The myth of Michael Jackson in Vegas
On this topic the mainstream media seem endlessly gullible. I don't care what the Wall Street Journal says. And, I don't care what the New York Times offers. Michael Jackson is not going to be doing a show or shows in Vegas any time soon.
As readers of the Buffet know, since December 2006, I have been swatting at rumors of various Michael Jackson comebacks set in Vegas. I have even offered the dude a gig in Vegas myself.
Yet, despite years of nothing happening, the rumors continue. This time the Vegas comeback story got a big boost from the Wall Street Journal, which reports that Colony Capital will be the factor that makes a difference: "Colony Capital, which owns the Las Vegas Hilton and is a major shareholder in closely held Station Casinos, is in discussions with Mr. Jackson to get him back onstage and in the spotlight via a long-term stand in Las Vegas."
As for leverage with Jackson, Colony Capital recently bought the loan on Neverland, a property Jackson has shown little interest in for years. Still, the media fantasies, like Charlie Brown going for the football, have begun again in earnest.
One interesting thing about the rumors is that as time goes by, less seems to be expected of Jackson. In 2006 the talk was that he would become a headliner in the style of Celine Dion. No resort jumped at that. Later comeback versions claimed Jackson would be part of a Jackson family reunion that might even include sister Janet. Nothing came of that either. Now, the Wall Street Journal story has lowered the bar even more: "The most likely option would be to create something like 'Love,' the Cirque du Soleil show built around Beatles tunes. Mr. Jackson wouldn't be a regular part of the performance but would appear for 20 to 30 performances a year, possibly with his brothers."
This is a horrible idea. Who is going to show up on the nights Jackson isn't performing? Is it a one-price lottery on if you get to see Jackson or do the nights the Gloved one is in the house make for a totally different show?
That aside: The Beatles were a studio band when they made much of their best-known music, whereas Jackson's dynamic live performances and videos of his dancing were integral to his success and key reasons his fans from the '80s would spend a fortune to see a concert featuring him.
But I suspect that there is little interest in a reunion of the Jackson 5 in 2008, and, as a solo headliner, Michael Jackson remains a huge risk.
Jackson's draw remains undeniable. But even the Wall Street Journal's story notes that if Jackson were to become a Celine Dion-style Vegas headliner, "the rigors of any such commitment would likely be too taxing for Mr. Jackson." Jackson's long dormant period means he needs to prove himself like a novice performer. And, no novice performer is worth the expense of creating a Michael Jackson show. It is an unsolvable conundrum.
In the end, nothing has really changed since the end of 2006. Only more years have gone by since Jackson's last hit, and he remains an unproven live performer in this century. The only headlining Jackson has done in Vegas was the May 2007 auction at the Hard Rock of property he once owned (pictured above).
As a rule, Las Vegas resorts do not believe in gambling when it comes to their entertainment. When considering if the Las Vegas Hilton would take a risk on Jackson, it may be instructive to note that Barry Manilow is its current headliner, and his show, by all reports is doing great, with a contract that runs through 2009.
So, I have contacted Colony Capital to confirm that it is interested in having Michael Jackson as a Vegas headliner. It's considering issuing a statement to me later. If I get it, I will post it for you.
For now, I stand by my belief that a Michael Jackson comeback has become a suitably Vegas version of an urban myth.
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michael jackson performed live at the VMA's in 2001, albeit briefly!
Posted by: nick | June 19, 2008 at 12:30 PM
If he does do it..., He'll bring the house down.
Remember, he didn't want to do Motown 25. (Look what happened!)
He didn't want to do the superbowl. (Look what happened!)
This guy has had more comebacks than Rocky!
There never seems to be any shortage of critics despite, the fact that he is statisticaly the greatest entertainer that has ever lived.
Michael Jackson has done it all. He need never step onto a stage again to perform, only to collect awards.
Keep the faith Mike, and thanks for sharing your gift with the world.
Posted by: Peter | June 19, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Michael Jackson Is One Of The Greatest Of All Time He Owned It Once
And He Hold It Again Michael Is The Best Entertainer Of Your Time And Your Mother Time
Michael Please Comeback We Need You Thank You Michael You The True King Of Pop,Rock,Soul Brandon One
Posted by: Brandon Mitchell | June 19, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Michael Jackson, the greatest entertainer the planet earth has ever seen.......... Please come back....
Posted by: John | June 19, 2008 at 10:00 PM
I think I agree with Abowitz on this one.
Posted by: Kristi | June 19, 2008 at 10:38 PM
You know, I don't think it's fair for ANYONE to publish what Michael Jackson may or may not do, or question his abilities, worth, etc. I say, just let him be. He's a human being, let him make his own decisions. It's his career. If he feels like making a new album or performing, as always, it WILL be the best!!! If not, that's up to him. He's been performing all his life...give the guy a break! I'm tired of people calling him the "former" King of Pop, or lazy. Since when did he lose his crown? Tell me, who replaced him? Because almost all of the acts out there that people like seem to be in some way a copy of Michael Jackson (Justin Timberlake), which, since they're only copying MJ, makes MJ still the King by default. Lazy? Look how long he's been performing and working...his whole life. If he ever decides to stop and retire, let him...it's well deserved. He's been through a heck of a lot! Either way, I will always have faith in him and support him either way, and I'll always believe in him. I'm not saying that as some crazy fan, but in the way that I know Michael is also a human being, and he's also a performer...a performer that no one has been able to match or beat in talent, sales, etc. Believe me, as history has shown, there's NO NEED for ANYONE to question what Michael can do. He has proven it already. Why must he keep going and proving himself until the day he dies? Just because he isn't working or doing what you want, when you want, doesn't mean Michael isn't working...who knows what, and how many things he's working on. He isn't only a singer and dancer. Just let him be, and stop labeling him already.
