Michael Jackson This Is It Concert Features Jesus, Chris Brown And Top Austrian Stars

MICHAEL Jackson Tribute Watch: Anorak’s at-a-glance look at Michael Jackson in the new: The This Is It tribute concert features Jermaine Jackson, Katherine Jackson, more Jacksons, Chris Brown (maybe), Elvis, Jesus, Mary J Blige (maybe), top Austrian acts, and did we mention Jermaine Jackson?

NBC New York: “Michael Jackson Cult to Open Chapel in Brooklyn”. FreeWilliamsburg:

Rusel Parish, a Michael Jackson artist and now leader and spokesperson for the newly arrived Cult of Michael Jackson, is opening a chapel for worshipers on North 6th this Friday, “despite the tragic passing of the object of its obsession”…

Parish hopes to recruit “believers” to help turn the late singer’s songs into scripture, spread the love… “Those plans, I hope, are not apocalyptic, and rather focus on making the world a better place for you and for me”.

They come to pray:

The Guardian: “ Promotional material made available today for the Michael Jackson documentary This Is It shows a composite of colourful images of the singer rehearsing for his comeback tour, superimposed on a full-size image of the star in a familiar pose. It includes the tagline: “Michael Jackson’s This Is It. Like you’ve never seen him before.”

Or, er, not seen him before because he’s not performing. But the poster does feature all his best bits, and features. But want to know who is appearing in the show?

The Sun: “Brown’s MJ tribute is a no-go

CHRIS BROWN will NOT be performing at the MICHAEL JACKSON tribute show in Austria later this month, according to his record label.

Times Of India: “Jermaine Jackson backtracks on Chris Brown”

He said: “It”s up to the judge if he gets let out of the country or not. I”m not worried at all. He wants to be here… He”s asked for forgiveness. If Christ can forgive him, so can we. People make mistakes, but he”s a wonderful performer.”

Says Jermaine Jackson spokesman for Jesus Christ on woman beater and bowtie wearer Chris Brown. Anyhow, who’s on the big post-Jackson bill?

MOG: “Van Halen to Tour in 2010, Jermaine Jackson’s Concert Lineup Falling Apart”

It seem Jermaine Jackson may not have all those stars firmed up for the Michael Jackson Memorial in Vienna. Representatives for both Mary J. Blige and Chris Brown have said that they are not confirmed and, in the words of Brown’s manager, “To say it was even being considered was a stretch.”

Wot no Blige?

Blige’s spokesperson told Rolling Stone she had been in talks to perform but had “been booked for months” for a Gucci fashion show in Italy.

Says Jermaine Jackson, concert promoter:

“My family is still mourning for the loss of a wonderful human being… It bothers me a great deal… to have the type of negative wave that is coming from the States… This tribute is not about name-dropping, it’s about honouring someone who gave his all to the world.”

So you’ll be performing, and so too will be Janet Jackson and… anyone esle?

“Our focus has been doing this for (Michael Jackson’s) fans around the world who are going to have another chance of feeling him and touching him and be a part of his whole musical experience.”

And buying tickets to feel the dead Jackson live… Who else is gonna be there?

Organisers attempted to quash rumours about family squabbling over the tribute concert, and showed a video of his mother Katherine they said was recorded Wednesday in California in which she promised to attend.

“I know Michael would appreciate what you all are doing if he were here today,” she said. “I’m sure it’s going to be fantastic and I’m looking forward to seeing you there.”

Can she sing?