35 Michael Jackson Fan Communities Call For Cancellation of 'Tribute' Concert
Sunday, 21 August 2011
Written by Elliott Batte
The door is slowly closing on the Michael Forever Tribute concert, set to take place at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on October 8th, after over 35 of the leading Michael Jackson fan forums issued a statement advising the organisers Global Live Events to cancel the gig.
The open letter, led by MJJCommunity, the largest online Michael Jackson forum, highlights their refusal to support the gig and describes the concert as ‘doomed’. They also heavily reiterate points such as the addition and removal of Gene Simmons and his band KISS, who publicly branded Michael a child molester, despite the singer being cleared of all charges in 2005, and the fact that the show is scheduled to take place during the Conrad Murray manslaughter trial.
A part of the letter reads: “From the timing of this tribute, in the middle of Dr. Murray's trial, to the ticketing prices, to the obscurity over what charities will be receiving the donation, to the no-guarantee policy of performers, the addition of Gene Simmons and dishonoring, thus tarnishing Michael Jackson's legacy was simply the last straw.
“With the damage done, it will be the fans who work hard to overcome this debacle for Michael Jackson's legacy.”
A video protesting the tribute has also been created, which you can see embedded below.
Pressure has been growing on promoters Global Live Events to cancel the gig – initially, it was just Randy and Jermaine who opposed the concert. In a significant twist to the saga, last week, Michael Jacksons' Estate published an open letter they sent to Global Live Events concerning the show, forums worldwide have displayed their displeasure at the concert and even the event organiser's official Facebook page has been bombarded with attacks from fans.
Now this fan community letter, which is supported by MJ forums in countries like USA, UK, China, Russia, Germany and many, many more, encompassing million of registered fans, has edged the tribute closer to a premature end.
Organiser Paul Ring recently made comments regarding the future of the concert to the BBC, saying “The concert is very much going ahead.”
The registration period for the concert is set to end at midnight today (August 21st). The organisers have indicated that tickets are set to go onsale at 9.30am BST on Wednesday August 24th, with those that preregistered for tickets being contacted within 24 hours.
Do you think the show will still go on? Or do you believe the concert should being cancelled? Tell us in the comments section below.
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