Massive international stars The Black Eyed Peas are flying in to join the star-studded line-up for what is certain to be the gig of the year at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff...MICHAEL FOREVER, the Jackson family’s tribute to Michael Jackson.
The Black Eyed Peas, who have sold 56 million records around the world since their founding in Los Angeles 16 years ago, are acknowledged Jackson fans. The singer passed on 25th June 2009, a few days before The Black Eyed Peas performed their barnstorming set at that year’s Glastonbury Festival where they paid tribute to Michael and have continued to do so at every one of their shows since.
Peas’ co-founder will.i.am worked as a producer in the studio with Michael, from 2007 until his death. Speaking from L.A. he said
“This show is going to be an incredibly personal and moving evening for me. Remember that Michael’s music, his great, great songs, have been an inspiration to my whole life and certainly formed the soundtrack to my childhood. When I was a little kid of six or seven growing up in Los Angeles, there was Michael recording Thriller, and all his early hits, just a few miles away across town - obviously I didn’t know him at that time, but I loved him as a fan.
“Then one day about four years ago, with The Black Eyed Peas well established, I got a call from him I will never forget. I then had the great privilege of working with him and getting to know him and his beautiful family.”
“That’s why The Black Eyed Peas wouldn’t miss being at the Millennium Stadium for this gig on October 8th: we all owe Michael such a lot.”
Appearing on the night will be members of the Jackson family, including, from the original Jackson Five, Michael’s brother Marlon Jackson...
"We‘re all really delighted and touched that the Black Eyed Peas are able to come and take part “ he commented. “My brother rated Will.i.am and the original things he does in music very highly. I guess you could say it was a case of mutual respect.”
The Black Eyed Peas are no strangers to sell-out appearances in massive venues... They played at the opening of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa last year where they were seen simultaneously by over 700 million people around the globe and are a stadium and festival headliner worldwide.
MICHAEL FOREVER is an amazing show which has been created to reflect an amazing artist. It brings together Michael’s friends, his family, including his mother and his children, and his loyal UK fans in one incredible evening.
The astonishing line-up now also features the multi-talented Oscar & BAFTA-winning singer and actress JENNIFER HUDSON, the Chicago-born star who made her name on American Idol and went on to co-star in the 2006 movie Dreamgirls.
...PLUS megastar Beyoncé will be beaming in a special contribution by video link
All in addition to...Christina Aguilera, the multi Grammy winner, chart topping Cee Lo Green, Motown legends Gladys Knight and Smokey Robinson,top British artist Leona Lewis, as well as UK mega pop acts Alexandra Burke, JLS and Diversity. Ne-Yo, Pixie Lott, Alien Ant Farm, Jamie Foxx and Craig David have also signed up, as well as the next generation of Jacksons, International multi-platinum recording artists, 3T. The list of artists is growing by the hour...
will.i.am summed up his feelings as he prepares for the night
“It seems plain to me that the real star of this tribute to Michael is going to be the MUSIC itself. And that’s the only way it should be”
Millennium Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1NS Saturday 8th October, 2011 Tickets from £35
