Yeah, you read the title right, Michael Jackson has said he is returning to the stage... March 5, 2009, Michael Jackson was at the O2 Arena in London announcing that he was going to play a series of London concerts (10 nights to be exact) before retiring from public performances. It is going to be titled "This Is It!" and it is going to be it, according to what Jackson had to say to the crowd when he announced his final concerts (click this link to see the video). According to the video - he said he will be performing the songs his fans want to hear.
Also in the video they discussed how Michael's "people" so to say have videos promoting this series of concert events in the O2 Arena. The promotional videos have clips from his best videos and greatest moments in concert, basically, as the girls in the MSNBC video put it, reminding all the viewers of how great he was. Since it has been 8 years since he has last done any sort of music making or actually performances/tours, this is big. Only bad part of this whole concert idea is that Michael is now 50 years old. So returning to the spotlight may be difficult, especially if he plans on pulling all the stunts right?
According to the article, British music writer and broadcaster John Aizlewood said that, “because of what’s happened to him and how he’s lived his life over the last 20 years, he’s made it very difficult for people to out themselves as Michael Jackson fans. These concerts are a huge opportunity for rehabilitation.”
If no one recalls, "Thriller," released in 1982, is still the best-selling album of all time. And Michael did win 13 Grammy's and sell over 750 million albums. At one time, Jacko was a pretty big deal. But after everything that has happened to him over the last decade or two, it is going to be hard to beat all of that and get a sold out crowd (the O2 Arena holds 20,000 people). If we all don't recall his child molestation suit, his baby-dangling incident or the fact that he has been financially struggling for a few years now. . . those were some major things that have been happening with him in the last few decades.
Some people, including Bookmaker William Hill and spokesperson Graham Sharpe, think that Jackson will be a no-show at his concert event. They have a 5 to 1 bet on his first show, saying he won't show.
For Michael Jackson, this whole concert idea is a great way to get him back into good spotlight. And if he pulls if off, it will help his tainted image a lot. Even the gals from the MSNBC video think this is great PR for him. For the sake of the fact that this may be his last big thing, I too hope he pulls it off. Afterall, many of us grew up knowing Michael Jackson music, and we all know we loved it!
While I haven't really followed Michael Jackson through the years and am not sure what to believe when it comes to the stories of him, I can't help but give him credit for his career. He is an amazing artist and was a trend-setter and trail-blazer for the music and pop industries. His music video for "Thriller" revamped the music video and his talent never ceases to amaze me. I wish him the best of luck with this upcoming "come-back."
ReplyDeleteI cannot think of a better example of PR work. I think that the best way to sell out a concert is to build suspense and make everyone excited to go see the concert. Not only will the concert help Michael with his financial problems, but will help his tarnished image from his years of mistakes. It will be interesting to see how the world will except his come back/ farewell concert. Hopefully Michael’s PR reps can make this happen for him.
ReplyDeleteI have never really been a true Michael Jackson fan. Yes I have listened to his music, but I dont think I would ever pay to go to one of his concerts. Yes it is great that he is coming back to the stage and I am sure his fans are very excited to see him perform again.
ReplyDeleteMichael may have lost some of his fans after what happen to him a few years back, but I am pretty sure he will still have packed concerts all over the world. I wish him the best of luck in his concerts to come. I bet it will be one big "Thriller."