Madonna may work with Janet Jackson in MJ’s honour

London, Sept 18 (ANI): Madonna had a long cherished dream of singing with Michael Jackson, which could not materialise due the King of Pop’s untimely death. But now the pop diva is all set to work with another Jackson, Janet, it has emerged.

It is reported that Madonna and Janet met up last Sunday evening to discuss plans to honour MJ by “doing something together”.

The Mirror quoted a source as saying: “It was a meeting of two great musical try minds. Madonna was so impressed with Janet’s tribute to Michael that they started talking about how great it would be to honour him by doing something together.

“With that one performance, Janet proved she’s back on top of her game. And who better to join forces with than Madonna? There was definitely something very interesting being planned between them.”

According to Madonna’s manager, Guy Oseary, the 51-year-old singer was very eager to be a part of Jackson’s This Is It show at London’s O2 Arena.

Oseary had revealed this on his Twitter post that said: “A month ago Madonna told me she wanted to do a surprise performance at one of Michael Jackson’s UK shows.” (ANI)

A docudrama plays a story of women cricketers’ struggle and triumph

Kolkata, Sep 9 (ANI): A docudrama titled ‘Indian Women’s Cricket team Poor Cousins of Million Dollar Babies’ highlights the disparity between men and women cricket players in India.

As the title suggests, the docudrama shows how while men cricketers hog all the limelight and bask in the glory of success and money, women cricketers are way behind their male counterparts though they have been able to carve a name for themselves in the international sport arena.

The 25-minute audio-visual commentary narrates a story of the triumph of women’s cricket despite the disparities and differential treatment.

Former Indian Skipper Anjum Chopra said the docudrama has been able to mirror the women cricketers’ struggle, hard work and determination to reach the milestone they have achieved despite receiving far less attention of sports authority, sponsorship and media coverage as compared with their male counterparts.

“I really liked it. I think it’s very nice. It covers a lot of angels into the lives of women cricketers on and off the field. It’s a true depiction of the lives and struggles of Indian women cricketers go through,” Anjum Chopra added.

The The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI ) spends millions of rupees on men’s cricket and its stalwart players but women’s team, which has consistently done well in the context of world tournaments, has not received the same attention and promotion.

Sunil Yash Kalra, who has directed the documentary, said it’s time to tell the story of players engaged in the most popular and fast growing game in India despite their gender.

“It’s a sport which is a nerve centre of India, the subcontinent. And, it’s also included in the Asian Games next year. So, basically if you were to look at it… A, it’s the fastest growing game. B, there is a story that needs to be told about each individual member, that’s what the idea is to showcase the best to the rest of the world,” Kalra added.

The film also reveals interesting facts about women’s cricket in India. For example, women’s cricket in India can be traced back to early 20th century when an Australian school teacher Anne Kelleve made cricket a compulsory game at the Baker Memorial School in Kottayam, Kerala, in 1913.

The Women’s World Cup was initiated in 1973, two years before the men’s World Cup. And, Indian eves played T20 international cricket in 2006 while Indian men played their first match in 2007. (ANI)

Phoenix pastor who prays for Obama’s death faces flak

Washington, Sep. 1 (ANI): Protestors have started voicing their opposition outside the congregation of a Phoenix-based pastor, who tells his parishioners that he prays for President Obama’s death.

Phoenix-based Pastor Steven Anderson attracted widespread attention after he delivered a sermon titled, “Why I Hate Barack Obama,” and encouraged his parishioners to join him in praying for the president’s death.

“I hope that God strikes Barack Obama with brain cancer so he can die like Ted Kennedy and I hope it happens today,” Fox News quoted him, as saying.

He called his message “spiritual warfare” and said he does not condone killing.

However, some protesters gathered around his church on Sunday, calling Anderson’s words “incomprehensible.”

According to the report, Anderson has also received some death threats.

Anderson’s provocative message stems from Obama’s abortion-rights stance.

In his controversial sermon, delivered at his Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe before Obama arrived for a speech in Phoenix earlier in the month, the pastor had said he wants the president to “melt like a snail” with salt on it.

“I’m gonna pray that he dies and goes to hell when I go to bed tonight. That’s what I’m gonna pray,” he told his congregation.

The last time fierce opposition to Obama’s abortion position drew widespread attention was when Obama delivered the commencement address at the University of Notre Dame, the report said.

