Here is a brand new story from Paul Martin of the Irish Daily Mirror (which, despite being a tabloid, was the first publication to talk at length about plans of Michael touring the London O2, long before any other articles started doing so). This article talks more about a Jacksons tour and also has a quote from Raymone. True or not, time will tell.
I'll Be There; *EXCLUSIVE* Jackson to join his brothers for world tour and gig in Ireland
Irish / UK Daily Mirror
Paul Martin
January 3, 2008
MICHAEL Jackson is set to join his brothers for a massive reunion tour this year - that will include a date in Ireland.
The King of Pop met up with them last week to discuss a series of comeback concerts.
They will include live dates around America and Europe including an appearance in Ireland where the moonwalking star lived for most of last year.
While the plans were meant to be top secret, Michael's brother Jermaine has let the big news slip out.
He revealed: "We have to do it one more time. We owe that to the fans and to the public.
"Michael has to be involved, he is a Jackson.
"We want the tour to be huge. America, Japan and all over Europe. Italy, Germany, England and Ireland - you name it, we want to be there."
The news will ignite a frenzy of excitement among 49-year-old Jackson's fans who stood by him during his child abuse trial.
At the peak of their success the family act - Michael, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon and Jackie - topped the charts with hits such as I'll Be There, ABC and I Want You Back before splitting in 1990.
Just two months ago news leaked that Jackson was planning a 10- night stint at London's new O2 Arena.
The initial plans were for him to perform a solo tour to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Thriller album.
But he promised his brothers a reunion tour in 2001 after they sold out two nights at Madison Square Garden to celebrate Michael's 30 years in the music business.
Despite the big family comeback plans a source close to Michael warned said he is notoriously fickle when it comes to tours.
The insider said: "Michael could decide it's all off at any time - he's done it in the past.
"He hasn't toured since 1997 and every year there have been rumours he will hit the road again.
"But if Jermaine is publicly saying it will happen then it's definitely a good sign."
However, Jackson's publicist Raymone K Bain said: "At this time, I am not fully aware of the plans for the tour."
---
Here is the original article that I first posted in July 2007, which speaks of tour talk:
EXCLUSIVE: MJ hunts for Irish venue to thrill fans on world tour
Irish Daily Mirror
Paul Martin
July 27th, 2007
POP king Michael Jackson has asked promoters to find a venue to stage a massive outdoor show in Ireland next summer.
The Thriller star contacted top music figures in Dublin last week to reveal his plans for a tour.
As well as 10 dates at London's O2 Arena he wants to perform in Ireland - the country where he rebuilt his life after the child abuse trial.
A top insider told the Irish Daily Mirror: "The hunt is on to find the ideal venue for a Jackson gig.
"Croke Park would be too big and Lansdowne Road is being re-built so they are out.
"The RDS is being looked at because he performed there on the History tour in 1997.
"There are also other venues being considered that haven't been used for gigs before.
"Michael really wants to do the Dublin show as part of a 100- date world tour."
Jackson, 48, also revealed his plans for an Irish show to Samantha Mumba when he met her in Los Angeles last month.
Dublin pop babe Sam, 24, said: "He said he can't wait to come to Ireland and may be doing a gig at some stage."
Jackson is putting the finishing touches to his new album in America and will release it in November.
He will release a string of singles and then hit the road for a money-spinning tour that could make him up to (EUR) $100 Million.
Other high-profile dates in Paris, Munich, Berlin and Prague are also being planned. The star also looked at the option of staging a residency slot in Las Vegas - but sources say he is desperate to visit Europe.
One insider revealed: "This is the biggest tour of Michael's life -- he wants to reinstate his title as the King of Pop.
"He still has the power to sell-out the biggest venues around the world and is determined to show people that he still has the magic."
---
While we're at it, here is one semi-related article by Paul Martin from July 10th, 2007 where Samantha Mumba talks about meeting Michael (as referenced in the above article):
Sam's Jackson Thriller
Irish Daily Mirror
Paul Martin
July 10, 2007
SUPERSTAR Michael Jackson wraps his arms around pop babe Samantha Mumba - after vowing to save her pop career.
A mutual friend of the pair set up the meeting and Jackson, 48, spent two hours talking to the 24-year-old Dubliner.
Now Thriller star Jackson has swapped numbers with her and said he will pen her a comeback hit.
A source close to the pretty singer told the Irish Daily Mirror: "She has always idolized Michael and was thrilled when the meeting was set up.
"They spent ages talking about music and dancing and then they started to talk about her recording a new album.
"Michael said he had a few songs he has written that he would be prepared to give her.
"This could be the biggest thing that has happened to Sam.
"They have been calling each other up and arranged for lunch again next month.
