I’ve just read on The Times’ website the following info about MJ ticket refunds:

AEG Live’s website said that fans who could not make the dates rescheduled after the opening dates had been cancelled would get a full refund. That promise will now be honoured for one million customers.

Ticketmaster, which also sold Jackson tickets, has a policy to refund the face value of the ticket, plus the booking fee.

I’m not sure if they have that completely correct though, as I’m sure Ticketmaster normally only refund the face value of a ticket … ?

Ticketmaster’s Help/FAQ pages currently have the following statement:

Question
Michael Jackson at The O2 Arena

Answer
Ticketmaster is aware of the news relating to Michael Jackson. We have no official information at this stage. As soon as we have any information we will immediately contact all customers who have booked tickets through Ticketmaster.

Please keep checking back for updates.

Just 18 days before his first London O2 Arena concert, it has been confirmed tonight that Michael Jackson has died

TMZ.com

RIP Michael Jackson

Official statement on AEG Live’s website:

UCLA Statement – Michael Jackson

The legendary King of Pop, Michael Jackson, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2009, at 2:26 p.m. It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home. However, the cause of his death is unknown until results of the autopsy are known.

His personal physician, who was with him at the time, attempted to resuscitate Jackson, as did paramedics who transported him to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Upon arriving at the hospital at approximately 1:14 p.m., a team of doctors, including emergency physicians and cardiologists, attempted to resuscitate him for a period of more than one hour but were unsuccessful.

Jackson’s family requests that the media respect their privacy during this tragic period of time.

-UCLA-

A further announcement for ticket holders will be made in due course.

Buy Michael Jackson tickets from Ticketmaster

Buy Michael Jackson tickets from viagogo
Buy Michael Jackson tickets from GetMeIn
Buy Michael Jackson tickets from Seatwave

Here is an email the promoters sent out last night:

Production Tickets Being Released This Wednesday!

THE STAGE IS ALMOST SET!

Rehearsals are underway with the full production staged for the final touches in preparation for the 13 July 2009 London opening.

We are now able to release a limited number of production tickets. Because you registered for information on MichaelJacksonLive.com, you will have the chance to be one of the first to purchase these tickets. In the next day (OR LATER TODAY), a random selection of registrants will be emailed a unique passcode from MJ@MichaelJacksonLive.com. This does not guarantee the ability to purchase tickets. Tickets will be sold first come, first served beginning at 8am GMT on Wednesday 24, June 2009.

We encourage you to monitor your email inbox and be ready to act quickly as we expect additional codes to be allocated once the sale begins at 8am GMT.

If you do not receive an email for this set of releases, please keep watching your email box. There is a chance that as the show dates begin to be played, additional seats may be released. Fans of MichaelJacksonLive.com will be the first to be notified via this same process. Let your friends and family who haven’t already registered do so now at MichaelJacksonLive.com for their chance at a passcode.

Missed your chance to purchase tickets? At viagogo, the official partner for premium tickets and fan-to-fan exchange, you can still buy and sell tickets in a safe and secure way. For secure premium and fan-to-fan sales, visit Viagogo.com. VIP Packages are still available here. You may also book/buy Official Ticket & Hotel packages at Thompson Experience.

Visit the updated MichaelJacksonLive.com for more news, great video clips, dancer bios & photos, and download the widget!

Do Not Reply to this email. This is an unattended email box and your inquiry will not be answered. General on sale starts 8am [GMT] 24 June 2009. Registration is not a guarantee of tickets or a code. Duplicate registrations not accepted. Your email address / mobile number may be used for future marketing promotions by the promoter (AEG Live (UK) Ltd). Email users can opt out at any time after registering by visiting www.ncrpmreports.com/aeg/Unsub.asp and entering your email address. MichaelJacksonLive and AEG Live are not responsible for lost or misdirected emails. Please see our Terms & Conditions for more information.

Buy Michael Jackson tickets from Ticketmaster

Buy Michael Jackson tickets from viagogo
Buy Michael Jackson tickets from GetMeIn
Buy Michael Jackson tickets from Seatwave

- List of Michael Jackson O2 Arena tour dates
- Michael Jackson ticket info pages
- London O2 Arena seating plan

The only good news is that the opening night (8th July) will still be the first night of the tour (now 13th July). The bad news for people with tickets for 10th, 12th and 14th July shows is that they have been pushed back to March 2010!

