"I knew him 35 years. When he had problems he would call me," he said.

"I feel like he was not treated fairly. I hope history will be more kind to him than some of the contemporary media."

"He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic news and our hearts go out to his family and to music lovers around the globe who mourn this great loss."

"For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words," said Quincy Jones, who produced Thriller, Bad and Off The Wall.

"He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

Source: CNN, BBC, MJBALTIC

Fact Or Fiction? Clearing Up All The Latest Michael Jackson Rumors

After the King of Pop Michael Jackson postponed his first five opening shows of
the 'This Is It' run of 50 concerts in London’s 02 Arena, the tawdry tabloid tales and rumors have gotten out of control. They escalate and get worse every day.

To clear up all the craziness, I went inside the Jackson camp and got answers to some sensational scoops claimed by British reporters:

Rumor: Michael is dying from cancer!

Fact: Totally untrue, and the top titans producing his show said he’s had another clean bill of health from the insurance company. He’s ready to go!

Rumor: He’s on a hunger strike and angry about doing 50 shows instead of the original 10 that were planned.

Fact: He is not starving himself to beat cancer or protest the rehearsals schedule. He’s getting himself into shape, and both Michael and the AEG producers scheduled the additional 40 shows on the 02 Arena booking calendar if the original 10 shows sold out faster than expected!

Rumor: Michael is worried he’s not strong enough to perform every other night for 50 shows for 1 million fans and has skipped rehearsals.

Fact: He’s attended all of the preparations and rehearsals, and my insiders report that everything is on schedule. Michael, director Kenny Ortega, dancers and choreographers will relocate from Center Staging Studios in Burbank, Calif., to London in the next two weeks to prepare the final elements.

Says AEG Live President Randy Phillips: “The British tabloid stories are untrue. Michael is thrilled at selling 50 shows. The size and scale of this show would not be possible without an extended run, and Michael has been fully onboard from the very beginning. He has not agreed to a world tour to follow at this point, but he has the option to do so at any time.”

I was told that the shows will be “truly spectacular” and unlike anything ever seen. Michael has wrapped the video sequences for the giant projection screens being used in the staging. R&B singer Akon made British headlines, too, saying the King of Pop wouldn’t be singing live. Again, another exaggerated story, my insiders say. “Michael will perform, he will dance, he will sing,” I was told. “You can’t do all three at once live, so of course there will be some pre-recorded tracks. But the fans won’t have a second to be disappointed about what they will see and hear! Akon has promised to be in the front row of the July 16 premiere concert. He said: “It’s going to be amazing. I’m going to have front row tickets. I will have the best tickets in the house and will be so close to the stage, you will think that I am on it.”

The Los Angeles Times reported this past weekend that banker Tom Barrack, who runs Colony Capital, is heavily involved in Michael’s massive show-business comeback. Barrack’s company has major ownership interests here in the Las Vegas Hilton and the Stations Casino group.

Rumor: Michael will open a $3 billion Thriller casino on the Strip.

Fact: Untrue because nobody believes the Nevada Gaming Commission would give Michael a gaming license. The hope is that part of Michael’s memorabilia and Thriller successes could be used inside a casino as an entertainment attraction.

My reporter friend Chris Lee wrote this weekend in the Los Angeles Times: “His backers envision the London shows as an audition for a career rebirth that could ultimately encompass a three-year world tour, a new album, movies, a Graceland-like museum and musical revues in Las Vegas and Macau.” Chris quoted Barrack as saying: “You are talking about a guy who could make $500 million a year if he puts his mind to it. There are very few individual artists who are multibillion-dollar businesses, and he is one.” He also quoted Frank DiLeo, Michael’s manager and friend of 30 years, as saying: “Michael is very focused. He is not going to let anybody down. Not himself. Not his fans. Not his family.”

The inner circle around Michael confirm that he wants to do the London concerts not only for monetary reasons but also because he believes his children are now old enough and want to see him onstage. Sons Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., 12, Prince Michael, 7, and daughter Paris Michael Katherine, 11, have never seen him perform live. “They are old enough to appreciate and understand what I do, and I am still young enough to do it,” Randy quoted Jackson as saying.

I am reliably told that the only reason Michael’s original July 8 comeback premiere was delayed to July 13 was because of the time needed for the load-in and construction of his giant stage and special effects. “It was the only reason,” my top insider told me. “Nothing else. It was just logistics.”

Madonna ends a two-night run at the 02 Arena on July 5, and Michael’s production people take over July 6.

“We are totally confident Michael will be onstage, healthy, strong and well. The insurance is in place for exactly that, and his doctors have given the green light. It will be the best ever show ever seen anywhere in the world,” my top insider told me.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Source: Las Vegas Weekly, AEG, MJJCommunity, MJBaltic

Reschedule of Michael Jackson Concert Dates Announced

Due to the sheer magnitude of the “This Is It” concerts at the O2 Arena promoters and producers AEG Live and Kenny Ortega, Michael’s directorial partner and creative collaborator have elected to move back a few of the opening shows in order to meet the challenges presented by such a massive and technically complex show.

Organisers are determined that all Michael’s legions of fans attending the opening nights get the same quality of staging and level of entertainment. Only the four shows listed here are affected:

· 8th July will take place on 13th July 2009
· 10th July will be moved to 1st March 2010
· 12th July will be moved to 3rd March 2010
· 14th July will be moved to 6th March 2010

“Kenny and Michael are, at the same time, both creative pioneers and perfectionists. This show has grown in size and scope, thereby, necessitating more lead time for manufacture of the set, programming the content for the massive video elements, and, most importantly, more time for full production and dress rehearsals in the world’s busiest arena, the O2. As much as we agonized over this change in the original schedule, we are sure the fans will understand when they experience the level of entertainment Michael Jackson intends to deliver while also ensuring the safety of the musicians, cast and crew and the crisp execution of the production. It is AEG Live’s sincere hope that those lucky enough to have purchased tickets will have enough time to change their personal schedules and travel plans if they are coming from outside of London. We do not want anyone to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Kenny Ortega and AEG’s President and CEO answer questions following the announcement of the delayed opening concerts at the 02.

CLICK TO WATCH OFFICIAL PRESS CONFERENCE

Source: AEG/Kenny Ortega/MichaelJacksonLive.Com
 

The Latest 'This Is It' Tour Update with New pictures and Video

Here is the latest information about Michael Jackson's preparing his "This Is It" World Tour and the "core" of his staff. Rumors says that, after concerts in London Michael Jackson could add dates in Japan, Australia,
Europe and USA during the next two years.

- Creator & Director: Michael Jackson
- Co-Creator & Director: Kenny Ortega - http://www.kennyortega.com
- Associate Director & Choreographer: Travis Payne
- Associate Producer: Alif Sankey
- Assistant Choreographers: Stacy Walker, Tony Testa
- Production Designer: Michael Cotten - http://www.mcotten.com/
- Dancers: Chucky Klapow - http://www.chuckyk.com/
                Shannon Holtzapffel - http://www.shannonholtz.com/Home.aspx
- Coach for Michael Jackson: David Elsewhere Bernal
- Casting Director: Gregg Smith
- Lighting Designer: Patrick Woodroffe - http://www.patrickwoodroffe.com/

Michael Jackson's Coach, David Elsewhere, in one of his amazing performance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiLK7S2fXqQ

OFFICIAL CAST'S DANCERS VIDEO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdcytuKhVQo

Source: AEG/MSA, MJJ Universe, MJBaltic