Lollapalooza Reaches Agreement with King of Pop

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By Jim Shearer on 04/01/2009

Filed under: SOON

Earlier this month at a press conference in London, Michael Jackson announced that he would be performing his final shows in England, beginning in July, at London's 23,000-capacity, O2 arena. Originally 10 concert dates were scheduled, but Jackson has extended it to 50 (July 8, 2009-February 24, 2010).

Because of recent health concerns--not even taking into consideration that the King of Pop hasn't toured in well over 10 years--critics wonder how many dates he'll actually play. As of now though, his website is currently selling tickets for all 50 performances.

It is unsure if these will be the final concert appearances of Michael Jackson's legendary career, or just the last time he'll play live in the UK.

Doesn't the U.S. deserve a proper Jacko sendoff? There was some speculation a couple weeks back, whether or not Jackson would attempt--if the payday was right--to jump onto a few of the bigger outdoor U.S. festivals: Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza. His schedule would permit him to play any of the three, which also has a curious 6-day break in August--the same time Lollapalooza 2009 is scheduled to take place in Chicago's Grant Park (August 7-9). Hmm.

Well, get your lawn chairs ready for this one, because rumors were confirmed today, officially announcing that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, will be headlining all three days of Lollapalooza this summer. Apparently, Perry Farrell struck a deal with Jackson, where he will not only get a guaranteed payday (I'm sure there are a lot of 0's on the end of that figure), but will also get a percentage of the merchandise and ad revenue for Lollapalooza 2009.

Who would have ever thought 18 years ago, when Jane's Addiction, Siouxsie & The Banshees, and Fishbone were playing the first Lollapalooza, that the bill would one day include Michael Jackson?!

Happy April 1st!

Tags: August 7-9, Concerts, Farewell Tour, Michael Jackson plays Lollapalooza, O2 Arena, This is It

GreyRussian

Do you think this is funny, Jim? DO YOU THINK THIS IS SOME KIND OF JOKE??? I was this close to booking my tickets.

cereal killer

oh... someones got jokes, huh?

cereal killer

You had me going till right about here.

"Well, get your lawn chairs ready for this one, because rumors were confirmed today, officially announcing that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, will be headlining all three days of Lollapalooza this summer."

Jeff

strangely enough this has been spreading the last hour

www.lollapalooza.com/img/lollapalooza2009officia.jpg
the link doesnt work anymore but someone saved it

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/9451/lollapalooza2009officia.jpg

Covering the crossroads of music and film.