Wed 8th July will take place on 13th July 2009
Fri 10th July will be moved to 1st March 2010
Sun 12th July will be moved to 3rd March 2010
Tue 14th July will be moved to 6th March 2010

Check the official FAQ from Ticketmaster’s website:

Michael Jackson at The O2, rescheduled shows- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Rescheduling Information

Due to the sheer magnitude of the “This Is It” concerts at the O2 Arena promoters and producers AEG Live and Kenny Ortega, Michael’s directorial partner and creative collaborator have elected to move back a few of the opening shows in order to meet the challenges presented by such a massive and technically complex show.
Organisers are determined that all Michael’s legions of fans attending the opening nights get the same quality of staging and level of entertainment. Only the four shows listed here are affected:

· 8th July will take place on 13th July 2009
· 10th July will be moved to 1st March 2010
· 12th July will be moved to 3rd March 2010
· 14th July will be moved to 6th March 2010

“Kenny and Michael are, at the same time, both creative pioneers and perfectionists. 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 in the world’s busiest arena, the O2. As much as we agonized over this change in the original schedule, we are sure the fans will understand when they experience the level of entertainment Michael Jackson intends to deliver while also ensuring the safety of the musicians, cast and crew and the crisp execution of the production. It is AEG Live’s sincere hope that those lucky enough to have purchased tickets will have enough time to change their personal schedules and travel plans if they are coming from outside of London. We do not want anyone to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I have a refund or exchange my tickets?
A: Yes, anybody who cannot make the rescheduled dates for any reason will get a full refund of the ticket and booking fee. Customers who booked with Ticketmaster will be contacted directly and offered an exchange to the new shows or a refund

Q: I will attend the new rescheduled event date. Is my seat location still valid?
A: You will have the same seat originally purchased.

Q: How can I speak to someone at Ticketmaster regarding my order?
A: Please call Ticketmaster’s Customer Support Team on 0844 277 9982. The lines are open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 8.00pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. International Customers please call +44 (0)161 385 2111.

Q: My event date is affected. Will my ticket have the newly rescheduled date on it?
A: Fans that are able to attend the rescheduled dates will be issued tickets with the new date printed on it.

Q: Can tickets be sent to a different address?
A: Unfortunately, for security reasons Ticketmaster will only dispatch tickets to the billing address of the card used to pay for the tickets. This procedure is in place as credit/debit card fraud is on the increase with telephone and internet bookings and is there to protect the card holder. All policies relating to the collection of tickets is agreed between Ticketmaster and the venue/promoter to reduce incidence of credit/debit card fraud.

Q: How can I check the confirmation of my Ticketmaster booking?
A: You can check the details of your booking by:
1. Viewing “My Account” on line* at Ticketmaster
2. By calling the Ticketmaster 24hr order confirmation telephone line on 0870 242 4442
(*Please note this facility is only available for online bookings).
You will need your booking reference number or the credit card number used at the time of purchase.

Q: Can I go to any of the other dates earlier than March 2010?
A: At this time all dates are sold out other than for a few remaining Hospitality packages.

Q: Why has the first night been rescheduled 5 days later and we have to wait until March 2010?
A: This is due to technical reasons and to ensure that all fans get to experience the same level of quality and entertainment.

Q: Will any other shows be affected?
A: We are confident that these will be the only changes to the shows.

Q: My travel plans have been disrupted. Will I be compensated for loss transportation bookings and hotel?
A: Unfortunately Ticketmaster is not responsible for accommodation and transportation reimbursement.

Q: When will I receive my tickets?
A: Tickets may not be dispatched until closer to the event. Ticketmaster aims to dispatch tickets as soon as possible. We are not able to be specific with exact dates of dispatch. Please allow as much time as possible for your tickets to arrive.
If your tickets have not arrived five days before the show or, if you are travelling, five days before you leave, please contact Ticketmaster directly using the “Ask a Question” facility at Ticketmaster. Please include your reference number and the name and postcode the booking is under. Ticketmaster only posts tickets to the billing address of a credit card. If the address in your booking does not correspond to that held by your credit card company, we may cancel your tickets.

