Jackson's next concert series was to be in London-1 million tickets sold out in hours

[babylonsister]

:(

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/jun/25/michael-jackson-dies

Michael Jackson dies


American pop music legend Michael Jackson died of a heart attack in a Los Angeles hospital today, just weeks before he hoped to resurrect his four-decade long career with a series of sold-out shows in London.

Jackson was taken to the University of California at Los Angeles medical centre, and paramedics administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the ambulance. He arrived at the hospital in a coma and was reported dead about three hours later.

The world-famous entertainer had planned a series of 50 concerts in the O2 area beginning 12 July. Although in the last two decades his reputation was sullied by accusations of child molestation and his bizarre public behaviour, the shows sold 1m tickets within hours, proving the King of Pop has enduring appeal, even among fans who were not yet born when he released the "Thriller" album in 1982.

Jackson's impact on American pop music cannot be overstated. His signature vocal style, dance moves, including the moon walk, and his military-inspired fashion sense influenced pop culture world wide. He earned worldwide acclaim for his 1982 Thriller album, produced by Quincy Jones. His subsequent efforts, including his Bad album in 1987 and a collaboration with sister Janet Jackson were also well received. His Thriller video, with its occult imagery and choreographed ensemble dance helped launch the music video genre.

more...

[musette_sf]

1. sadly, i think:

(1) if he didn't do the tour he would be financially ruined.
(2) if he did the tour and flopped, he would be professionally and financially ruined.
(3) if he checked out now, the "Elvis Effect" on record sales would at least recoup some money for his children.

[babylonsister]

2. Wow! I never thought of that. But think of all the money

he'd have made on the ticket sales. I guess we'll find out what caused the heart attack. I just heard he'd been addicted to pain pills? Had a 4-hour physical recently? I don't know what to think.

[musette_sf]

3. i suspect that any revenue realized from ticket sales

had already been attached to debts and judgments.

i think that record sales would go into a different bucket.

if it was indeed an OD... how very sad that this marvelous talent thought it was his best choice of bad choices.

[absyntheminded]

4. Does remind me though...

Of all the cool stuff he did early to mid eighties. Graduated High School in 80, when MTV was in it's infancy. Still recall the college days, bartending part time and music from "Off the Wall" and the Thriller stuff. My taste changed (and so did he - quite a bit), but I still see it, I remember what I took away from the MJ experience in those early days.
Can't speak for the last 15-20 years, but the J5 and the early 80's were pretty cool. Rest in Peace.

[babylonsister]

5. Welcome to DU, and I remember the J5 well, so I'm dating

myself. I grew up with that family. Not lately either, but there was a time...

[absyntheminded]

6. Thanks for posting this...

Made me remember the good things, not "the crazy" that went on from, wut - the 90's on? Wasn't a fan then, but like you said, there was a time....

Thanks