The Anderson sermon was also in news after it was reported that one man carrying an assault rifle outside the Phoenix arena where Obama spoke was a member of Anderson’s church, the report added. (ANI)

Woman boxer Laishram Sarita Devi crowned with Arjuna Award

Thoubal (Manipur), Aug 29 (NAI): Laishram Sarita Devi, a seven times gold medallist in various international women’s boxing tourneys has been bestowed with the Arjuna Award, India’s prime honour for sportspersons. arita Devi (24) hails from Thoubal in Manipur.

Inspired by the feats of Muhmmad Ali, she took up this manly sport in 2000 and literally eclipsed the swiftness of the boys and even pugilists elder to her.

This is evident from the fact that in the very subsequent year, she was called to represent India in the fist Asian Women’s Boxing Championship staged in Bangkok.

“I am very happy with my achievement. I had been nominated for the award three years ago but I did not get it. I feel it’s a little late now but I am happy to receive this award. It comes as an encouragement for me to perform better in future,” she said.

She was encouraged by her family members, which could be a key factor to her success in the ring.When we heard that she is getting Arjuna Award, I was filled with unusual emotion to learn finally the fruit of her labour has paid off. I am really proud of her,”said Thoiba Singh, husband of Sarita Devi.

She has numerous achievements to her credit. After winning a silver medal in her maiden appearance in the international arena (Asian Women’s Boxing Championship), Sarita has participated in fifteen more tournaments, winning seven gold, three silver and three bronze medals.

She works out for five to six hours a day such as sparring, punching bags and skipping to stay trim and be ever ready for a bout in the ring.

She has a desire to participate in the Olympic Games and hopes her dreams will come true.

This recent achievement of Sarita Devi is bound to lend a boost to the sporting talents in Manipur, which are abundant in several indoor and outdoor games such as boxing, judo, weightlifting, soccer, hockey and polo among others. (ANI)

Britney Spears to end Circus in “nice place” Melbourne

Melbourne, Aug 27 (ANI): Britney Spears has decided to end her Circus world tour with a final performance in Melbourne, Australia.

The singer wants to finish off her tour in “a nice place” and wants to celebrate her birthday on December 2, according to her promoter Paul Dainty.

The ‘Womanizer’ hitmaker had three shows lined up for the town before adding one more.

“It is her first trip to Australia and she is really excited. We really wanted more shows in Melbourne … so we talked at length with her management and they thought why not,” News.com.au quoted Paul as saying.

Spears will play at Rod Laver Arena from November 11-13, after which she’ll perform in Sydney and Brisbane.

Ultimately, she will come back to Melbourne for her final show on November 27.

Paul added: “It is by far the biggest pop spectacle to be seen here in years,” (ANI)

Miley Cyrus stalker allegedly threatens to return to ‘finish things’

London, Aug 26 (ANI): ‘Hannah Montana’ star Miley Cyrus’ stalker allegedly threatened to return to her movie set to “finish things” off.

Mark McLeod was remanded in custody after a judge ruled he was potentially dangerous, and there was enough evidence to send the case to trial, reports Sky News.

Cyrus’ security guard revealed that McLeod, arrested earlier this month after trying to contact the star while on a film set on Tybee Island, on Georgia’s coast, had confided to police that he planned to return.

But Municipal Court Judge Steven Scheer said that he felt McLeod had no chance of getting to the 16-year-old singer “because she can afford the best protection money can buy.”

Though he did say that he feared McLeod might be a threat to others, even if he is not a threat to Cyrus.

Cyrus embarks on her first UK tour later this year, beginning at London’s O2 Arena in December. (ANI)

Blackberry maker tops Fastest Growing Firms list

London, August 19 (ANI): Research in Motion (RIM), the developer of the hit Blackberry smartphone, has been named the world’s fastest-growing company, suggests business magazine Fortune.

The Canadian wireless device company topped the magazine’s latest annual guide to the 100 fastest-growing businesses, beating US chipmaker Sigma Designs to the second place.

Chinese internet business Sohu.com came in third, followed by Ebix, European forum for energy Business Information exchange, and then DG Fast Channel, reports the BBC.

Fortune said: “Since the Great Depression, some companies just keep growing. And not only in the United States.”

