Jackson was excited for London gigs, say fans and Pinoys in UK
By Danny Buenafe, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau Chief | 06/28/2009 9:55 PM
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The forthcoming London gigs are somehow being connected to the stress and pressure that resulted in the cardiac arrest and death of pop superstar Michael Jackson.
Tickets to the 50 concert dates at the O2 Arena were sold out in a matter of hours shortly after the tour was announced a few months back.
As refunds for tickets get underway, reports said the cancellations could cost promoters up to 300 million pounds, roughly more than P20 billion.
Londoners were deeply saddened and shocked over the death of the music icon.
Many Jacko fans offered flowers and souvenir items at the front door of the Lyric Theater at Leicester Square where the West End musicale “Thriller Live” is being shown based on the songs and music of the King of Pop.
Despite the tragic news, the producers decided to go on with the show last night, saying it is a celebration of the colorful career of the world’s greatest entertainer.
Starting with an opening prayer, the show was extraordinary as the performers were so aggressive and lively that sent the jeering crowd ecstatic.
“I think this generation now will miss him, will miss a fantastic entertainer who’s an icon. It’s gonna be a sadder place without him,” commented a British fan.
Even Filipino fans will miss their music idol.
“Wala ng King of Pop… wala siyang katapat, number one,” said a Pinoy.
“Nag-iisa,” echoed his fellow Filipino. “Nag-iisang King of Pop,” declared a Filipina supporter of Jackson.
Sadness shrouded the press conference called by the producers of “Thriller Live.”
Ricko Baird plays Michael Jackson in the play, and is actually a close friend of the pop legend, having been with the late pop icon in some US gigs.
Baird believes Jackson was more excited than stressed out in doing the London concerts.
“Performing is natural for him, like breathing. So I’m sure it wasn’t due to the stress maybe he hadn’t performed in a very long time but he’s been performing onstage since he was a child,” Baird said.
“So I think he was excited more so than stressed. But as we all know the personal things that were going on in his life I’m sure had some sort of stress on him,” he went on.
“But I feel like he was more excited to come here and do it versus stress,” commented Braid.
ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau was a witness to how British fans adore and love Jackson as a recent show was standing room.
“Thriller Live” was extended up to January next year.
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