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David Gest to address Oxford Union

Jan 11, 2013, 11:57 GMT

David Gest

David Gest is to address the Oxford Union with the help of a host of Motown artists.

The 59-year-old concert promoter is set to follow in the footsteps of his close friend Michael Jackson by giving a talk at the university's prestigious debating society at 5pm on February 9.

He is also bringing a host of Motown legends with him who will be performing. This is the first time a guest speaker has staged a musical performance at the Union.

David said: 'I am extremely privileged to have been invited to take part in such a prestigious event and follow in the footsteps of my closest childhood friend Michael Jackson.

'I was with Michael Jackson the evening prior to his address

at the Oxford Union and had dinner with him the evening after. I know what that day meant to him and how special it was and I feel very humbled that the Union has asked me to be their guest.'

Former 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!' contestant David will orchestrate a personal debate around Rhythm & Blues music and how it affected his life, which will contain a host of never-before-told personal anecdotes from his multi-award winning career as a producer.

Artists confirmed to perform during at the event include Percy Sledge, Candi Staton, 'Me & Mrs Jones' singer Billy Paul and Martha Wash of the Weather Girls.

David joins a long list of illustrious guest speakers such as the Dalai Lama, Johnny Depp and Katie Price.