May 26, 2002 Number 546
MJ News International presents: JUNE 15th - A MICHAEL JACKSON CELEBRATION
ONE DAY, TWO MASSIVE EVENTS
1) Demonstration of Fan Support for Michael Jackson: a peaceful protest outside the offices of Sony Music, London
2) "Killer Thriller": party and stage-show at the Equinox Leicester Square to celebrate 20 Years since the release of Thriller, the biggest selling album of all time. MICHAEL JACKSON IS ATTENDING THE KILLER THRILLER PARTY.
This bulletin contains details on both of these events.
Thanks to Angel for this image!
DEMONSTRATION OF FAN SUPPORT FOR MICHAEL JACKSON
11:30am - 1:30pm, opposite Sony Music, 10 Great Marlborough Street, London (nearest Underground: Oxford Circus).
Sony Music has removed Michael Jackson from their list of artist priorities. The promotion of INVINCIBLE is over because Sony have decided to let the album die.
An article by Paul Martin in the Irish Mirror of the 15th May sheds some light on the situation:
"In 1995 Jackson merged his music publishing catalogue, which contains more than 1,000 songs including 251 Beatles titles, with Sony's publishing catalogue. Sony and Jackson share the cash in a 50-50 split of the catalogue earnings, which DOESN'T include his own albums.
"Even if Michael walks out of Sony today he gets half the revenue that many of their artists are bringing in... That's a bitter pull to swallow for bosses at the company who probably feel that Michael has outwitted them.
"Tommy Mottola is angered by all this to say the least. Michael believes that Tommy wants to make sure that all the time and money invested over the three-year Invincible project will be lost.
"In retaliation they are making it as difficult as possible for Michael to be appealing to any record company."
Michael Jackson fans all over the world are standing up and expressing their dismay at the decision by Sony to treat Michael Jackson and Invincible in this way. The purpose of the London demo is to show solidarity for the music and career of Michael Jackson and to demand that his music be allowed to reach the widest possible audience.
In London on 15th June, the media will be gathering en masse outside the offices of Sony Music Great Marlborough Street. MJNI calls on all fans to be there to show the world how much Michael means to you.
The mood of the demo is going to be a POSITIVE one. We have our serious message that we wish to deliver to the world about Michael Jackson but we are going to do it in a non-aggressive manner because otherwise we risk the protest being disbanded. If picketing is not normally your scene, do not worry. This event - while definitely a demonstration - will also be like a street party in defiance of Sony and in support of the King of Pop! We expect upwards of 2000 fans, with banners expressing their feelings at the way Sony are treating Michael, or just proclaiming your love for the King of Pop. (Important: please see note below on the wording of banners.)
MJNI has cleared the demonstration with the Metropolitan Police Force and Westminster City Council. Because of the sheer number of fans expected to take part, there are a number of rules which the authorities have asked us to pass on to you. If any of these rules are ignored, the demonstration will be broken up immediately. MJNI has NOT made these rules up; they were given to us by the police.
1) The police will be closing one lane of traffic, and suspending all parking. Barriers will be put up, and all attendees are asked to respect the barrier system.
2) At no point must any person attempt to enter or approach the Sony building itself.
3) Stewards on the day will be wearing easily-identifiable arm-bands.
4) All banners should be made of a flimsy material that can be rolled or folded. Sticks supporting banners can be no bigger than 1 inch wide. All banners should have a hole in them. The police explain that "this will reduce the risk of danger when they are used in high winds".
5) The banners cannot contain ANY swear words or offensive language. This is for two reasons: Firstly, the police inform us that such banners can be taken to be a breach of the peace and would cause offence to children and other citizens. Secondly, and perhaps more relevant to our cause, the media will NOT BE ABLE TO FILM OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE. If we want media coverage, we must keep our banners clean. So, "Phoney Sony" is fine, and so are expressing your reasons for being angry at them, but strong language is forbidden, and the police have asked our stewards to confiscate any banners with such language.
6) The same rule applies for the chants and slogans. MJNI has appointed some well known stewards and special guests who will be helping to lead the chants but it is vital that when you start your own chants, you keep 'em clean!
7) The police have drawn our attention to a number of anti-Sony stickers which cleaners for Sony Music are having to scrub off the building at regular intervals. Please understand that no stickers can be placed on any buildings during the demo. The police have asked us to request if the fans responsible for the stickering could please stop this now because the presence of these stickers could jeopardise the position of the demo. If Sony feel threatened by “criminal damage”, they can legitimately insist that the protest is moved away from their offices.
8) No animals can be brought to the demonstration!
9) MJNI is responsible for keeping the streets litter-free. We will be providing bin-liners, so please use them.
