Lineup for October show in Cardiff, Wales, will be revealed August 3.
By Gil Kaufman
Siblings LaToya, Tito, Jackie and Marlon Jackson after announcing 'Michael Forever,' in Beverly Hills July 25, 2011.
Photo: AFP/Getty Images
Michael Jackson's family has announced a tribute concert to the late King of Pop that is slated to take place on October 8 in Cardiff, Wales. The four-hour show at the 75,000-capacity Millennium Stadium will be broadcast via satellite on pay-per-view and into movie theaters with a cast of big-name performers whose identities have not yet been revealed.
At the Beverly Hills press conference on Monday revealing the details of the "Michael Forever" show, Jackson family matriarch Katherine was joined by sons Tito, Jackie and Marlon and daughter LaToya; siblings Jermaine, Randy, Janet and estranged husband Joe were not in attendance.
"When I was told some of the names of the artists performing, I knew it would be fit for a king. If my son was here today he would feel the same way, and so I'd like to say thank you very much for helping to keep my son's legacy alive," Katherine Jackson said of Michael, who died in June 2009 of a heart attack caused by a prescription drug overdose.
According to Wales Online, the show will feature artists Jackson admired and will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the start of his solo career.
"I will be there along with as many members of my family that can make it," Katherine said. "It is intended to be the biggest and best concert in the world for many years to come." LaToya added, "This event is far, far overdue. He was an entertainer who I feel no one can ever stand up to or hold a candle to as far as his talent is concerned. This tribute will be something spectacular and I know that he would approve."
One of the show's producers said that despite taking place in a large stadium, the event will have a more intimate atmosphere with the building's roof closed. Proceeds from the show will benefit three charities Jackson supported: the Prince's Trust, AIDS Project Los Angeles and a cancer charity. The show's lineup will be announced on August 3.
As with many things related to MJ's legacy, there was controversy, as brothers Randy and Jermaine said they thought the timing of the show was inappropriate. In a statement, the two said, "While we wholeheartedly support the spirit of a tribute that honors 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 20."
That date is when Jackson's former doctor, Conrad Murray, is slated to go on trial for manslaughter charges in the singer's death.
Jermaine attempted to put on a tribute concert to his late brother in September 2009, but the show fell apart after many of the top acts were unable to commit to the event.
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