Don’t be surprised if future dictionaries feature a photo of Michael Jackson alongside the entry for “litigation.” As reported by Reuters, the latest legal scuffle to confront the singer involves the threat of a lawsuit from a music promoter who claims Jackson signed an agreement not to stage any concerts prior to July 2010.
New Jersey-based AllGood Entertainment has sent a cease and desist letter to Jackson’s manager, Frank DiLeo, and to concert promoter AEG Live. AEG Live, of course, is the company behind the deal for Jackson to stage a series of 50 shows at London’s O2 Arena beginning in July. AllGood Entertainment warns, however, that DiLeo signed a contract last November that called for Jackson to perform in July 2010 along with his brothers from the Jackson Five and sister Janet Jackson. That agreement, according to AllGood Entertainment, further stated that Jackson was prohibited from performing a concert prior to that date.
Reuters goes on to report that a source at AEG Live acknowledges receipt of the letter, but says the claims are meaningless. Patrick Allocco, managing partner at AllGood Entertainment, says the one-time 2010 concert is scheduled for July 3 at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas, and will be available as an Internet pay-per-view event. He says the concert could yield up to $30 million for Jackson.
Meanwhile, the L.A. Times reports that rehearsals are underway for the London shows. On Monday, AEG Live announced that director and choreographer Kenny Ortega, who masterminded Jackson’s Dangerous and HIStory tours, will direct and design the shows. Also on-board is choreographer Travis Payne, whose recent work includes routines for Beyonce and Madonna.
The L.A. Times goes on to report that a recent two-day casting call drew 700 dancers to the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. Jackson attended the second day of tryouts, which yielded eight men and two women to be featured in the London shows. AEG Live chief executive Randy Phillips says the budget for the production is “north of $20 million.”
“It’s going to be the biggest, most technologically advanced arena show – and the most expensive – ever mounted,” he told the Times. Phillips also revealed that Jackson is working on a dance move that he hopes will be as distinctive as the moonwalk.