"Samantha can't believe Michael's her new pal. She can't wipe the grin off her face."
It is five years since her last hit single, when I'm Right Here reached No5 in the UK.
Picture:
I'll Be There; *EXCLUSIVE* Jackson to join his brothers for world tour and gig in Ireland
Irish / UK Daily Mirror
Paul Martin
January 3, 2008
MICHAEL Jackson is set to join his brothers for a massive reunion tour this year - that will include a date in Ireland.
The King of Pop met up with them last week to discuss a series of comeback concerts.
They will include live dates around America and Europe including an appearance in Ireland where the moonwalking star lived for most of last year.
While the plans were meant to be top secret, Michael's brother Jermaine has let the big news slip out.
He revealed: "We have to do it one more time. We owe that to the fans and to the public.
"Michael has to be involved, he is a Jackson.
"We want the tour to be huge. America, Japan and all over Europe. Italy, Germany, England and Ireland - you name it, we want to be there."
The news will ignite a frenzy of excitement among 49-year-old Jackson's fans who stood by him during his child abuse trial.
At the peak of their success the family act - Michael, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon and Jackie - topped the charts with hits such as I'll Be There, ABC and I Want You Back before splitting in 1990.
Just two months ago news leaked that Jackson was planning a 10- night stint at London's new O2 Arena.
The initial plans were for him to perform a solo tour to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Thriller album.
But he promised his brothers a reunion tour in 2001 after they sold out two nights at Madison Square Garden to celebrate Michael's 30 years in the music business.
Despite the big family comeback plans a source close to Michael warned said he is notoriously fickle when it comes to tours.
The insider said: "Michael could decide it's all off at any time - he's done it in the past.
"He hasn't toured since 1997 and every year there have been rumours he will hit the road again.
"But if Jermaine is publicly saying it will happen then it's definitely a good sign."
However, Jackson's publicist Raymone K Bain said: "At this time, I am not fully aware of the plans for the tour."
---
Here is the original article that I first posted in July 2007, which speaks of tour talk:
EXCLUSIVE: MJ hunts for Irish venue to thrill fans on world tour
Irish Daily Mirror
Paul Martin
July 27th, 2007
POP king Michael Jackson has asked promoters to find a venue to stage a massive outdoor show in Ireland next summer.
The Thriller star contacted top music figures in Dublin last week to reveal his plans for a tour.
As well as 10 dates at London's O2 Arena he wants to perform in Ireland - the country where he rebuilt his life after the child abuse trial.
A top insider told the Irish Daily Mirror: "The hunt is on to find the ideal venue for a Jackson gig.
"Croke Park would be too big and Lansdowne Road is being re-built so they are out.
"The RDS is being looked at because he performed there on the History tour in 1997.
"There are also other venues being considered that haven't been used for gigs before.
"Michael really wants to do the Dublin show as part of a 100- date world tour."
Jackson, 48, also revealed his plans for an Irish show to Samantha Mumba when he met her in Los Angeles last month.
Dublin pop babe Sam, 24, said: "He said he can't wait to come to Ireland and may be doing a gig at some stage."
Jackson is putting the finishing touches to his new album in America and will release it in November.
He will release a string of singles and then hit the road for a money-spinning tour that could make him up to (EUR) $100 Million.
Other high-profile dates in Paris, Munich, Berlin and Prague are also being planned. The star also looked at the option of staging a residency slot in Las Vegas - but sources say he is desperate to visit Europe.
One insider revealed: "This is the biggest tour of Michael's life -- he wants to reinstate his title as the King of Pop.
"He still has the power to sell-out the biggest venues around the world and is determined to show people that he still has the magic."
---
While we're at it, here is one semi-related article by Paul Martin from July 10th, 2007 where Samantha Mumba talks about meeting Michael (as referenced in the above article):
Sam's Jackson Thriller
Irish Daily Mirror
Paul Martin
July 10, 2007
SUPERSTAR Michael Jackson wraps his arms around pop babe Samantha Mumba - after vowing to save her pop career.
A mutual friend of the pair set up the meeting and Jackson, 48, spent two hours talking to the 24-year-old Dubliner.
Now Thriller star Jackson has swapped numbers with her and said he will pen her a comeback hit.
A source close to the pretty singer told the Irish Daily Mirror: "She has always idolized Michael and was thrilled when the meeting was set up.
"They spent ages talking about music and dancing and then they started to talk about her recording a new album.
"Michael said he had a few songs he has written that he would be prepared to give her.
"This could be the biggest thing that has happened to Sam.
"They have been calling each other up and arranged for lunch again next month.
"Samantha can't believe Michael's her new pal. She can't wipe the grin off her face."
It is five years since her last hit single, when I'm Right Here reached No5 in the UK.
Picture:
Last edited: