Monday, September 14, 2009

Michael Jackson: This Is It

June 25th 2009 will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the saddest days in music and pop history. Aged just 51 years old, Michael Jackson passed away. Forever known as the 'King of Pop', Michael lead a life of mystery and public attention. From his début with The Jackson 5 in 1964 through to the days and weeks preceding his untimely death, Michael was always a figure of wonder.

At the beginning of the year it was announced that Michael would return to the stage in a 10 date concert series at London's O2 arena. This would be Michael's first public performance since the HIStory World Tour in 1997, and was cited numerous times as one of the decade's most important musical events. Following record breaking ticket sales the initial 10 date concert was increased to 50 dates. Over one million people would be attending. Much of this may have been driven by Michael's own suggestions that it could retire after the shows; in his own words it would be his "final curtain call".

Although the concert dates have been cancelled, there is something seriously special on the horizon. A new film, This Is It, will "offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show."

The film is directed by Kenny Ortega, who was also Michael's creative partner, and is being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. The film will only run for two weeks, with tickets going on sale on 27th September.

This is the trailer:



More information on Michael Jackson and the 'This Is It' film are available here:
www.michaeljackson.com/
www.thisisit-movie.com/


- - - Update - - -

Fans may also be interested to know that there is an opportunity to have your photo added to a Michael Jackson 'This Is It' mosaic as part of the film's promotion. By visiting the 'This Is Is' site, users can upload their image for consideration.

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