Michael Jackson Tribute Concert Set for October 8
A tribute concert in honor of Michael Jackson will be held October 8. Jackson's mother, Katherine, and siblings La Toya, Tito, Jackie and Marlon were all on hand to make the announcement Monday in Beverly Hills.
The show is scheduled for the 40th anniversary of Jackson's first solo single, 'Got to Be There.'
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the concert will be called 'Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert,' and it will be held at the 75,000-seat Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. No performers were announced, but show organizer Chris Hunt said the concert will be at least four hours long.
Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit three charities Jackson supported, including AIDS Project Los Angeles and The Prince's Trust. Tickets go on sale August 4.
Not everyone is pleased with the date of the tribute concert, however. Two of Jackson's brothers, Jermaine and Randy Jackson, objected because it is close to the start date of the involuntary manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray, which begins September 20.
The brothers released a statement via Twitter that said, in part, "While we wholeheartedly support the spirit of a tribute that honors our brother, we find it impossible to support an event that is due to take place during the criminal trial surrounding Michael's death."
Jackson died on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50. Murray is accused of administering a lethal dose of sedatives, including the anesthetic propofol, which led to the pop singer's death. Murray has pleaded not guilty.