The Jacksons to reform in £250m deal
Last updated at 08:53am on 7th March 2007
Michael Jackson is expected to make his comeback with a string of gigs across America estimated to earn him £250million.
Aides of the troubled singer are in the final stages of negotiating a deal which will see him joined on stage by all the other members of the Jackson Five.
The group - which last regularly performed together 23 years ago - is lined up to play 250 concerts in Las Vegas over the three years from next year, when Jackson will be 50. Further concerts around the U.S. and the world are planned.
Tito, Marlon, Jackie, Michael and Jermaine Jackson perform together
There are also wide-ranging plans to build a Michael Jackson theme park, casino, hotel and stadium in the Nevada city. The deal, which is also expected to earn millions in merchandising and product endorsements, will immediately clear debts - estimated at £170million - the singer is reported to have accrued.
Jackson became a pariah after allegations of child molestation in December 2003. He was acquitted of all ten counts but his career - already long wanting a hit album - had gone into freefall.
His debts forced him to sell his Neverland ranch and he has since lived a somewhat nomadic existence. In recent weeks he and his brothers have been in negotiations with Jack Wishna, the producer responsible for taking Celine Dion to Caesar's Palace.
Former Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller - who brokered David Beckham's record-breaking move to LA Galaxy - is also understood to be involved in the negotiation.
A source said: 'There was initially some concern about Michael's image, which has taken quite a battering with the child molestation
allegations. There were also concerns over whether Michael would be keen on performing in front of a large audience after so long away from the stage.
'After all, the last time he performed was at the World Music Awards in London - it was a very badly received performance.
'So a plan was hatched to get the rest of the family tied into a deal first. They were offered a deal to reform - for a much smaller payday - and were told that if they got Michael on board, the figure would skyrocket.
'That's when the rest of the family got working on Michael - and it certainly seems to have worked.
'Initially there will be a "best of" album, two new tracks will be recorded, there will be the stint in Las Vegas, then the U.S. and the world. They are already talking through product endorsements. The only reason no announcement has come yet is because Michael is a notoriously erratic individual.
'He has been requesting all sorts of additions, like finding a secure high-walled home for himself and his children in the Nevada desert for the duration of the Vegas concerts.'
Another source added: 'The deal being thrashed out is astronomical. There has been talk of a theme park, museum, casino, hotel and stadium for Michael - complete with Jackson memorabilia, videos, rare footage, casino, rides and concert halls.
'One of the reasons Michael is so keen on the plans starting in Las Vegas is because his hero Elvis made the town his own'
Jackson's attorney Brian Oxman confirmed negotiations were under way but described any figures as 'totally preliminary'.