10) On your way to and from the protest, you must not display your banners. The police have insisted we do not march through the streets with the banners open and only display them while at the picket.
11) Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
12 We do not remotely anticipate this but we must pass on the warning that in the event of any criminal damage occurring to anything or anyone, the demonstration will be disbanded by the police.
We are currently awaiting permission from Westminster City Council to park a "Carnival" float with sound system outside the Sony building. We want Michael's music to be filtering through air. Special guests will lead the crowd in chants and songs.
KILLER THRILLER PARTY
Doors open 2:00pm (close 6:30pm), The Equinox, Leicester Square, London (nearest tube: Leicester Square).
***ATTENDED BY MICHAEL JACKSON***
Michael Jackson has issued MJNI with the following statement:
Twenty years ago, an album was released that would go on to become the benchmark by which all future albums were judged. Artistically and commercially flawless, Thriller remains the world’s biggest selling album of all time with over 52 million copies sold.
This party celebrates that astonishing achievement with a WORLD CLASS line-up of Michael Jackson tribute artists from all over the globe:
* EARNEST VALENTINO. Earnest is one of the world's premiere Michael Jackson impersonators. Born and raised in Florida, he has worked as a professional Michael Jackson impersonator in the USA and Europe since he was a teenager. He has now starred in more than 6000 shows around the world and has done promotional work for the King of Pop himself! MJNI is delighted to welcome Earnest Valentino to the KILLER THRILLER party, and Earnest promises fans a simply breathtaking show!
* MIKKI JAY. One of the UK's top Michael Jackson impersonators. Looks just like him, sings live, dances the proverbial socks off, and there’s a glorious twist!
* MIGUEL DEFORE. Miguel is brand new to MJNI but NOT to performing. Recent audiences include Madonna, the Royal Family and the Lord Mayor of London! Miguel is bringing a full professional dance troupe with him. We are very happy to be welcoming on to the stage of the Equinox!
* DANNY OLIVER. The "boy wonder" who literally grew up with MJNI. He's been with us since the very beginning and has quite rightly earned the reputation as one of the most accomplished dancers on the Michael Jackson scene.
* REMY CHAMBERS. Unarguably a truly fine dancer, Remy has a degree in dance, moves with grace and precision, and will be performing a stunning solo set.
* SCOTT CLARKE. Scott is a product of the famous Sylvia Young Theatre School.
* XCEL
* SASHA WEBB
* MANOJJ MURATHEELAAN
* NIKKI PARSONS
* JESSICA TOWERS
* SIMONE MAURICE
(Plus others yet to be announced)
And we extend a warm welcome to special guest recording artist BRYTON MCCLURE, star of Family Matters, and dedicated supporter of Michael. At 15 years old, Bryton is the youngest recording artist on the Universal Polydor label. Bryton has performed at children's charity events all over the world. He's been invited to entertain three consecutive years at the White House in Washington DC and was subsequently personally invited by Bill Clinton to perform and speak at the launch of a $2 billion-dollar anti-drug campaign. Bryton has also performed to sell out crowds at the Koln Arena in Germany, in New York's Central Park, the Salt Palace, Disney World and the House of Blues in Hollywood. He has performed the National Anthem on many occasions to crowds as large as 200,000 people. And he was part of the United We Stand concert in Washington D.C. where he performed What More Can I Give with Michael. Having already attended MJNI’s MJ Day USA 3 in New York in September 2001, it’s a real pleasure for us to welcome Bryton from the USA to London for the KILLER THRILLER party.
The party will also consist of:
* Video footage (permission pending) on a massive cinema screen!
* Disco - DJ Arved Maron from Germany (Angel) mixing up mental Jax Trax!
* Merchandise - all the Michael Jackson loot you can shake a stick at!
* Auction - incredible Michael Jackson items to bid on .
* Raffle - One ticket could win you an incredible prize.
PLUS OF COURSE... You will be in the presence of the King of Pop, the greatest entertainer in the world, MICHAEL JACKSON!
Tickets details can be found on MJNI.com and tickets are now for sale to ALL.
Note to fans who have ordered tickets: we are experiencing an enormous backlog in actually PROCESSING the orders. But we are getting through them all, and rest assured that if your original choice of ticket is not available, you will have been allocated the best available. Please note that a "Standing Ticket" allows you full access to all levels of the Equinox, including the casual (unreserved) seating that fills the venue and balcony areas close to the stage.
And then AFTER the show, it's off to Michael's hotel (location to be announced) to show more support for the King of Pop!
All in all it's the most exciting Michael Jackson event in London since the HIStory Tour.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2002 MJ News International All Rights Reserved. You are free to use all news provided by MJNI but only if you include a clear link to MJNI with each bulletin you use.
