Yes, You Want to See Jacko's Show

(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»

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»

Also, singer will arrive at shows via boat

(NEWSER) - In what might not be the best PR move, Michael Jackson invited the young stars of the Harry Potter films backstage for the opener of his London summer concerts, the Sun reports. “He was utterly enchanted by the magic of JK Rowling’s novels,” a source says. “He is a big admirer of the films too; he owns all the movies and … memorabilia for his collection.” More»