Jacko Invites Harry Potter Kids Backstage

Plus, auction moves forward, glove on display

(NEWSER) - Yesterday it was a riverboat, today it’s an elephant. Michael Jackson wants to take the stage at his London concerts atop a magnificent jungle beast, the Daily Mirror reports. And that’s not all: Jacko also wants “panthers led on gold chains," said an insider. "Parrots and other birds will fly behind him." Oh, and 100 Masai warriors, of course. “He hopes to make it the most spectacular gig ever,” said the source. More»

(NEWSER) - Hundreds of fans are camped out in the front of the O2 arena in London where Michael Jackson was to begin his 50-concert stand today, the BBC reports. “I want to feel a bit closer,” said one of the approximately 600 fans. “We’ve been reminiscing and sharing memories with everyone. When more people arrive there will be quite a party atmosphere.” More»

Plaintiff demands singer play US show or cough up $40m

(NEWSER) - A New Jersey promoter has filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent Michael Jackson from starting his 50-concert London marathon next month, the Telegraph reports. The singer contracted to play a reunion concert in the US this summer with other members of the Jackson family before performing anywhere else, the suit charges. The promoter is demanding Jackson pay $40 million for breach of contract. More»

Contract for family concert series puts comeback in question

(NEWSER) - London may never see Michael Jackson’s much-ballyhooed comeback concerts, TMZ reports. A contract Jackson signed for a reunion tour with his sister and brothers forbade him from making another concert deal for 18 months. Lawyers for that tour say Jackson’s London series violates the pact. Jackson’s position is that he didn’t sign the contract personally, but since his agent did, that argument might not hold water. More»

Forget the weirdness, it's all about nostalgia

(NEWSER) - You might not let Michael Jackson babysit your kid, but should that stop you from indulging in the “sweet elixir of nostalgia” of his concerts this summer? Not according to Matt Stewart, whose reaction to Jacko’s concert announcement was “pure, liquid joy,” he writes for the Huffington Post. He promptly bought tickets and “did a little dance when the confirmation email came through.” More»