Music News

Michael Jackson’s death could bring a large bill to O2 Arena concert promoters

By Patrick Luce Jun 26, 2009, 16:07 GMT

Michael Jackson died after reportedly suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles yesterday (25.06.09). EPA/JENS KALAENE

The sudden death of pop king Michael Jackson could leave AEG Live with an insurance liability of up to £300 million due to trouble getting the 50-date concerts at London’s O2 Arena insured.

Jackson died on Thursday, June 25th, after reportedly suffering a suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles. Paramedics were dispatched to the singer’s home and found him not breathing. They administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Jackson for over forty minutes at his home and transported him to the UCLA Medical Center hospital.

AEG Live has reported it was difficult to insure the comeback concerts after the run increased to 50 dates. Reasons behind the difficulty were said to include concerns about Jackson’s mental and physical health.

The concert series would have been Jackson’s first solo shows in 12 years and more than $85 million worth of tickets have reportedly been sold. AEG has also reportedly spent an estimated $30 million on the concert’s production.

Jackson (50) was scheduled to take the stage at London’s O2 Arena on July 13th. The singer was in Los Angeles rehearsing for the tour – which was originally scheduled to just be 10 dates.