"It is intended to be the biggest, and the best concert event in the world for many years to come."
What's all this, a Live Aid for the 21st century? Not quite, but the above quote from Michael's mother Katherine might have you believe that we're in for something a bit special in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on the 8th October. Her announcement to organise a concert in celebration of her son Michael's life has caused a split in the Jackson clan with Jermaine and Randy against the whole idea, saying;
“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 criminal trial surrounding Michael's death. As everyone knows, those proceedings commence September 20th, and this Michael Forever concert takes place in Cardiff, Wales, on 8 October. In light of this, we feel it is inappropriate to be involved with such an ill-timed event and its promoter, Global Live.”
It seems promising when you see some of the big names on the bill so far, Smokey Robinson, Christina Aguilera, and Cee Lo Green. But then things start going downhill.
First there's a crowd of talent show contestants: Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, JLS and Diversity.
Next comes some of his relations: The Jackson Brothers (obviously not including Jermaine and Randy) and 3T (a band made up of three of Michael's nephews who had a couple of European hits in the mid 90's)
Pixie Lott and Craig David are in there too to make up the numbers, along with Alien Ant Farm, who I can only imagine got in there because they had a hit in 2001 with a cover of Smooth Criminal.
The line-up then received its most bizarre addition when it was announced that Kiss would also play at the concert. Bizarre because their bass player Gene Simmons had previously made these comments about Michael Jackson in an interview with Classic Rock Magazine:
"No matter what my fond memories and fond images of Michael were, with one allegation of paedophilia after another and another and another…Oh dear... The only sexual references ever made about Michael Jackson that were made by anyone, anywhere around the world, have always been made by kids, and specifically males usually 10 to 14 years of age; never females, that age or older, and never grown men."
Apparently, Kanye West has said he might add his name to the bill but Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars and Chris Brown have all turned down the opportunity to play.
The concert is raising money for two charities, AIDS Project Los Angeles and The Prince's Trust. But a very odd ticketing structure seems to be putting many would-be buyers off. Seats start at £55 but if you want a seat near the front you must also make a donation to one of the charities. Your seat position will then be decided by how much you donated.
Hopefully this will live up to its billing as "the biggest, and the best concert event in the world for many years to come", if only out of respect to the memory of the King of Pop. Although something tells me that it might be promises of greatness but ultimately a massive anti-climax, just like the end of the great performer's life.