Michael, who is directly involved with all aspects of the styling/choreography/band selection and rehearsals, is working around the clock to ensure this is the show to end all shows!
Kenny Ortega, Michael’s directorial partner and creative collaborator said, “After directing the Dangerous and HIStory tours, I know what the fans expect and myself and the team want to deliver a flawless production. We apologise to all disappointed Michael Jackson fans and remain extremely dedicated and focused on creating an exceptional live music experience.”

FULL LIST OF DATES:
· 13TH JULY 2009*
· 18TH JULY 2009
· 22ND JULY 2009
· 24TH JULY 2009
· 26TH JULY 2009
· 28TH JULY 2009
· 30TH JULY 2009
· 1ST AUGUST 2009
· 3RD AUGUST 2009
· 10TH AUGUST 2009
· 12TH AUGUST 2009
· 17TH AUGUST 2009
· 19TH AUGUST 2009
· 24TH AUGUST 2009
· 26TH AUGUST 2009
· 28TH AUGUST 2009
· 30TH AUGUST 2009
· 1ST SEPTEMBER 2009
· 3RD SEPTEMBER 2009
· 6TH SEPTEMBER 2009
· 8TH SEPTEMBER 2009
· 10TH SEPTEMBER 2009
· 21ST SEPTEMBER 2009
· 23RD SEPTEMBER 2009
· 27TH SEPTEMBER 2009
· 29TH SEPTEMBER 2009
· 7TH JANUARY 2010
· 9TH JANUARY 2010
· 12TH JANUARY 2010
· 14TH JANUARY 2010
· 16TH JANUARY 2010
· 18TH JANUARY 2010
· 23RD JANUARY 2010
· 25TH JANUARY 2010
· 27TH JANUARY 2010
· 29TH JANUARY 2010
· 1ST FEBRUARY 2010
· 3RD FEBRUARY 2010
· 8TH FEBRUARY 2010
· 10TH FEBRUARY 2010
· 12TH FEBRUARY 2010
· 16TH FEBRUARY 2010
· 18TH FEBRUARY 2010
· 20TH FEBRUARY 2010
· 22ND FEBRUARY 2010
· 24TH FEBRUARY 2010
· 1ST MARCH 2010*
· 3RD MARCH 2010*
· 6TH MARCH 2010*

A quick search on Twitter for Michael Jackson shows many people commenting:

eg.

therealfitzy
Is Pissed That The Early Michael Jackson Concerts Are Cancalled…..

idioten
I’m pissed at Michael Jackson. He moved his opening show! Now my ticket to London is facking useless…

Please bookmark us, follow us on Twitter @tourdates and/or subscribe to our RSS feed to ensure you get the latest MJ tour news

Again just to repeat – this has not been clarified or confirmed at this stage…

More news as we get it…. please leave a comment below if you have any further info

EDIT:- UPDATE: This is now unfortunately official

If you are still looking for a Michael Jackson ticket, they are still available to purchase from viagogo, Seatwave and GetMeIn and eBay.co.uk

Now is probably the best time to buy MJ tickets as they’ll be sure to shoot up in price as the concerts approach…

VIAGOGO 5% DISCOUNT CODE!
You can use our viagogo voucher code to claim 5% off the price of your tickets. Just enter the code at checkout! Click here to find the latest prices on viagogo

Use the code: VGG762 and this will give you 5% off all tickets
This promo code will expire on 19th April 2009

NEW 5% VIAGOGO DISCOUNT CODE:
Enter the voucher code VGGSUMMER at the checkout
This exclusive viagogo promo code is valid until 5th June 2009

» Click here to buy U2 tickets from viagogo
» Click here to buy Michael Jackson tickets from viagogo
» Click here to visit viagogo’s website

Please feel free to contribute and add your opinions, videos and photos if you have been to the O2 Arena before (or if you find decent images on Youtube/Flickr etc)

Floor Blocks
A1, A2, A3
B1, B2, B3
C1, C3

Lower Tier Blocks
101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118

Upper Tier Blocks (TIER4)
401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422

Check out our London O2 Arena seating plan

If you are looking for a better view, then view our list of MJ tour dates and places to buy better seats

