Michael Jackson`s O2 tribute concerts cancelled

The much awaited tribute concerts for MJ that were due to take place at the 02 arena have been cancelled after promoters failed to seal deals with artists.

London: The much awaited tribute concerts for Michael Jackson that were due to take place at the 02 arena have been cancelled after promoters failed to seal deals with artists.The `King of Pop` died on June 25, just weeks before his supposed comeback at 02 arena and promoters AEG Live had planned a tribute concert in the memory of the pop icon, timed to coincide with Jackson`s 51st birth anniversary.

But the concerts, which were supposed to take place on August 29 and 30, have been called off after organisers ran out of time to finalise deals with performers, Times online reported. The shows were said to include big names like pop star Justin Timberlake and the X-Factor winner Leona Lewis. "If they ever happen, it will not be until next year. We didn`t want to rush out something that was sub-standard — we would rather wait until we have got the best possible people," he source added. Big names from the music industry were rumoured as potential performers at the tribute concerts. Besides Timberlake and Lewis the other names included Stevie Wonder, Lionel Ritchie and members of Jackson`s family, such as his sister Janet and brother Jermaine. Randy Phillips, chief executive of AEG Live (company behind the concert), said as recently as last month that the tribute would include a performance of Jackson`s stage show, entitled `This Is It`. Meanwhile, Vienna is planning to host a Jackson tribute concert. The promoter, World Awards Media, said that Jackson`s family and a "high-profile line-up of international stars" would perform in the Austrian capital. The organisers said that a giant outdoor stage would be constructed in the grounds of Schonbrunn Palace in the city, to accommodate up to 85,000 fans. "For one incredible night Michael Jackson`s unforgettable music will be brought to life again," World Awards Media said on its website. It added that the event would be held next month, subject to permission from the city`s authorities. "Some of the world`s leading artists will perform Michael`s greatest hits live in Vienna in front of one of the most fascinating historical sites in Europe and celebrate the life of the King of Pop," the website read. The company said that Jermaine Jackson "will lead a high-profile line-up of international stars on stage to celebrate the life of his brother and perform some of Michael`s unforgettable songs." Bureau Report