Posted by: Meghan Arleene | June 19, 2008 at 11:11 PM
The thing is about these rumors is tha they may be true and the might not.
Most likely, Michael Jackson wont go on tour or do something to that degree until he gets his new album out. I read about how he was wary of performing live again till he had some new material.
But I agree; Michael Jackson does not need to perform again to prove how good he is...you just look at his history. And honestly I dont blame him for not touring because he has been doing tour-like activity since age 5, and actual tours by age 9. So if you add that up thats about 4 decades of touring and performing.....that is more than many artists have or will do.
If he comes back, thats wonderful. Im there.....If he decides not to, Im not going to think anything less of him. He has proven time and time again that he's one of the Top Performers in the history of music. Thats all that should matter.
Posted by: AARTZ1 | June 19, 2008 at 11:39 PM
I would love it if Michael Jackson performs in Las Vegas i would love to get front row centre seats. Michael Would bring down the house performing again Michael come back to the stage and show the world what your made of. You rock!!!
Posted by: Nicole Duesbury | June 20, 2008 at 04:30 AM
I love Michael Jackson, he is the best singer and dancer ever, nobody is like him. He is my angel and I support the king of pop. Love you Michael, you are my life and I hope you come back with a new album and world tour!!!!
Posted by: MJ angel | June 20, 2008 at 04:45 AM
Lets be honest - This guy in his prime never sang live! It was all MTV driven being played every hour on the hour - but watch his tv performances! ALL Lip Synced! His peak the moment everyone goes back to was motown 25 with his ripped off moonwalk which was in the mainstream of dance for a decade, just because the white media was impressed, the fans of soul train saw that in the 1970's and yes that performance was lip synced. The biggest stage possible which is the Super Bowl, MJ lip synced there too! Why does he get this praise? He lip synced and repeated most of his stage show from the mid 1980's? If you notice since Sony/Epic left him and now they are just trying to milk all his old cataloge with remasters and special editions - now that MJ has to turn a microphone on and just sing with no smoke and mirrors... he doesnt do a thing because he knows he will be exposed! Michael Jackson will NEVER perform again. He might do an album because you can hide that you cant do what the album shows you doing. When you have to go out and promote - He never goes on stage and has his microphone turned on. Put Up or Shut Up! I think we see he is Shutting Up! :) Thanks to the reporter for now "starting" to expose MJ for not having 1/16th of the talent he pretends to have.
Posted by: Michelle | June 20, 2008 at 06:27 AM
This could be a real hit or miss. It really depends on his personality. If he is doing it because he is still pasionate to perform than his fans will feel that but if he is doing it because he is going broke and feels like he is washed up than the crowd will feel that also. Michael Jackson will always have a strong following and if there is anywhere for him to fit in it would be in Las vegas.
http://www.explorerpass.com/lasvegas/
Posted by: Las Vegas Explorer Pass | June 20, 2008 at 06:50 AM
Agreeded with everythign said up there... but I really want to see him perform only once in my life... by what people say must be incredible, I'd really like to see it... that's one of my dreams...
A Brazilian Fan...
We're all with you Michael... Forever and Ever
Posted by: Alan | June 20, 2008 at 07:37 AM
If I'm not mistaken, MJ has tried to get an act going here in Las Vegas before. After all, he lives here alot (and his relatives do too) and spends a lot of time here. I have heard opinions and thoughts of why he can't or won't.
One opinion is that he is too hot a commodity; in that he is too controversial. If I'm not mistaken, he almost landed a show at the Mirage, but then he had charges slapped against him in California, which effectively put a halt to the whole thing.
Another opinion is he wants too much money and therefore the big casinos are staying away from him. Casinos want to make money, not shell it out. And you have to remember that casinos make money from gambling...the other stuff, entertainment included, is fine if it gets people to hang out in their casino to gamble and they also make some money off of it.
Now, don't jump all over me, people. I'm neither an MJ fan nor am I an MJ hater. I'm just relating ideas of why MJ doesn't have an act in Las Vegas. You can agree with them or not.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | June 20, 2008 at 01:48 PM
One factor that the writer failed to mention is that Janet went on the View and said she would be happy to open for Michael. I think a lot of fans from the 70, 80s and 90s would love to see the two of them proforming. They might as well throw in the Jackson Five to make it a family affair.
Posted by: Warren | June 20, 2008 at 07:40 PM
ColinFromLasVegas, you can see MJ sing live on UTube. From the Bad tour to the History tour you can see him singing live.
Posted by: Warren | June 20, 2008 at 07:44 PM
i agree with 'nick '
mike is the only LIVING LEGEND LEFT.
quite frankly, he can do what he wants, because he's acheived so much that no artist has, in his short time.
thriller 25 has sold over like what 2 million already which is preety amazing for a re-released album. and if i'm correct not alot of Mj fans bought thirller 25 because they have thriller the original - so that means non mj fans had to buy which means hes still got it! like many many stars have said michael jackson is the best - even recently Peter Andre on the Sunday Night project goes michael is the best - and all the audience cheered and agreed with him, and look how far signiture got. he is still amazing
Posted by: priya | June 21, 2008 at 02:53 AM
to MJ angel
michael sang live for the triumph, victory and bad tours........and most of the dangerous tour........youtube them, its true.....get your facts straight before you speak on something you know nothing of.........
Posted by: bad | June 22, 2008 at 12:45 AM
The assertion that all of Jackson's greatest live performances were lip-synched is entirely baseless. Jackson's greatest years as a performer were the Triumph Tour, the Victory Tour and the Bad Tour, all of which were entirely live.
Posted by: TwistedVision | June 22, 2008 at 05:54 PM