14 December 2007
Newsdesk
Michael Jackson is set to perform a residency at London's O2 arena next year.
The eccentric star - whose finances have allegedly been dwindling away since his 2005 child molestation case, of which he was acquitted of all charges - hopes a lengthy run can ease his money problems.
A source said: "The general consensus is that Michael has the fan base to attract enough people from all over the world to make this a huge success.
"Booking The O2 up for more than a couple of nights might seem a big gamble on his and his promoters' part, but just think of the history. People will flock to witness Michael cover his back catalogue."
The president of live music promoter AEG Europe, David Campbell, refused to confirm the rumours, but revealed a big star would be coming to the 20,000 capacity arena next autumn.
He said: "We have two big residencies booked for the fourth quarter of 2008."
Whitney Houston is rumoured to be the other artist taking up a "big
residency" next year.
If the proposed shows go ahead, Michael will be following in the footsteps of his former pop rival Prince who thrilled the UK capital with a 21-night residency last summer.
A host of music stars have played the impressive venue this year, including Justin Timberlake, Led Zeppelin, Take That and the Spice Girls, who launch the UK leg of their world tour there tomorrow (15.12.07).
