The turbulent saga of Michael Jackson's tribute concert, Michael Forever: A Tribute Concert, is far from over.
The concert, which is scheduled to feature performances by Chistina Aguilera, Smokey Robinson, Cee Lo Green and a number from Beyonce via satellite, has been condemned by a coalition of 35 Michael Jackson fan clubs, citing a variety of grievances. Part of the complaint is that the date, October 8th, coincides with the trial of Jackson's doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray, for the late artist's involuntary manslaughter.
One fan group's Facebook page has a photo of the letter sent to the the concert organizers, Global Live Events that reads, "From the timing of this tribute, in the middle of Dr. Murray's trial, to the ticketing prices, to the obscurity over what charities will be receiving the donation, to the no-guarantee policy of performers, the addition of Gene Simmons and dishonouring, thus tarnishing Michael Jackson's legacy was simply the last straw."
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The concert made news last week when Global Live Events dropped KISS from the bill due to bassist Gene Simmons' comments to Classic Rock Magazine regarding Jackson's 2005 trial for child molestation. Simmons had told the magazine "well, you know, where there’s smoke there’s fire. There’s no question in my mind he molested those kids. Not a doubt."
Reuters reports that "Attorneys for Jackson's estate also expressed concerns last week about the planned concert, which is supported by the singer's mother Katherine and several of her children, but not by Jackson brothers Jermaine and Randy Jackson."
Watch Michael Jackson in happier times below: