Michael Jackson Wasn’t Planning On Getting Four Extra Helpings Of Comeback Shows

Michael Jackson apparently said howdy to a clutch of fans waiting outside the Burbank, Calif. rehearsal studio where he’s prepping for his 50-date residency at London’s O2 Arena, which is set to start next month, albeit a little later than originally planned. If The Sun‘s account of the meet-and-greet is to be believed, Jackson is feeling more than a bit hoodwinked by the scope of the whole thing, claiming that he was only planning on performing 20% of the shows that were eventually scheduled:

“Thank you for your love and support, I want you guys to know I love you very much. “I don’t know how I’m going to do 50 shows. I’m not a big eater – I need to put some weight on. “I’m really angry with them booking me up to do 50 shows. I only wanted to do 10, and take the tour around the world to other cities, not 50 in one place. “I went to bed knowing I sold 10 dates, and woke up to the news I was booked to do 50.”

Now, this is a notoriously hearing-impaired British tabloid we’re dealing with, so “angry” might actually be “happy,” and that bit about playing shows “around the world” might actually be Jacko confirming that “Hear The World” is on the set list. Although the rumors that the King Of Pop is only contractually obligated to be on stage for 13 minutes a show that have been swirling around the fan boards would certainly be borne out by this piece of news. Just think, everyone–only one month and 12 days to go, at least as of now! There are so many more bad things that can happen between now and then. Michael Jackson angry at 50-gig O2 marathon [The Sun via NME]