MJ News International presents: JUNE 15th - A MICHAEL JACKSON CELEBRATION
ONE DAY, TWO MASSIVE EVENTS
1) Demonstration of Fan Support for Michael Jackson: a peaceful protest outside the offices of Sony Music, London
2) "Killer Thriller": party and stage-show at the Equinox Leicester Square to celebrate 20 Years since the release of Thriller, the biggest selling album of all time. MICHAEL JACKSON IS ATTENDING THE KILLER THRILLER PARTY.
This bulletin contains details on both of these events.
Thanks to Angel for this image!
DEMONSTRATION OF FAN SUPPORT FOR MICHAEL JACKSON
11:30am - 1:30pm, opposite Sony Music, 10 Great Marlborough Street, London (nearest Underground: Oxford Circus).
Sony Music has removed Michael Jackson from their list of artist priorities. The promotion of INVINCIBLE is over because Sony have decided to let the album die.
An article by Paul Martin in the Irish Mirror of the 15th May sheds some light on the situation:
"In 1995 Jackson merged his music publishing catalogue, which contains more than 1,000 songs including 251 Beatles titles, with Sony's publishing catalogue. Sony and Jackson share the cash in a 50-50 split of the catalogue earnings, which DOESN'T include his own albums.
"Even if Michael walks out of Sony today he gets half the revenue that many of their artists are bringing in... That's a bitter pull to swallow for bosses at the company who probably feel that Michael has outwitted them.
"Tommy Mottola is angered by all this to say the least. Michael believes that Tommy wants to make sure that all the time and money invested over the three-year Invincible project will be lost.
"In retaliation they are making it as difficult as possible for Michael to be appealing to any record company."
Michael Jackson fans all over the world are standing up and expressing their dismay at the decision by Sony to treat Michael Jackson and Invincible in this way. The purpose of the London demo is to show solidarity for the music and career of Michael Jackson and to demand that his music be allowed to reach the widest possible audience.
In London on 15th June, the media will be gathering en masse outside the offices of Sony Music Great Marlborough Street. MJNI calls on all fans to be there to show the world how much Michael means to you.
The mood of the demo is going to be a POSITIVE one. We have our serious message that we wish to deliver to the world about Michael Jackson but we are going to do it in a non-aggressive manner because otherwise we risk the protest being disbanded. If picketing is not normally your scene, do not worry. This event - while definitely a demonstration - will also be like a street party in defiance of Sony and in support of the King of Pop! We expect upwards of 2000 fans, with banners expressing their feelings at the way Sony are treating Michael, or just proclaiming your love for the King of Pop. (Important: please see note below on the wording of banners.)
MJNI has cleared the demonstration with the Metropolitan Police Force and Westminster City Council. Because of the sheer number of fans expected to take part, there are a number of rules which the authorities have asked us to pass on to you. If any of these rules are ignored, the demonstration will be broken up immediately. MJNI has NOT made these rules up; they were given to us by the police.
1) The police will be closing one lane of traffic, and suspending all parking. Barriers will be put up, and all attendees are asked to respect the barrier system.
2) At no point must any person attempt to enter or approach the Sony building itself.
3) Stewards on the day will be wearing easily-identifiable arm-bands.
4) All banners should be made of a flimsy material that can be rolled or folded. Sticks supporting banners can be no bigger than 1 inch wide. All banners should have a hole in them. The police explain that "this will reduce the risk of danger when they are used in high winds".
5) The banners cannot contain ANY swear words or offensive language. This is for two reasons: Firstly, the police inform us that such banners can be taken to be a breach of the peace and would cause offence to children and other citizens. Secondly, and perhaps more relevant to our cause, the media will NOT BE ABLE TO FILM OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE. If we want media coverage, we must keep our banners clean. So, "Phoney Sony" is fine, and so are expressing your reasons for being angry at them, but strong language is forbidden, and the police have asked our stewards to confiscate any banners with such language.
6) The same rule applies for the chants and slogans. MJNI has appointed some well known stewards and special guests who will be helping to lead the chants but it is vital that when you start your own chants, you keep 'em clean!
7) The police have drawn our attention to a number of anti-Sony stickers which cleaners for Sony Music are having to scrub off the building at regular intervals. Please understand that no stickers can be placed on any buildings during the demo. The police have asked us to request if the fans responsible for the stickering could please stop this now because the presence of these stickers could jeopardise the position of the demo. If Sony feel threatened by “criminal damage”, they can legitimately insist that the protest is moved away from their offices.
8) No animals can be brought to the demonstration!
9) MJNI is responsible for keeping the streets litter-free. We will be providing bin-liners, so please use them.
