The promoters of Michael Jackson's London concert dates have denied the postponement of his first shows is because the singer has skin cancer. Randy Phillips, head of AEG Live says the delays have "absolutely nothing" to do with the king of pop's health.
"I would trade my body for his tomorrow. He's in fantastic shape," he told the BBC.
The July 8 show, which is part of the star's 50-date run, has been pushed back by five nights. Three other July dates have been moved to March 2010 – a delay of eight months. Almost 80,000 fans will be affected by the changes.
A spokesman said a clash with Madonna, who is also performing at the venue at the beginning of July, had left 50-year-old Michael with no time to rehearse at the arena. In an e-mail promoters told ticket holders the decision had been made so all fans could "get the same quality in staging and level of entertainment".
Mr Phillips said the decision had been a "tough" one to make, and stressed that anybody who could not make the rescheduled dates would receive a full refund. There were no plans to delay further dates he added, but admitted that: "if Michael were to get ill, that's possible".
Photo: Rex