10 Fastest Growing Firms

1. RIM

2. Sigma Designs

3. Sohu.com

4. Ebix

5. DG Fast Channel

6. CF Industries

7. Shanda Industries

8. Arena Resources

9. Bruker

10. Potash Corporation (ANI)

PM condoles demise of noted Sikh writer Bhai Patwant Singh

New Delhi, Aug.9 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh expressed grief over the demise of the noted writer, philanthropist and activist Bhai Patwant Singh on Sunday.

In his condolence message, the PM said: “Shri Patwant Singh had made a mark in the literary arena with his creative sensitivities. His vast knowledge on wide ranging issues along with his vision made a difference to innumerable human lives.”

“Shri Patwant Singh’s legacy will continue to live through his writings, the Prime Minister added while offering his condolences to the members of the bereaved family,” the PM’s message further stated.

Patwant Singh passed away in the national capital following a cardiac arrest on Saturday (Aug.8). He was 84.

Singh, who died at his residence, is survived by wife Meher and adopted son Satjiv Singh Chahil.

Singh wrote over 10 books on history, politics and international affairs. His latest ‘Empire of the Sikhs: The Life and Times of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’ was released in Washington DC on June 18. (ANI)

Sports authorities felicitate Gold medallist pugilist Suranjoy in Manipur

Imphal, July 8 (ANI): Mayengbam Suranjoy Singh of Manipur who recently won first Asian Championship Gold medal in 15 years at the Asian Boxing Championship held in China has inspired many young people in the north-east.

Suranjoy was recently felicitated in a ceremony organised by Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Youth Affairs and Sports Department of Manipur.

Senior officials of SAI and sportspersons attended the function.

During the function, the distinguished sports personalities opined that Mayengbam Suranjoy Singh, son of M. Inakhunba Singh of Uchiwa Leirak Achouba, has brought pride not only to the State but the country as a whole.

Born in the family of sportspersons, Suranjoy started his career as a football player, however, his journey as a boxer started at the age of 15. His introduction to the sport was when he joined a boxing camp at Sagolband Lukram Leirak.

Suranjoy has always been full of confidence and determination, which was on display in his achievement. It has motivated him to strive for perfection in the years to come.

“I am very happy. This is just the beginning. I have a long way to go. This win is an encouragement and motivation for me to strive for excellence even in other competitions in the future,” said Suranjoy Singh, Asian Boxing Championship, Gold Medallist, Manipur.

Suranjoy, who clinched the Gold in flyweight category of 51 kilogram arrived in Imphal and was greeted by a large number of enthusiastic supporters of the State.

In his career, besides several Gold Medals at the State and National Level championships Suranjoy also won a bronze medal in 2004 at the Junior World Championship.

Suranjoy’s family is today proud of their son for bringing laurels to the country. They are hopeful that the younger generation would be encouraged by Suranjoy’s success.

“I feel really proud of my son as he have brought fame not for the state of Manipur but for the country as well. He got the opportunity to play in different state in the country and was chosen to even play at the international level as well. Now he has won and I feel really happy about his achievement,” said M. Inakhunaba Singh, Suranjoy’s father.

“We got a phone call from Delhi saying that he got a gold medal. I was so happy on hearing the news. I couldn’t even utter a word out of happiness,” said M. Tmpak Leima Devi, Suranjoy’s mother.

During the function, a cash reward of Rs 50,000 was give to Suranjoy for his achievement in the international arena.

Suranjoy’s achievement is undoubtedly has inspired all sport enthusiasts in the northeast region of the country. By L. C. K Singh (ANI)

Top UN official lauds women’s empowerment and representation in India

New Delhi, July 7 (ANI): Top United Nations official Deirdre Boyd on Tuesday said that women’s political representation in the local bodies of India is more than the entire elected women representatives of the world.

Deirdre Boyd, Country Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in India, said this during a function to mark the release of ‘The Millennium Development Goals (MGD) Report 2009′ at New Delhi on Tuesday.

“There are lot of success stories of women empowerment in India particularly when we look at the women’s political representation at the local level. India has nearly one million locally elected leaders…more than the elected women representatives of the world put together,” said Deirdre Boyd.

She also hailed the new Union Budget that was revealed on Monday and said that the new proposals will help in achieving the Minimum Development Goals (MDGs) specified by the UN.eirdre Boyd also added that India has made progress in areas of poverty eradication and primary education.

