475 MJ fans attempt world record dancing together to ‘Thriller’ in Leicester

London, August 30 (ANI): A group of Michael Jackson fans in Leicester attempted a world record for the most number of people dancing to the singer’s ‘Thriller’ in one place on his 51st birthday.

Some 475 people dressed as zombies packed into Orton Square participate in the event.

The current record is held by 242 dancers, who performed in Virginia in April this year.

“We wanted to celebrate his life and show people what an inspiration he is,” Sky News quoted Anand Bhatt, 29, the organiser of the attempt, as saying.

The mass dance was planned in April, two months before Michael Jackson died on June 25.

“His death just made us more determined to do this properly. With it being his birthday, it’s a fitting tribute,” said a woman participant.

Her sister added: “The mood has been vibrant throughout. I think it’s nicer today to do something positive, rather that dwelling on the circumstances surrounding his death.”

Adam, 10, said: “Michael Jackson’s my hero. I wish I could dance like him.”

While most dancers learnt the routine during free lessons at dance studios around Leicester, others practised the moves using tutorial videos posted online.

Although the even ran smoothly, its organisers are still waiting an official declaration from a Guinness World Record representative that the new record has been made. (ANI)

Over 1.2 mn people request Jackson memorial tickets

Over 1.2 mn people request Jackson memorial tickets

Los Angeles, July 5 (DPA) More than 1.2 million Michael Jackson fans had requested tickets by Saturday afternoon for admission to his memorial tribute Tuesday in Los Angeles, a number that could climb to over two million.

Only 8,750 of those people will win two tickets each for themselves and a partner to attend the event at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, Tmz.com reported online. Some of the tickets will be for viewing large screen coverage of the event at the Nokia Theatre across the street.

Winners are to be announced Sunday.

The tribute ceremony is to take place at 1700 GMT. Broadcast media reports Saturday indicated that Jackson’s physical remains would not be present at the memorial service. CNN reported that singer Jennifer Hudson will be among the performers who will appear at the service.

The final burial place for Jackson, who died at age 50 ten days ago, was not yet announced.

Jackson fans flood website handing out memorial tickets

London, July 4 (ANI): Nearly half a billion Michael Jackson fans flooded the website handing out tickets for the King of Pop’s funeral at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Fans were told to register on www.staplescenter.com to enter the draw for 17,500 free tickets to grab a chance to attend the two-hour funeral on July 7.

Devotees swarmed the site within hours of the shock draw news, leaving the website crashing a few times.

More than 8,000 fans will learn if they have been lucky enough to land a pair of tickets on July 5, after the registration closes on July 4.

“It is the family’s wish to create a service and a celebration that all of Michael’s fans around the world can be part of,” The Sun quoted Staples Center boss Tim Leiweke as saying.

Meanwhile, preparations were being made for the expected massive turnout outside the Staples Center for the ceremony, which will be broadcast live globally.

Jackson died aged 50 on June 25 at his Los Angeles home from an apparent cardiac arrest, which was believed to have stemmed from prescription drugs. (ANI)

OK Magazine Michael Jackson Cover Picture | OK Magazine Michael Jackson Cover | OK Magazine Michael Jackson | OK Magazine Michael Jackson Death Photo | OK Magazine Cover | Michael Jackson Death Photo Cover

OK Magazine Michael Jackson Cover Picture | OK Magazine Michael Jackson Cover | OK Magazine Michael Jackson | OK Magazine Michael Jackson Death Photo | OK Magazine Cover | Michael Jackson Death Photo Cover

OK Magazine Michael Jackson Cover Picture | OK Magazine Michael Jackson Cover | OK Magazine Michael Jackson | OK Magazine Michael Jackson Death Photo | OK Magazine Cover | Michael Jackson Death Photo CoverOK! Magazine has sunk down to a new low. OK Magazine has paid $500000 for a cover “death photo” of Michael Jackson on a stretcher, as emergency personnel tried to revive the dying pop star, which has created quite a controversy amongst Michael Jackson fans, magazine’s advertisers and the music community.

