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[MJSunshine]

Michael Jackson planned Australian tour



Jackson’s drummer and close friend of 30 years Jonathan Moffett has revealed Jackson planned to take his ill-fated This Is It tour around the world with Australia, and Melbourne, part of his plans.

“About a week before he died we all had our contracts extended by a couple of years,” Moffett said.

“Michael told us we had five years to change the world. So after we did a year or so at the O2 arena in London we planned to bring the show on the road.”

Moffett, who has also drummed for Madonna, Elton John, Janet Jackson and the Jackson 5, arrives in Melbourne today for an appearance at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre this weekend.

He joins KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, Kate Cebrano and James Morrison for the Australian International Music Show.

In a world first, Moffett said he would play a collection of Jackson hits for the first time since the star’s death.

“I have 10 tracks that we were going to play during the This Is It Tour, and I will be playing through those tracks just like we would have in concert,” he said.

“It’s a dedication to Michael. He's like family to me, I spent more than half of my life with him.

“I saw him the night before he died at rehearsals and he was great…I just remember how happy he was.

“After that I needed time to mourn, I miss him so much. But I’ve realised now I want to play his music forever, it brings me so much joy and brings back so many memories,” he said.

Moffett, who keeps in regular contact with the entire Jackson family and still works musically with siblings Janet and Germaine, said it took him a long time to accept the star had died.

“At one point I couldn’t accept it was a reality. How could he not be here? He is invincible to me.”

“But now it’s time to celebrate his life, legacy, and contribution to music.”

Moffett said there was still talk of taking the This Is It tour around the world.

“The entire set is sitting in a warehouse somewhere ready to go, it’s just a matter of figuring out how best to do it.”

He said various concepts had been discussed, but they all included the entire cast of the original show, including Australian guitarist Orianthi Pnagaris.

“Whether we get some big name artists to sing, or Michael impersonators, or use a mix of video technology and holograms, there are plans to take the show on the road.”

Until then Moffett said he was looking forward to a series of workshops and clinics at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre this weekend.

The music show runs from 10am-6pm Saturday and Sunday.
Source: http://www.heraldsun.com

[startinsomethin87]

I can only begin to imagine what Michael's band and dancers went through that sad, sad day. To have worked side by side with him for weeks, months even, and then have to come to grips with his passing. It was, and still is, hard enough for us fans let alone those closest to Michael.