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Jackson tribute concert deal falls through

Posted on: Tuesday, 11 August 2009, 12:26 CDT

Two Michael Jackson tribute concerts scheduled for London's O2 Arena were canceled after promoters failed to reach agreements with artists.

The concerts were going to be Aug. 29-30, but were canceled after organizers ran out of time to strike deals with the performers, The Times of London reported Tuesday.

Officials of AEG, the company behind the former Millennium Dome, said they still hoped to sponsor an event to pay homage to the late U.S. pop star.

Jackson had planned an unprecedented 50-night booking at O2 Arena and was rehearsing his performances when he died June 25 at the age of 50. Disputes have erupted over the distribution of Jackson's estate, with his family claiming demands of AEG Live, which organized the abandoned tribute shows, had affected his health.

If they ever happen, it will not be until next year, a source close to the event told The Times. We didn't want to rush out something that was substandard -- we would rather wait until we have got the best possible people.

Another tribute concert in Vienna was announced Monday, the British newspaper said. Promoter World Awards Media said Jackson's family and a high-profile line-up of international stars would perform in late September on an outdoor stage to be built at Schonbrunn Palace in the city.

Source: United Press International

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