The OK! Magazine Michael Jackson cover picture is all over the internet now, and I can only imagine how upsetting and heart-wrenching circulation of such photo would be for the Jackson family.

The OK Magazine cover picture of Michael Jackson’s last moments has outraged Michael Jackson’s fans worldwide.

OK! Magazine claims the cover picture to be a Michael Jackson tribute, supposedly in an attempt to honor and memorialize the King of Pop for Jackson fans.

eBay to refund Jacko fans prices of O2 gigs’ tickets

London, June 28 (ANI): Internet auction site eBay will refund thousands of Michael Jackson fans the prices of the ill-fated O2 Arena shows’ tickets.

The late King of Pop, who had been due to perform 50 dates at the London venue from July 13, died at a rented Los Angeles home on Thursday, leaving fans who had bought tickets on the secondary market site wondering whether or not they would get refunds.

“We will ensure all buyers on the site can receive a full refund for their ticket purchase,” the BBC quoted an eBay spokesman as saying.

“The sad news of Michael Jackson’s death has left fans of the King of Pop bereft. eBay is committed to ensuring that no buyer is left out of pocket as a result of the unique nature of the event,” he added.

The website further said that it would return sales commission to sellers when they refunded buyers.

As to how the exchange will work will be announced next week.

Retailer Seatwave and ticket exchange site viagogo have also announced that they would refund ticketholders.

A spokesman for AEG Live, the organiser of the 50 concerts, said:

“On behalf of the entire AEG organisation we extend our deepest condolences to Michael Jackson’s family and friends during this tragic time. Full ticket refund information and procedures will be released early next week for all Michael Jackson This Is It shows.”

He advised fans to keep hold of ticket vouchers or proof of purchase slips. (ANI)

Jacko fans pay tribute in Mumbai and Siliguri

New Delhi, June 28 (ANI): Michael Jackson fans in Mumbai and Siliguri paid tribute to the pop star whose musical genius was overshadowed by a bizarre lifestyle and sex scandals.

Scores of fans, including singers like Rageshwari, gathered at Mumbai’s Juhu Enigma where choreographer Sandip Soparrkar and model Jesse Randhawa paid tribute to the pop legend by performing his music numbers.

Depressed fans lit candles, sang carols and observed silence for the music genius, who died on Friday aged 50.

“I did the first launch of Michael Jackson’s music in the country, it provide me great support and whatever I am today it is because of that launch that happened. It was his support that I would say…so I am here to say that I love you (MJ) very much and I always miss your music,” said Soparrkar.

“I was five-years old when I was introduced to Michael Jackson music, I used to dress like him whenever I performed, my musicians, my dancers were great fan of him…my father has translated many Michael Jackson’s songs in Hindi, so for me it is a personal loss,” added Rageshwari.

Fans in Siliguri placed floral wreaths in front of his photographs and observed silence in the memory of history’s biggest pop star.

“I was shocked after hearing the news of his (Michael Jackson) death…I am a great fan of him and I grew up by watching his videos…I never thought that he would leave us so suddenly,” said Sonia Roy.

Jackson dominated the charts in the 1980s and sold an estimated 750 million records, a figure that is likely to rise with the expected posthumous re-release of his hits. “Thriller”, which came out in 1982, remains the best-selling album of all time.

Jackson also won 13 Grammy Awards, made boundary-breaking music videos and his slick dance moves were imitated by legions of fans, and fellow pop stars, around the world. (ANI)

Angry Jacko fans set up online petition to protest comeback delay

London, May 27 (ANI): Angry Michael Jackson fans have set up an online petition to protest against the singer’s postponed comeback tour in London.

The King of Pop Jackson was due to kick off his much-awaited 50-show run at the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena on July 8.

But the opening night of his This Is It tour has been pushed to July 13, while three other gigs, previously slated for July 10, 12 and 14, are not be staged until March next year.

Concert promoters AEG and Jackson’s choreographer Kenny Ortega had said more time was needed for rehearsals to ensure the shows would be fine-tuned and perfect.

