Fans and Family Gather for Michael Jackson Tribute Concert
As Dr. Conrad Murray stands trial, thousands of fans and three generations of Jacksons gathered in the UK for the Michael Jackson Tribute concert, “Michael Forever.”
The Michael Jackson Tribute concert has been plagued with difficulties. The Hollywood Reporter notes that the unfortunate scheduling of the concert, which coincides with Murray’s trial, left Janet Jackson unable to perform. The Black-Eyed Peas also pulled out at the last minute due to “unforseen circumstances.” Organizers had also scheduled Gene Simmons and Kiss to perform, but fans complained that Simmons had once called Jackson a pedophile, so Kiss was dropped from the bill.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Michael Jackson Tribute concert, stars like Ne-Yo, Jamie Foxx, and Christina Aguilera gathered to play some of Jackson’s most popular hits.
Ne-Yo said:
“It’s not about the controversy. It’s not about the trial. It’s not about his death. It’s about celebrating his life. It’s about celebrating his music.”
The Associated Press reports that the stars stepped out onto a giant stage shaped like a silver glove. Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Leona Lewis, Jennifer Hudson, and Cee Lo Gree also performed during the “Michael Forever” show.
The performers played selections from Jackson’s entire career. From his early days with the Jackson 5 to his iconic solo albums like “Thriller.”
Chris Hunt, chief executive of Global Live Events.
“Everything we’ve done has been governed by one criterion — would Michael have done it this way, would he approve, would he like it? We’re trying to do something worthy of one of the greatest showmen of modern times.”
Michael probably wouldn’t have scheduled the concert during his trial. The scheduling has divided the Jackson family. Seattle PI reports that 13 Jackson members were in attendance, including his children, but Michael’s brothers Jermaine and Randy and sister Janet have stayed away.
Do you think scheduling the Michael Jackson Tribute concert during the Dr. Murray trial was a mistake? Was it unavoidable?
