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Michael Jackson in LA Rehearsing for O2 Arena Shows When he Died

by Amy Judd | June 25, 2009 at 02:07 pm

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Michael Jackson has died at age 50 on June 25th 2009.

The singer has been rehearsing in Burbank California for the past four weeks for his upcoming shows at the O2 Arena in London, which would have been his first shows in 12 years. It is not known at this time if the rehearsals have had anything to do with his collapse and cardiac arrest.

Tickets average about $115 U.S. and capacity will be about 15,000 per show, taking the gross for the run to about $90 million U.S.. Premium and VIP packages and secondary market sales will boost the gross to more than $100 million U.S.. Merchandise sales could bring in another $15 million U.S..

Michael's take on tickets would be worth $50 million U.S and the shows have been described as 'fabulous'.

"Originally we tried to keep the show down to 90 minutes, but Michael has so many must-do songs in his repertoire that the shows now will be two-plus hours," AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips tells Billboard.

It was to be a multi-media experience that would be very 'cutting edge' and filled with new technology. Phillips said that Michael passed the physical with 'flying colours' in order to start the tour.

"Michael's in incredible physical shape, he's got tremendous stamina, he's been working out aerobically preparing for this, and he is totally engaged," Phillips says. "He sounds like Michael Jackson. He is laser-focused on making this the greatest entertainment event that fans have ever seen."

He was also contracted to perform with the Jackson Five and Janet Jackson in July 2010.

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Angry fan (not verified)

at 17:20 on June 25th, 2009

This is so selfish!!!

Simon Partridge (not verified)

at 05:35 on June 26th, 2009

I agree - couldn't he have died AFTER the concerts?

Paschen

at 17:40 on June 25th, 2009

No matter his faults, he was one of a kind and will remain a icon for decades to come.

chanaka

at 21:21 on June 25th, 2009

No body will able to take his place back. He is the best of the best. Everybody have there personal life matters. just ignore all as we do not need that. He is a legend and will remain always everyones hearts and mind.