It seems as though Michael Jackson is taking a trick from the playbook of Led Zeppelin’s frontman Robert Plant. After growing speculation about a Jackson Five reunion tour and affirmative statements from Jermaine Jackson, the King of Pop is sayin’ it ain’t so.
Recently the elder Jackson brother told the Australian Associated Press that the original Jackson Five members, including Michael, would tour with opening support from sister Janet Jackson. “We’re in the studio, we’re planning on being out there next year,” he said at an October 29 event in Sydney, Australia.
“This has been a long time coming for the Jackson family to get back together,” he explained, later adding, “It is just the timing, so what we’ve been doing is working on the music and all the logistics.”
But in a statement released by a spokesperson identified as Dr. Tohme, Michael Jackson denied his involvement in any reunion plans.
“My brothers and sisters have my full love and support, and we’ve certainly shared many great experiences, but at this time I have no plans to record or tour with them,” Jackson said in the statement. “I am now in the studio developing new and exciting projects that I look forward to sharing with my fans in concert soon.”
Around this time last year, speculation about a possible Jackson Five tour surfaced when concert promoter Leonard Rowe said the family was hashing out tour plans.
However, according to published reports, Rowe admitted that Michael wasn’t on board with the idea. “His brothers are ready. Janet is ready. But the motor of that car that makes the car run [Michael], isn’t just yet,” he was quoted.
It was also speculated that Jacko might become the latest performer-in-residence on the Las Vegas strip as a means to raise funds. Yet no residency or show plans have been confirmed, though Jackson has been increasingly sighted in the region.
The Jackson Five are just the latest group to announce reunion plans without the backing of their de facto leader. Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones said he and guitarist Jimmy Page were going ahead with rehearsals and tour plans for the group, despite the fact that iconic singer Robert Plant denied plans to reunite with his former band.
