Sony is in final negotiations to acquire the rehearsal footage for Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” concert tour, which will be made into a feature film. Sony and AEG Live have set the release date for the film for October 30th.
According to Hollywood Reporter, the price negotiated is $60 million, out of which 90% will go into the Michael Jackson estate and 10% to AEG. The estate includes Michael Jackson’s children and his mother, plus a charity that will be formed under Michael Jackson’s name.
This will be an opportunity for fans to see what Michael Jackson had planned for his comeback concert tour as well as his final days before his sudden death.
Michael Jackson’s music continues to dominate the charts with over 9 million in record sales worldwide since his death, according to The Times. Nielsen SoundScan indicated that in the US alone, 1.1 million albums sold in the last week and in total over 2.3 million since his death three weeks ago.
With no doubt, the popularity of Michael Jackson’s music, performances and memorabilia is not losing any interest as fans continue to snap them up. Now that Michael Jackson is gone, the closest anyone can get to seeing or hearing him is through his music and taped performances. All this demand is a way for fans to keep his memory alive.
Thousands of people turned out for the Michael Jackson hometown memorial in Gary, Indiana. It took place at the US Steel Yard baseball park, a mile away from his childhood home, with an upbeat celebration of his music and life.
The memorial featured performers that sang and danced to his hits. It was full of children singing and dancing. There was even a performance of “Thriller” which even included a cemetery.
Mayor Rudy Clay bid his farewell, noting that Michael Jackson put the city of Gary on the map of the world.
“He’s going to put on those golden slippers and he’s going to dance all over God’s heaven.”
A video of Michael Jackson in Gary was played on the jumbo screen in the stadium, where he talked about his love for his hometown.
“Gary, you will always have a special place in my heart. And Gary, you are more than a good friend, you are my family and you always will be.”
More than 30 Jackson family members showed up for the event including a brief appearance by Joe Jackson.
“This is a pleasure to be back to see so many people here. It’s always good to come back home, you know that.”
At the conclusion, 700 people holding candles sang “We Are The World”, the song Michael Jackson co-wrote with Lionel Richie for USA For Africa.
I just want to say ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much.
That about says it all for the touching tribute to Michael Jackson at his memorial that took place at Staples Center in Los Angeles on July 7. Many celebrities like Brooke Shields, Berry Gordy, Smoky Robinson made speeches and remembered him. Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Usher, Jennifer Hudson and others sang some of his songs. Jermaine Jackson sang Michael Jackson’s favorite song “Smile”, which was written by Charlie Chaplain. Near the end of the Michael Jackson Memorial, the family came on stage. Marlon Jackson, shared his thoughts about his brother. The highlight of the show though was when Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris spoke a simple but heartfelt statement about her father.
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 after going into cardiac arrest. He was 50 years old. Although his personal physican, paramedics and doctors at the hospital tried in vain to save him, they weren’t able to. The unexpected death left the whole world in shock and there has been an array of unanswered questions. The Los Angeles coroner at this time hasn’t completed tests to pinpoint the exact cause of his death.
Michael Jackson was in the prime of his life about to commence a comeback tour in London starting July 13 with already sold-out concerts. Had he lived, this may have generated into a world tour, a release of a new album and taken his music career to a new height.
A Michael Jackson Memorial was organized by his family and his concert promoter AEG as a public tribute for his fans around the world to share. It took place on July 7, 2009 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, with around 18,000 people attending, broadcasted live on television and over the internet to millions. The memorial showed how Michael Jackson touched people’s life through his music and humanitarianism.
Michael Jackson changed pop music and will be remembered as one of the greatest entertainers in history. Although gone too soon, his legacy will live on.
Sony is in final negotiations to acquire the rehearsal footage for Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” concert tour, which will be made into a feature film. Sony and AEG Live have set the release date for the film for October 30th.
Michael Jackson’s music continues to dominate the charts with over 9 million in record sales worldwide since his death, according to The Times. Nielsen SoundScan indicated that in the US alone, 1.1 million albums sold in the last week and in total over 2.3 million since his death three weeks ago.
Thousands of people turned out for the Michael Jackson hometown memorial in Gary, Indiana. It took place at the US Steel Yard baseball park, a mile away from his childhood home, with an upbeat celebration of his music and life.