JAPAN: Fans pay 3,400 U.S. dollars to meet and greet Michael Jackson. Fans pay 3,400 U.S. dollars to meet and greet Michael Jackson.

Record ID: 464126

  • Title: JAPAN: Fans pay 3,400 U.S. dollars to meet and greet Michael Jackson. Fans pay 3,400 U.S. dollars to meet and greet Michael Jackson.
  • Date: 16th March 2007
  • Summary: TOKYO, JAPAN (MARCH 8, 2007) (REUTERS) BILLBOARD FOR "PREMIUM V.I.P. PARTY WITH MICHAEL JACKSON" VENUE FOR MICHAEL JACKSON EVENT "PLATINUM" TICKETS FANS SHOWING THEIR TICKETS AND ENTERING VENUE MICHAEL JACKSON IMPERSONATOR FANS AND MEDIA AT THE VENUE (SOUNDBITE) (English) CARLO RILEY, 24, JACKSON FAN AND IMPERSONATOR, SAYING: "(I paid) 3,400 dollars... I would pay ten times that amount anytime anywhere. If they do another one, I'll pay it again - easily." FANS HOLDING UP BANNER NUNS AND CHILDREN, REPORTEDLY INVITED BY JACKSON, ARRIVING PEOPLE ENTERING VENUE TWO FEMALE FANS ARRIVING (SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE FAN CLAD IN KIMONO SAYING: "I'm not in my normal state of mind. I will try not to pass out." (SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) YOH HAUNG, 30, JACKSON FAN, SAYING: "This is my dream come true. I'm very excited." FANS ENTERING VENUE
  • Embargoed: 31st March 2007 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Japan
  • Country: Japan
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVADV202H9UY67HGNHKLHLLD6RTT
  • Story Text: Pop star Michael Jackson emerged from his reclusive life and mingled with his Japanese fans on Thursday (March 8) in an exclusive and pricey "meet-and- greet" event where organisers charged 3,400 U.S. dollars (USD) for tickets - even though he wouldn't perform.
    Jackson, who arrived in Tokyo on Sunday (March 4) took part in the "Premium VIP Party," which an Internet advertisement said would include dancers and gospel singers.
    Jackson himself was not due perform, but was said to watch the show from a special area. He was expected to make some brief remarks.
    The event was supposed to take place on Dec. 19 and was billed as a Christmas party with Jackson. There was no reason given from the postponement.
    Jackson last visited Japan, where he has a huge fan base, in May to accept a music award. In November, Jackson sang at an awards ceremony in London, his first public performance since his child molestation trial ended, but his efforts were panned by critics.
    Since being acquitted of child molestation charges at a trial that ended in June 2005, Jackson has lived the life of a recluse, dividing his time between Bahrain and Ireland, but still generates hysteria among loyal fans wherever he goes.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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