More Jackson Tribute Problems?

Apparently ticket sales for next month’s Michael Jackson tribute concert in the U.K. aren’t turning into the Thriller organizers hoped for. That and reports of Beyoncé not being involved after the jump.

Photo: AP Photo
The King of Pop announcing his O2 Arena concerts.

Michael Jackson fan site MJStar.co.uk reports folks who purchased tickets for scheduled for Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium Oct. 8 received an email from the “Michael Forever Support Team” saying ticket prices were about to be slashed as much as up to 50 percent. When you consider that current prices range as high as £260 (US$412.84), a 50 percent reduction would still result in a somewhat expensive ticket.

But wait, there’s more. The same website also reports that organizer Global Live Events will offer a “buy-one-get-one” free promotion beginning Sept. 16.

As you might guess, people who already purchased tickets under the original pricing structure are miffed at the reductions. A Facebook group calling itself “Fans Against Michael Forever Tribute” says the buy-one-get-one free promotion will not be offered to people who already bought tickets.

But a possible price reduction isn’t the only sign of trouble for the tribute show. Now there’s word that Beyoncé may not be involved. Although the singer wasn’t included on the lineup appearing at the stadium, it was reported that she would appear as a guest performer via satellite.

Evidently that’s not going to happen either. Citing “a source close to the situation,” RadarOnline says Beyoncé’s satellite appearance is a no-go. But even the singer’s non-appearance isn’t totally confirmed. Attributing a “source connected to the show,” gossip blogger Perez Hilton claims Beyoncé’s satellite gig is still in the works.

Photo: AP Photo
A fan touches Michael Jackson’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.

Lackluster ticket sales and a possible Beyoncé no-show are just the latest developments for a concert that’s been controversial since it was announced July 25. Although the event is endorsed by Jackson family matriarch Katherine and includes performances by The Jackson Brothers as well as the group 3T made up of Tito Jackson’s sons from his marriage to Delores “Dee Dee” Martes, not all Jacksons approved of the show’s timing.

On the same day the tribute concert was announced, Jackson brothers Jermaine and Randy said they couldn’t support the event because it took place during the same time Dr. Conrad Murray stands trial on involuntary manslaughter charges for allegedly causing the King of Pop’s death. More recently, Janet Jackson said she would not attend the show because of the trial.

Then there’s the whole KISS fiasco that lasted approximately 24 hours. On Aug. 15 organizers announced KISS had been added to the bill. After many fans complained about a Gene Simmons quote from an interview years earlier in which the costumed rocker said he thought Michael Jackson had been guilty of child molestation charges, the band was quickly dropped from the bill.

So far, the lineup for “Michael Forever – The Tribute Concert” includes Christina Aguilera, Cee-Lo Green, Craig David, Leona Lewis, Ne-Yo, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Alien Ant Farm, Alexandra Burke, Pixie Lott and the aforementioned 3T.

Photo: AP Photo
The sculpture "Michael Jackson and Bubbles," by artist Jeff Koons, is shown on display in the chateau de Versailles in Versailles, France.

Plus, just as we were about to post this item, several media outlets reported Jamie Foxx had been added to the bill. However, at the same time reports of Foxx’s addition began making the rounds, there were also suggestions that the comedian/actor might have dissed Michael Jackson in the past. Here we go again.