The Millennium Development Goals Report 2009 has observed that in India there has been a gain of 11 per cent in primary school enrolment between 2000 and 2007. The report also mentions about the progress made by India in the arena of enrolment of girls in the schools.

Further, the report has highlighted the progress made by India to combat AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.

“Progress has been made in addressing problems of HIV-AIDS, but other diseases like malaria and tuberculosis in particular have made a comeback. It (tuberculosis) is the real challenge that many countries in South Asia including India will face,” said Biswajit Dhar, Director General, Research and Information System for Developing Countries, United Nations. (ANI)

Madonna left fans waiting at O2 gig over air-conditioning

London, July 7 (ANI): Madonna left fans waiting for more than half an hour at her recent London concert, as the venue’s air conditioning was not “a certain temperature”.

The Queen of Pop restarted her Sticky and Sweet world tour in the British capital with her performance at the O2 Arena on July 4.

The singer left fans booing and jeering as the concert was delayed over the air-conditioning, leaving some of them stranded after the show as London’s public transport systems shut for the night.

A spokeswoman for the 20,000 capacity venue issued an apology over the delay.

“Madonna unfortunately came on stage much later than we expected. Madonna requested the arena be a certain temperature – the air conditioning was turned on an hour before Madonna came on stage,” the Daily Star quoted her as saying. (ANI)

Eerie pictures show Michael Jackson rehearsing on stage for London comeback gigs just 48 hours before he died

These are the last pictures of Michael Jackson on stage, taken just two days before he died.

The images of the singer hard at work rehearsing for upcoming tour This Is It give a glimpse of what was in store for fans at his planned gigs in London’s 02.

Jackson was due to begin the first of 50 dates at the arena on July 13, but died on Thursday after being rushed to hospital in Los Angeles.

Putting on a thriller: Michael Jackso strikes a familiar pose as he practises his routine in the Staples Centre, LA,  for the This Is It comeback concerts

Putting on a thriller: Michael Jackso strikes a familiar pose as he practises his routine in the Staples Centre, LA,  for the This Is It comeback concerts

Eerie pictures show Michael Jackson rehearsing on stage for London comeback gigs just 48 hours before he died

Eerie pictures show Michael Jackson rehearsing on stage for London comeback gigs just 48 hours before he died

In one of the newly-emerged images, taken on Tuesday at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, the singer points towards the audience as backing dancers perform in front of a huge This Is It banner.

Despite looking frail, the star strikes a familiar pose and appears to be in full flow during the rehearsal.

In another photo, he smiles broadly, microphone in hand, dressed in a long shimmering mac over a top and trousers.

Man in the mac: Microphone in hand, the singer appears to be enjoying himself as he rehearses

Man in the mac: Microphone in hand, the singer appears to be enjoying himself as he rehearses

More than 800,000 tickets costing up to £1,000 had been sold for the concerts at London’s O2 arena which were hailed as the most ‘expensive and technically advanced’ live shows ever.

The concerts, which were due to start in two weeks’ time, had been expected to be the highest grossing pop production of all time.

Hundreds of thousands of fans who bought tickets for the cancelled gigs have been told they will be entitled to a refund.

ON DVD, THE FINAL PERFORMANCE

Footage from Jackson’s final rehearsals is already being compiled for a DVD and album.

The star is believed to have been filmed running through his songs and dance routines the day before he died.

In the groove: Footage of star rehearsing could be released on DVD although it's unclear who owns the rights

In the groove: Footage of star rehearsing could be released on DVD although it’s unclear who owns the rights

It is expected that when released this could become one of the star’s biggest selling works.

It is understood filming took place last Wednesday during Jackson’s rehearsals at the Los Angeles Staples Centre for the 50-date This Is It tour.

It remains unclear who has official ownership of the footage. A spokesman for concert promoter AEG
declined to comment. It is expected that the star’s estate will make more money in the next year from his music than he did in the last decade of his life.

The king of pop’s family will release a series of posthumous albums, starting this Christmas. It is understood Jackson wrote a number of songs for his three children, which were not to be released until after his death.

There are also songs left over from his last album, Invincible, released in 2001.

A tribute show is planned for September with Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and Barbra Streisand said to be in talks to appear.

