Despite the fact that Michael Jackson’s two anniversary shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden are being billed partially as a Jackson 5 reunion show, it looks like it might not be a family affair after all.
Susan Blond Inc.’s Kiwan Anderson, a spokesperson for the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, the Solo Years event, tells allstar that the original Jackson 5 will reunite without Jermaine Jackson.
“I am sorry Jermaine has chosen not to participate in this event,” says World Events I.I.C. President David Guest, the show’s organizer. “This is an event for Michael Jackson. It is a salute to a truly great and legendary artist. Jackie, Tito, and Marlon, original members of the Jackson 5, will join their brother Michael onstage for this very special reunion. They look forward to joining more than 250 stars flying in from all around the world to take part in these festivities. They are all very excited to see Michael perform live again. Michael will make his first U.S. solo appearance on a mainland stage in 11 years. I only wish Jermaine the best on his solo career and hope he finally gets the attention he so justly deserves.”
The news comes on the heels of a statement that Jermaine and brother Randy issued early Friday (July 20), which voiced their discontent over the high ticket prices and the fact that this is not a charity event.
“We are very honored to be apart of this much-deserved celebration of our brother, Michael Jackson,” say Jermaine and Randy Jackson in Friday’s statement. “As of today, we have not formally signed a contract to participate in the concerts and dinner celebrations for a number of reasons. The exorbitant prices being charged by the promoters for tickets will prevent some of our most loyal and true fans from attending.
“Let it be known too that despite the $1,200 fee we have each been offered to participate,” continues the brothers, “we wish to go on record stating that we would do the shows absolutely free for the legion of Jackson fans who have patiently anticipated a reunion since the 1984 Victory Tour. Further, it is almost embarrassing that no charities have been named to benefit from this most momentous [occasion].”
The ticket prices are much steeper than what fans have come to expect. The top ticket price is a whopping $2,500, with eight other price grades beginning at $45 for the venues uppermost seats, spiraling up from $95, $225, $230, $350, $500, $800, to $1,500. Tickets go on sale July 31 through Ticketmaster. Those unwilling to shell out the big bucks can view the event on CBS later this year.
As previously reported, the event is scheduled for Sept. 7 and Sept. 10 (with possibly a third show added), and will feature Britney Spears, Rick Martin, Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Diana Ross, Marc Anthony, Usher, and many, many others.
In other Jackson news, it looks like the gloved one will be returning to the silver screen, starring in his first animated feature titled The Way of the Unicorn: The Endangered One, according to Associated Press. Jackson will provide the voice of Sailor, an orphan boy who works with a group of endangered animals to save the planet. In addition, Jackson will produce the $75 million film, which is scheduled to begin production next month.
