Michael Jackson's family announce plans for a tribute concert for late singer

Thousands of Michael Jackson fans will descend on the Millennium Stadium for a tribute concert to the star who died two years ago.
The singer's mother Katherine Jackson announced details of the Cardiff concert during a press conference yesterday.

She said: 'Michael gave his entire life to the world through his love, his music and his devotion to healing the planet.'

Plans: Michael Jackson's mother Katherine and siblings (from left), LaToya, Tito, Jackie and Marlon, have announced plans for a tribute concert for the late singer

Mrs Jackson added that 'as many members of my family that are available' will be at the concert in Wales on October 8.

Tribute: Thriller singer Jackson died two years ago

She said: 'I am positive that this event will be an event great enough in scale, talent and imagination to form a worthy celebration of Michael's life.
'If my son was here today, he would feel the same way, and so I'd like to say thank you very much for helping to keep my son's legacy alive.'
No acts have been announced for the concert yet but a notice on the event's website promises 'the world's greatest performing artists' will appear.
There are plans for the concert to be broadcast around the world to 30 countries in 2D and 3D. 


It will raise money for three charities including the Los Angeles-based Aids Project.
Roger Lewis, group chief executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, which owns and operates the stadium, said: 'This extra special concert, paying tribute to one of the world's greatest pop icons of all time and benefiting US and UK charities, is fantastic news for music fans all over the world and it is a huge boost for Wales to host this spectacular one-off show.'

Michael Jackson, who rose to fame in his family of singers then embarked on a solo career that included smash hits such as Thriller and Billie Jean, died in June 2009, of an overdose of the surgical anesthetic Propofol he used as a sleep aid.

Celebration: The acts have yet to be announced for the concert, which will take place on October 8th

His physician at the time, Dr. Conrad Murray, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death. He has pleaded not guilty and a trial will start in September.


Jackson's brother, Jermaine Jackson, tried in vain to mount a tribute concert in Vienna in 2009, but plans were scrapped after he struggled to get big-name acts and the event's organizer went out of business.


Jermaine, Randy and Michael Jackson's father Joe, were not on hand at Monday's announcement. Instead, Katherine was joined by family members Tito, Jackie, Marlon and La Toya.

However, Jermaine and Randy issued a statement explaining exactly why they weren't supporting the tribute concert.
It read: 'While we wholeheartedly support the spirit of a tribute that honours our brother, we find it impossible to support an event that is due to take place during the criminal trial surrounding Michael's death.

'As everyone knows, those proceedings commence September 20th, and this Michael Forever concert takes place in Cardiff, Wales, on October 8th. In light of this, we feel it is inappropriate to be involved with such an ill-timed event and its promoter, Global Live. 


'There will come a time and place for an amazing and deserving tribute to Michael. But we feel that the most important tribute we can give to our brother at this time is to seek justice in his name.'

'I know that this tribute will be something spectacular,' LaToya told reporters.