Music Blogs

With little more than six weeks to go until Michael Jackson makes his most unlikely and truly long-awaited return to the live stage, it would be fair to say that anticipation is building. Come July 8, Famethrowa and the world can expect hysteria to swamp the O2 Arena and many miles beyond it across London. In a bid to ratchet up the excitement, a lengthy clip showing auditions and rehearsals for the 50 concerts has now been leaked, shot last month at the Nokia Theater, Los Angeles.

Amongst the thousands of dancers, desperate to be given a part in the "This Is It" comeback extravaganza, can briefly be seen the man himself, scanning the candidates. Promoters, meanwhile, are showing no signs of concern at the weight of expectation. Quite the opposite, in fact. At a cost of $20 million, AEG Live are promising the dates will be "the most cutting edge ever", as CEO Randy Phillips explained: "We're using technology that's never been used before in live entertainment."

Speaking in greater detail, he said: "Originally we tried to keep the show down to 90 minutes, but Michael has so many must-do songs in his repertoire that the shows now will be two-plus hours". Philips has also dismissed ongoing fears for the singer's health, insisting: "Michael's in incredible physical shape, he's got tremendous stamina, he's been working out aerobically preparing for this, and he is totally engaged. He sounds like Michael Jackson. He is laser-focussed on making this the greatest entertainment event that fans have ever seen". No skin cancer, then...