Michael Jackson’s mother: Global tribute for King of Pop in Vienna is ‘a wonderful idea’

Michael Jackson’s mother praises Vienna tribute

VIENNA — The King of Pop’s mother said in a letter made public Monday that next month’s global tribute for Michael Jackson in Vienna is “a wonderful idea” and an event that her son would have loved.

The Sept. 26 concert — being planned by Jackson’s brother Jermaine — will take place in front of a 17th-century palace in the Austrian capital. The performers haven’t been announced, but the event is expected to draw thousands of people.

“An event of this dimension not only keeps Michael’s spirit alive, more than that: It gives millions of fans the opportunity to experience his music and celebrate the life of my son,” Katherine Jackson wrote. “I am sure Michael would love it.”

The hand-signed letter is dated Thursday and was made public by the Austrian event promoters, World Awards Media GmbH.

Michael Jackson died aged 50 on June 25.

Event promoter Georg Kindel has said the tribute was originally planned for London’s Wembley Stadium on Aug. 29, which would have been Jackson’s 51st birthday, but that Jermaine Jackson decided instead on Vienna. Austria is home to many castles, and Jermaine has said Vienna was chosen as the venue because his brother “loved castles.”

In the letter, Katherine Jackson said she immediately considered Jermaine’s plan — announced several weeks after he visited Vienna to receive an award in his brother’s honor — “a wonderful idea.”

“I fully support Jermaine’s endeavors to spread Michael’s important message of making a better world for us all,” she wrote.

Jackson’s mother also reached out to fans, saying she was “overwhelmed by the worldwide love and support that my beloved son Michael has received over the past month.”

Last week, fans swamped the Web site offering tribute tickets, with prices ranging from €63 ($90) to €518 ($742).

Nina Ellend, head of publicity at World Awards Media GmbH, said thousands of tickets have been snapped up and that the sale was happening in stages.

Austrian media have reported that Madonna, U2, Lionel Richie and Whitney Houston might be among the performers. However, the tribute’s Web site says only that the lineup will include “some of the most popular contemporary artists.”

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On the Net:

www.tribute2009.com/