Source By – http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1196369/New-pictures-Michael-Jackson-hard-work-rehearsing-just-days-died.html

Jackson’s ‘macabre’ sense of humour depicted in bizarre photos

London, July 5 (ANI): Michael Jackson’s ‘macabre’ sense of humour has been put on display in a series of bizarre photos published by a British newspaper.

News of the World has published photos of the King of Pop including one snap showing the late star playing dead in a coffin at the famous Madame Tussaud’s waxwork museum in London.

The music legend can be seen slipping into an empty wooden coffin in one of the images in Tussaud’s Chamber Of Horrors between waxwork models of evil women responsible for murders.he photographs were said to be the work of British snapper Tony Prime when the Jackson 5 visited the UK in 1979.

A pal of the photographer said: “Jackson was fascinated by anything weird. He absolutely loved it. When he saw the coffins he just leapt over the barrier and got in the empty one.”

Other never seen before pictures also include Jackson dressed as his favourite comic Charlie Chaplin, with black bowler hat and cane, during a UK visit when he was 21.

The snapper’s pal added: “Jackson was fascinated by the life of Chaplin and wanted to know all he could about where the comic grew up.

“Tony told him he would take him for a drive around and point out various places related to Chaplin. Then all of a sudden Jackson said he wanted to get dressed up as Chaplin so they took him out and bought him the clothes and a cane.”

Jackson was due to kick-start his much-awaited comeback tour at London’s O2 Arena this month.

He died aged 50 on June 25 from an apparent cardiac arrest. (ANI)

‘ABBA gig’ set for September in London

London, July 5 (ANI): ABBA’s songwriting team Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus will form a part of a gig featuring some of the pop legends’ greatest tracks in London.

Thank You For The Music… A Celebration Of The Music Of Abba is set to be hosted by Radio 2 and will see guest singers performing the band’s numbers in Hyde Park on September 13.

“This must be the greatest honour that can be bestowed on any songwriter. We are absolutely delighted and we hope thousands of Radio 2 listeners will join us there,” the BBC quoted the songwriters as saying in a statement.

The announcement came amid reports that the group was approached to fill in Michael Jackson’s 50-show run at London’s O2 arena.

But Andersson has denied the story saying on Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, “”No-one’s asked us, and if they did we wouldn’t say yes.” (ANI)

Madonna to pay homage to Jacko at O2 arena

Washington, July 4 (ANI): Madonna is all set to pay tribute to late King of Pop Michael Jackson, and that too at the same arena where he was to stage his great comeback.

The Queen of Pop has prepared a special part of her concert at O2 arena today (July 4), reports Fox News.

Madonna publicist Liz Rosenberg has revealed that the Material Girl is going to unveil a special song, along with a choreographed dance in honour of Jackson.

Jacko was scheduled to perform his comeback concerts at O2 starting July 13, and had been rehearsing for those shows in his final days.

He died last week at the age of 50. (ANI)

Led Zeppelin may fill Jackson’s 50-show O2 run with ABBA

London, July 4 (ANI): ‘Led Zeppelin’ have apparently been approached to alternate shows with Abba, and fill in for the 50-show run previously planned for Michael Jackson at London’s O2 arena.

AEG Live, promoters for the late King of Pop’s slated comeback tour, were said to be trying hard to woo both the bands to reform.

“Only Michael Jackson could sell out 50 nights at such a big arena, but Led Zeppelin and Abba combined might just rival him. There is huge money on the table,” British tabloid The Sun quoted a source as saying.

Jackson was due to begin his ‘This Is It’ gigs on July 13.

His sudden death on June 25 has left the organisers facing a multi-million pound black hole, if they are unable fill the slots. (ANI)

Jacko often forgot to eat and had to be ‘force fed’ while preparing for O2 gigs

London, July 2 (ANI): One of Michael Jackson’s closest confidants has revealed that the star was so immersed in his preparations for his O2 Arena comeback gigs that he often forgot to eat, and had to be “force fed”.

If AEG Live boss Randy Phillips is to be believed, Jackson’s calorie intake had fallen to dangerously low levels in the days before his death.

The promoter behind the 50 shows at the O2 Arena also said that he and director Kenny Ortega often cut Jackon’s food up into bite-sized potions so that he could be fed quickly.

However, despite trying their level best to keep Jackson healthy, the ‘Thriller’ hitmaker survived on just one meal a day.

