In a fresh blow to pop star Michael Jackson, the first four opening shows of his much hyped comeback concerts have been rescheduled with organisers citing "technical issues".
The news comes at a time when the superstar has been dogged with poor health rumours with reports suggesting that the 50-year-old Jackson is suffering from skin cancer, a claim denied by the singer.
The 50-date concerts in the famous 02 Arena were billed as the biggest comeback in pop history, but the latest development has left thousands of Jackson's fans disappointed, Daily Mail reported.
The opening show on July 8 has been shifted to July 13 while the other three initial concerts have been postponed till March next year, the organisers said.
The rescheduling of the dates means that all of the 80,000 fans who had bought tickets will have to wait up to eight months to see the concerts.
The show's director Kenny Ortega took the decision on Wednesday, with a spokesman saying a clash with Madonna, who is also performing at the venue at the beginning of July, had left Jackson with no time to rehearse at the arena.
Randy Phillips, President and CEO, AEG Live, who are organising the concerts said, "This show has grown in size and scope, thereby, necessitating more lead time for manufacture of the set, programming the content for the massive video elements, and, most importantly, more time for full production and dress rehearsals.
{{/usCountry}}Randy Phillips, President and CEO, AEG Live, who are organising the concerts said, "This show has grown in size and scope, thereby, necessitating more lead time for manufacture of the set, programming the content for the massive video elements, and, most importantly, more time for full production and dress rehearsals.
{{/usCountry}}