750,000 tickets for Jackson concerts sell in 4 hours

Tickets for Michael Jackson’s 50 “final curtain call” concerts in London sold out in little over four hours Friday.

Michael Jackson has sold out 50 concerts at London’s O2 Arena.

The tickets went on sale at 7 a.m., with fans queuing since Wednesday. They were limited to four tickets per household at a cost of up to $105 for general admission. VIP tickets cost up to $1,100. Around 750,000 were sold.

Tickets have already appeared online for resale, with one person seeking $35,000 for VIP tickets to the opening show on July 8.

Jackson originally announced he would do 10 shows at London’s 20,000-capacity 02 Arena, but huge demand has seen a further 40 dates added. The king of pop’s run is now scheduled to finish next February. Watch Jackson fan nab first ticket »

O2 owners, AEG Live, said due to the “incredible level of interest” — pre-sale tickets to 10 concerts offered on Thursday sold out within minutes — Jackson had agreed to add the extra dates. Watch Michael Jackson’s announcement »

Chris Edmonds, Ticketmaster’s managing director, said they “had witnessed an unprecedented level of demand” for the concerts. http://www.michaeljacksonlive.com/

Ayesha Obi was the first in line at the O2 to get a ticket and was in tears.

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“I was hoping to just get the opening night. Any good seats would’ve been fantastic. But front row? I’m over the moon. I’m very happy. Very proud. Really pleased.”

She had been at the venue since Wednesday night but said it was worth it.

“I’ve always wanted to see him perform live. I’m happy he’s given us that opportunity now.

“He’s a legend despite all the controversy in his past.”

Gennaro Castaldo, spokesman for UK music retailer HMV, said Jackson was already reaping the benefits of hosting the concerts.

“Sales of Michael’s albums are starting to show a discernible increase, albeit from a relatively low sales base at this early stage. However, if demand is picking up now, imagine what it will be like in July, when Michael actually kicks off his live performances.”

Castaldo said sales of his “King Of Pop” album released in August had increased four-fold, while sales of “Thriller” had nearly doubled.

Jackson, a child star with the Jackson Five who went on to enjoy stellar solo success with classic albums such as “Thriller” and “Bad,” has rarely been seen in public since he was acquitted on child molestation charges in the U.S. in 2005. Timeline gallery of the highs and lows of Jackson’s life »

Rumors of financial difficulties and health problems — in 2008 he was photographed being pushed in a wheelchair — have swirled around the famously eccentric star in recent years.

Last year he sold his iconic Neverland ranch and he has spent much of his time since his acquittal living in Bahrain.

The auction house, Julien’s, is selling Jackson’s Neverland property including the gates, the singer’s famed white-jeweled glove and a stretched Rolls Royce.

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Michael Jackson set to announce comeback

Reclusive pop icon Michael Jackson is expected to announce his first major concert dates in more than a decade in a rare public appearance in London on Thursday.

A Michael Jackson impersonator is interviewed outside the London hotel where the singer is staying.

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Reports suggest the 50-year-old has lined up a multimillion-dollar summer residency involving dozens of performances at London’s O2 Arena.

In a statement on its Web site, the 20,000-seat venue invited Jackson fans to see a “special announcement” by the star at 4 p.m. GMT — and to sign up for ticket alerts.

“Michael will finally put an end to months of speculation and reveal the news to the world’s media and fans. Be there to see the legend and witness history!” the statement said.

Jackson did not make the 4 p.m. appointment as his entourage tried to get from central London to the O2 in south London.

Billboard magazine reported he plans to announce up to 25 shows. London’s Evening Standard newspaper wrote the star would play up double that.

The O2 Arena has acquired a reputation in recent years for staging “must-see” musical events. Last year it hosted Led Zeppelin’s one-off comeback gig and in 2007 Prince staged a 21-night residency there. Britney Spears, the Pet Shop Boys and Lionel Richie are among performers due to play the venue this year.

There was little sign of Jackson hysteria outside the O2 Arena ahead of the announcement with modest queues of fans outside, mostly held up by stringent security checks on the way in. Watch as Michael Jackson prepares for comeback »

But Jackson fans said they had come down to show their support for their idol.

“Michael is the best performer in the world,” said 28-year-old Joanne English. “I haven’t seen him perform before and that’s the reason why I definitely want to get tickets to go.”

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English said she thought the media had given Jackson a hard time. “As his fans we want to say to him that we love him, he needs to be strong and give us a good show and we will always support him.”

“We want to see if he’s still got it,” added 23-year-old Vanessa Walker.

Jackson, a child star with the Jackson Five who went onto enjoy stellar solo success with classic albums such as “Thriller” and “Bad,” has rarely been seen in public since he was acquitted on child molestation charges in the U.S. in 2005.

Rumors of financial difficulties and health problems — in 2008 he was photographed being pushed in a wheelchair — have swirled around the famously eccentric star in recent years.

Last year he sold his iconic Neverland ranch and he has spent much of his time since his acquittal living in Bahrain.

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Filed under: Michael Jackson , dance, Michael Jackson, Michael Jackson set to announce comeback, pop singer