Michael Jackson has postponed several dates on his mega-concert stint at London's O2 arena, concert promoters AEG Live announced on Wednesday.
"Due to the sheer magnitude of the 'This Is It' concerts at The O2 arena promoters and producers AEG Live and Kenny Ortega, Michael's directorial partner and creative collaborator have elected to move back a few of the opening shows in order to meet the challenges presented by such a massive and technically complex show," AEG Live said in a statement to Access Hollywood.
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The dates – July 8, July 10, July 12 and July 14 — have been moved to allow concertgoers to "experience the same high quality staging that is planned for all of the spectacular shows."
The July 8 concert will now take place on July 13, while the other dates will be moved to next year (July 10 will happen March 1, 2010; July 12 will occur on March 3, 2010; and July 14 will happen March 6, 2010).
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"Kenny and Michael are, at the same time, both creative pioneers and perfectionists. This show has grown in size and scope, thereby, necessitating more lead time for manufacture of the set, programming the content for the massive video elements, and, most importantly, more time for full production and dress rehearsals in the world's busiest arena, The O2," Randy Phillips, President and CEO, AEG Live said in a statement. "As much as we agonized over this change in the original schedule, we are sure the fans will understand when they experience the level of entertainment Michael Jackson intends to deliver while also ensuring the safety of the musicians, cast and crew and the crisp execution of the production. It is AEG Live's sincere hope that those lucky enough to have purchased tickets will have enough time to change their personal schedules and travel plans if they are coming from outside of London. We do not want anyone to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Those that cannot attend the rescheduled dates can receive a full refund by logging on to www.MichaelJacksonLive.com for more information.
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