Music Blogs

Earlier today I reported live from the O2 in London as Michael Jackson confirmed his live comeback at the Arena this July.

The following is a transcript of what happened.

2.05pm

I'm sat aboard the 167 bus which is creaking and crawling around North Greenwich retail park heading for the O2. Who said being a music journalist was a glamorous job?

There don't appear to be any Jackson fans aboard. Perhaps they're incognito.

The bus swings round the corner of Millennium village and the dome's iconic roof creeps into view.

2.20pm

I've arrived at the O2. There are lots of press here already and even a helicopter but where are all the fans?

I wasn't expecting Beatlemania but surely there must be a few groupies scattered about. Perhaps they're inside?

2.40pm

It's cold and windy and I'm still stood in the queue laptop in hand. I'm beginning to regret not bringing gloves.

Was that a scream from inside or was it my imagination?

Finally a handful of fans appear and they're immediately descended on by the nearest camera crew. There can't be more than 5 or 6 and they look surprisingly normal.

3.01pm

I've located the fans. They're inside and probably number around 100 or so.

3.31pm

I'm in the Indigo Arena with the rest of the press whilst we wait for more news. A scrum has ensued with the paps leading the charge to the front.

4.15pm

Still waiting to see the king. Unconfirmed rumours have it that he'll play 10 gigs and it'll be £75 per ticket but don't quote me on that.

4.52pm

Finally we're ushered onto the main concourse. I'm standing behind the first 300 fans who are gathered right at the front. In front of them is a small red stage.

Behind stand the rest of the fans and there are a lot. I'd estimate 1000s. Chants keep breaking out and a false alarm is triggered when one of the soundmen briefly takes the stage causing near pandemonium.

5.12pm

It's Dermot O'Leary! He takes the stage and announces that Michael Jackson himself will soon be in the building.

After a few false starts a video begins showing a montage of Jackson's best moments backed with a medley of his biggest hits.

5.24pm

Michael Jackson takes the stage!  

The crowd instantly erupt while cameras flash and banners are waved. Is it really Michael Jackson?

He begins to speak:

"I love you so much,"

"This is it. This is really it. It's the final curtain call, OK?

"This will be it. When I say this is it, it really means this is it.

"I'll be performing the songs my fans want to hear."

And that's it. It's over. Michael Jackson has left the building. Dermot O'Leary thanks everyone for coming but I can't help feeling like it's a bit of an anti-climax.

Get full details on the live concet here.