The delay has left many fans fuming who had already shelled on expensive plane tickets to jet into London and will have to replan to see their idol perform next year.

Some have turned to the Internet to voice their anger through a petition.

“Many of us who had purchased tickets for the opening concerts and have already purchased flight tickets and hotels etc. have received an email informing us of our concerts being rescheduled not two or three weeks but a grand total of 10 months!” the Daily Express quoted the petition as saying.

“Many of us now are left unable to go or are feeling disappointed in having taken so much effort to get tickets for the opening performances to be put to the very end of the concert run.

“While we have no idea whose fault this is, whether it is the O2, AEG Live or Michael Jackson himself’s decision or fault.

“We the undersigned are asking for the management of the concert to please reconsider this decision,” it was added.

Meanwhile, Jackson has denied claims that the delay was caused due to his health amid speculations he is suffering from skin cancer. (ANI)

Jacko postpones opening gigs of London comeback tour

London, May 21 (ANI): Michael Jackson has postponed the first four concerts of his comeback tour This Is It UK in London.

The King of Pop, who was due to kick off a much-awaited 50-show run at the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena on July 8, said he needed more time for rehearsals to ensure the shows were perfect.

While the opening night has been put back to July 13, three other gigs, previously slated for July 10, 12 and 14, will not be staged until March next year.

Randy Phillips, President of concert promoters AEG Live, said Jackson and his creative director, Kenny Ortega, had prompted the delay.

“Kenny and Michael are, at the same time, both creative pioneers and perfectionists,” the BBC quoted Phillips as saying in a statement.

“This show has grown in size and scope, thereby necessitating more lead time for manufacture of the set, programming the content for the massive video elements, and, most importantly, more time for full production and dress rehearsals,” he added.

Phillips continued: “As much as we agonised over this change in the original schedule, we are sure the fans will understand when they experience the level of entertainment Michael Jackson intends to deliver.”

Ortega apologised to the fans for the rescheduled dates, saying: “We apologise to all disappointed Michael Jackson fans and remain extremely dedicated and focused on creating an exceptional live music experience.”

Although full refunds are being offered to those who cannot make it for the re-arranged gigs, some fans are livid.

Pam A wrote on a Michael Jackson messageboard: “What difference is a week going to make in the grand scheme of things?”

Another fan calling themselves janmic, added: “I had plane tickets booked from Canada. I’m supposed to be returning home on July 9th. I am really not impressed.” (ANI)

Jacko postpones opening gigs of London comeback tour

London, May 21 (ANI): Michael Jackson has postponed the first four concerts of his comeback tour This Is It UK in London.

The King of Pop, who was due to kick off a much-awaited 50-show run at the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena on July 8, said he needed more time for rehearsals to ensure the shows were perfect.

While the opening night has been put back to July 13, three other gigs, previously slated for July 10, 12 and 14, will not be staged until March next year.

Randy Phillips, President of concert promoters AEG Live, said Jackson and his creative director, Kenny Ortega, had prompted the delay.

“Kenny and Michael are, at the same time, both creative pioneers and perfectionists,” the BBC quoted Phillips as saying in a statement.

“This show has grown in size and scope, thereby necessitating more lead time for manufacture of the set, programming the content for the massive video elements, and, most importantly, more time for full production and dress rehearsals,” he added.

Phillips continued: “As much as we agonised over this change in the original schedule, we are sure the fans will understand when they experience the level of entertainment Michael Jackson intends to deliver.”

Ortega apologised to the fans for the rescheduled dates, saying: “We apologise to all disappointed Michael Jackson fans and remain extremely dedicated and focused on creating an exceptional live music experience.”

Although full refunds are being offered to those who cannot make it for the re-arranged gigs, some fans are livid.

Pam A wrote on a Michael Jackson messageboard: “What difference is a week going to make in the grand scheme of things?”

Another fan calling themselves janmic, added: “I had plane tickets booked from Canada. I’m supposed to be returning home on July 9th. I am really not impressed.” (ANI)