To start things off, here is the view at Kylie’s O2 Gig, Level 4 Block 402:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwptmlpVnbA

Here is a pan of the whole arena from the floor level :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4FGKYgp3Fw

» Buy Bad – only £5.99
» Buy Thriller – only £5.99
» Buy Invincible – only £5.99
» Buy Dangerous – only £5.99
» Buy King Of Pop – only £5.99
» Buy Off The Wall (Special Edition) – only £5.99
» Buy History: Past, Present and Future – Book I – only £5.99

Here are more details from of the promo from iTunes:

Michael Jackson’s performances at the O2 in London will be the musical event of 2009. Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making as The King Of Pop performs his greatest hits at the O2 Arena. Buy any of Michael Jackson’s classic albums below – including Thriller, Bad, Off The Wall and King Of Pop, all at a discounted price – for a chance to purchase up to two of the two thousand tickets which Ticketmaster has reserved exclusively for iTunes customers, on a first come, first served basis. Anyone who has purchased these albums since March 5 is also eligible to participate. When you buy any of these featured albums, you’ll receive an email on March 23, 2009 with a Ticketmaster password that will give you the chance to purchase up to two seats, if you get in first. The pre-sale promotion ends March 18, 2009.

One Ticketmaster password per iTunes account and password is valid for one order of up to two tickets, subject to ticket availability. Passwords are valid for the Michael Jackson concert at the O2 Arena in London on September 29, 2009 only and are not a guarantee of tickets, seat availability, or seat placement. Passwords are valid from 09:00am GMT (10:00am CET; 11:00am EET) on MArch 24, 2009 until 11pm GMT on March 25, 2009 (12am CET; 1am EET) or until all promotional tickets are sold, whichever is sooner. Tickets are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served bases. Ticketmaster terms apply. Ticketmaster pre-sale passwords will be sent to the email address on your iTunes account. To ensure receipt, make sure Apple.com is not blocked by your spam filter. Promoter: Ticketmaster.

Here are more details from Ticketmaster:

Michael Jackson iTunes ticket offer!

Event information

Michael Jackson has announced that he is returning to the stage for a historic series of shows at The O2, performing in London for the last time. The King of Pop performs his greatest hits for the event of the summer, the concerts of 2009 and the decade’s hottest gigs. This really is `it’!

Michael Jackson has not played a series of concerts since he last toured 12 years ago. These dramatic shows promise an explosive return with a band of the highest calibre, state-of-the-art stage show and incredible support acts.

“I am coming to London to play the songs my fans want to hear.” – Michael Jackson

iTunes ticket offer

Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making as The King of Pop performs his greatest hits at the O2 Arena. If you have bought any of Michael Jackson’s classic albums listed on iTunes, including Thriller, Bad, Off the Wall and King of Pop, all at a discounted price, you have a chance to purchase two of the thousands of tickets reserved exclusively for iTunes users.

The eligible event date for this promotion, as well as the ticket sale dates and times will be announced soon. Keep checking here for details.

One Ticketmaster password per iTunes account, and password is good for one order of up to two tickets, subject to ticket availability. Passwords are valid for participating shows only and are not a guarantee of tickets, seat availability, or seat placement. Tickets are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticketmaster terms apply. Passwords will be sent by iTunes to the email address on your iTunes account. To ensure receipt, make sure Apple.com is not blocked by your spam filter.

» Click here to visit iTunes now and buy a Michael Jackson album

This Is It! Ticket Sale @ MJJCommunity Coming Soon!

Dear Members,

This is an exciting time for MJ fans! We are getting an once in a lifetime opportunity to see the King of Pop perform at London’s O2 arena and we are looking foreword to not only seeing the show, but meeting Michael’s fans from around the world.

We are also aware of the disappointment that many fans are feeling because of the tickets selling out.

AEG have kindly allocated a limited number of tickets for us to sell via our forum. We warn you in advance that our floor tickets are extremely limited (Only eight for sale! But they are good seats for the opening night!) and that we will come up with a fair and just way of selling these tickets. We will announce that as soon as we have more information regarding our allocated tickets.

Please watch this space for further details.

Regards,

Gary Taylor
President & Owner MJJCommunity.com