10) On your way to and from the protest, you must not display your banners. The police have insisted we do not march through the streets with the banners open and only display them while at the picket.
11) Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
12 We do not remotely anticipate this but we must pass on the warning that in the event of any criminal damage occurring to anything or anyone, the demonstration will be disbanded by the police.
We are currently awaiting permission from Westminster City Council to park a "Carnival" float with sound system outside the Sony building. We want Michael's music to be filtering through air. Special guests will lead the crowd in chants and songs.
KILLER THRILLER PARTY
Doors open 2:00pm (close 6:30pm), The Equinox, Leicester Square, London (nearest tube: Leicester Square).
***ATTENDED BY MICHAEL JACKSON***
Michael Jackson has issued MJNI with the following statement:
Twenty years ago, an album was released that would go on to become the benchmark by which all future albums were judged. Artistically and commercially flawless, Thriller remains the world’s biggest selling album of all time with over 52 million copies sold.
This party celebrates that astonishing achievement with a WORLD CLASS line-up of Michael Jackson tribute artists from all over the globe:
* EARNEST VALENTINO. Earnest is one of the world's premiere Michael Jackson impersonators. Born and raised in Florida, he has worked as a professional Michael Jackson impersonator in the USA and Europe since he was a teenager. He has now starred in more than 6000 shows around the world and has done promotional work for the King of Pop himself! MJNI is delighted to welcome Earnest Valentino to the KILLER THRILLER party, and Earnest promises fans a simply breathtaking show!
* MIKKI JAY. One of the UK's top Michael Jackson impersonators. Looks just like him, sings live, dances the proverbial socks off, and there’s a glorious twist!
* MIGUEL DEFORE. Miguel is brand new to MJNI but NOT to performing. Recent audiences include Madonna, the Royal Family and the Lord Mayor of London! Miguel is bringing a full professional dance troupe with him. We are very happy to be welcoming on to the stage of the Equinox!
* DANNY OLIVER. The "boy wonder" who literally grew up with MJNI. He's been with us since the very beginning and has quite rightly earned the reputation as one of the most accomplished dancers on the Michael Jackson scene.
* REMY CHAMBERS. Unarguably a truly fine dancer, Remy has a degree in dance, moves with grace and precision, and will be performing a stunning solo set.
* SCOTT CLARKE. Scott is a product of the famous Sylvia Young Theatre School.
* XCEL
* SASHA WEBB
* MANOJJ MURATHEELAAN
* NIKKI PARSONS
* JESSICA TOWERS
* SIMONE MAURICE
(Plus others yet to be announced)
And we extend a warm welcome to special guest recording artist BRYTON MCCLURE, star of Family Matters, and dedicated supporter of Michael. At 15 years old, Bryton is the youngest recording artist on the Universal Polydor label. Bryton has performed at children's charity events all over the world. He's been invited to entertain three consecutive years at the White House in Washington DC and was subsequently personally invited by Bill Clinton to perform and speak at the launch of a $2 billion-dollar anti-drug campaign. Bryton has also performed to sell out crowds at the Koln Arena in Germany, in New York's Central Park, the Salt Palace, Disney World and the House of Blues in Hollywood. He has performed the National Anthem on many occasions to crowds as large as 200,000 people. And he was part of the United We Stand concert in Washington D.C. where he performed What More Can I Give with Michael. Having already attended MJNI’s MJ Day USA 3 in New York in September 2001, it’s a real pleasure for us to welcome Bryton from the USA to London for the KILLER THRILLER party.
The party will also consist of:
* Video footage (permission pending) on a massive cinema screen!
* Disco - DJ Arved Maron from Germany (Angel) mixing up mental Jax Trax!
* Merchandise - all the Michael Jackson loot you can shake a stick at!
* Auction - incredible Michael Jackson items to bid on .
* Raffle - One ticket could win you an incredible prize.
PLUS OF COURSE... You will be in the presence of the King of Pop, the greatest entertainer in the world, MICHAEL JACKSON!
Tickets details can be found on MJNI.com and tickets are now for sale to ALL.
Note to fans who have ordered tickets: we are experiencing an enormous backlog in actually PROCESSING the orders. But we are getting through them all, and rest assured that if your original choice of ticket is not available, you will have been allocated the best available. Please note that a "Standing Ticket" allows you full access to all levels of the Equinox, including the casual (unreserved) seating that fills the venue and balcony areas close to the stage.
And then AFTER the show, it's off to Michael's hotel (location to be announced) to show more support for the King of Pop!
All in all it's the most exciting Michael Jackson event in London since the HIStory Tour.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2002 MJ News International All Rights Reserved. You are free to use all news provided by MJNI but only if you include a clear link to MJNI with each bulletin you use.
