Michael Jackson Tribute Line-Up Revealed
Acts signed for October's tribute concert for Michael Jackson include Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis, Smokey Robinson, Cee Lo Green and JLS, as well as, several of MJ's brothers, "the next generation of Jacksons," and 3T, which consists of Tito Jackson's three sons.
Organisers have announced the initial lineup of October's Michael Jackson tribute gig in Cardiff, revealing that "the biggest and best concert in the world" will include performances by, er, Craig David, Alien Ant Farm and 90s pop act 3T. "This announcement is just the beginning," the promoters said. "This concert will everyone of just how amazing a talent Michael was."
While 3T receive top billing on Michael Forever's alphabetised lineup page, Jackson's thirtysomething nephews are admittedly not the biggest acts on the bill. Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and JLS have also agreed to appear at the Millennium Stadium, as has Leona Lewis, who had been rumoured to open the King of Pop's aborted O2 residency. Although Katherine Jackson reportedly issued personal invitations to Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars and Chris Brown, all have "respectfully declined", according to TMZ. Kanye West is apparently in the "maybe" pile.
Tickets are still not on sale for the gargantuan gig, which is intended to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Jackson's solo career. "The registration period was put on hold because we want people to know who they are registering to see," explained Chris Hunt, the chairman of Global Live Events. But lack of interest could also be attributed to the convoluted and expensive ticket scheme. Although seats begin at £55, for restricted view, they will only be allotted according to the size of each purchaser's charity "donation". "The higher you bid the better seats you get?" complained one fan on Facebook. "Not every Michael fan is rich!"
Furthermore, if Michael Forever is going to be a four-hour affair, as Hunt has promised, organisers are going to have to book artists who are more exciting than Alien Ant Farm, with their decade-old Smooth Criminal cover. Craig David's last two albums garnered just one hit, and 3T last charted in 1996. The lineup also features "the Jacksons", a vague catch-all term that may include LaToya, Janet or Tito, but certainly not Randy or Jermaine.
This is because several of Michael's relatives – along with the official Michael Jackson Fan Club, and even the singer's executors – aren't backing the show. They claim the concert will distract from the involuntary manslaughter trial of Dr Conrad Murray, Jackson's former doctor. "While we wholeheartedly support the spirit of a tribute that honours our brother, we find it impossible to support an event that is due to take place during the," Randy and Jermaine said. "Everyone's care and attention should be focused on the matter of justice."
The timing of the tribute concert is not the only controversy. The announcement of the line-up had been expected last week, with the delay by Global Live Events prompting considerable criticism.
The ticketing system also has riled some fans, as yourcardiff reported.
Tickets for the concert are expected to go up for “registration” soon. The ticketing system allows people to register their interest in the concert, rewarding those who pledge the most to charity with the best seats. After four days, tickets will be offered to those successful.