Phillips revealed that Jackson continued his gruelling rehearsal schedule eating meagre portions of his favourite dishes-vegetarian lasagne, steamed broccoli, nut loaf or tofu with chilli sauce.

“He used to forget to eat because he was so focused and Kenny Ortega and I used to cut up his food and physically feed him,” the Mirror quoted Phillips as saying.

The promoter was with Jacko at rehearsals the morning of his cardiac arrest.

He revealed: “He did a three-hour rehearsal and we all finished up at 12.30am on Thursday morning. He was really excited. He was super-charged and did a group hug with the director Kenny Ortega and his manager. He was like a kid in the candy store – he was so up for it.”

He added: “I walked him out to the car and he put his arm around me and, speaking softly like he always does, he said to me: ‘Do you know what – we are here, we are going to make it. I love you for doing this and now I know I can do it.’ That was the last thing he said to me and I never heard from him again.”

Just hours later Jackson, 50, was found dead in his exclusive Holmby Hills home after suffering a massive heart attack. (ANI)

Jacko’s family rule out public viewing at Neverland Ranch

London, July 2 (ANI): Late King of Pop Michael Jackson’s family have declared that they will not be having a public viewing of the superstar’s body at the Neverland Ranch.

The family’s publicist Ken Sunshine announced that there would be a public memorial for the fallen King of Pop, but it would not be held at his famed Ranch.

“Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland,” British tabloid The Sun quoted the statement as saying.

It added: “Plans are underway regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly.”

The announcement ended days of furious speculation over whether Jackson’s fans would get to bid farewell to the pop legend at his sprawling fantasy ranch in Santa Barbara.

But online reports by Hollywood Reporter have suggested that a pubic viewing may be held next week at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

AEG Live, owner of the sports arena, posted on their Showbiz 411 blog that they would allow the facilities to be used for the service on July 7th.

The L.A. Times also cited sources saying that plans were underway for a massive law enforcement deployment for the same day.

But the Jackson family has not uttered a single word regarding this plan.

Jackson did not make provisions for his funeral and burial in his will, which was filed in court on Wednesday.

There were reports that Jackson would be driven by motorcade from Los Angeles to a public viewing at Neverland.

Besides, there was also talk that he would actually be buried at the ranch, but the L.A. Times reported that idea was abandoned because state rules bar interment outside a cemetery. (ANI)

Madge to headline Jackson tribute concert?

London, July 1 (ANI): Rumours are abuzz that Madonna will headline a special tribute gig in memory of Michael Jackson.

The King of Pop died of a suspected cardiac arrest at his Los ngeles home last week, reports the Daily Star

He was preparing to launch his comeback ‘This Is It’ tour, with 50 concerts, starting in July (09).

The ‘Material Girl’ hitmaker was originally expected to join Jackson on stage during one of his London performances at the O2 Arena.

And now reports suggest that plans are afoot to stage a replica concert of what Jackson had planned as a tribute to the late superstar. (ANI)

Pressure of 50-concerts killed Jacko, says his old pal

London, June 29 (ANI): Michael Jackson’s old friend producer and TV star David Gest believes that the pressure of 50-concert schedule killed the singer.

Gest said he was angry about the influence of mysterious Lebanese doctor Tohme R Tohme, who met the King of Pop when the singer was staying in Bahrain in 2005.

“We all have weaknesses and Michael’s was that he trusted the wrong people most of the time. He thought all people were good, which they are not,” the Sun quoted Gest as saying.

Gest said that Tohme had masterminded Michael’s mammoth run of 50 comeback concerts at London’s O2 Arena, without telling the singer the full facts.

“Michael told me he was excited about getting back on stage. I told him I was proud of him. But I really believe in my heart of hearts that the pressure of those concerts killed Michael.

“He thought there were going to be ten dates as announced. But then all of a sudden Tohme, along with Randy Phillips, president of organisers AEG, had arranged 20, 30 then 50 dates.

“Michael was being told, ‘You are going to set the world record for concerts at the O2, you are going to beat Prince’s record.’

“They knew how to feed into his ego. But when Michael realised his schedule, he began to panic. It was one show after another, with hardly any days off. He should never have been tied to so many, especially a guy who dances through more than half of his set,” he added. (ANI)