The Stage

Thriller - Live to embark on world tour following Jackson’s death

Published Thursday 9 July 2009 at 10:51 by Alistair Smith

Thriller - Live, the West End concert featuring the music of Michael Jackson, is to embark on a 12-month global tour, its producers have revealed.

The show, which is also currently touring the UK, will launch the new production in Munich, Germany, from July 21 to August 2, 2009. Future dates have also been confirmed in Barcelona, Cologne, Zurich, Vienna, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, Warsaw, Copenhagen, Helsinki and Berlin.

According to the producers, it will then tour “most other European countries” as well as embarking on an “extensive” American tour within the next 12 months.

Producer Paul Walden said: “Since the tragic news from Los Angeles broke, we have been amazed by the reaction of the fans around the globe, and enquiries for Thriller - Live to appear worldwide has been overwhelming. Against this background it seems clear that what Michael’s fans want right now is to celebrate his life by continuing to listen to his music and to have a way to celebrate his legacy. We can think of no greater tribute to the memory of this global superstar than to continue to celebrate his life and his music as we have done for the past three years in Thriller - Live.

“We held a minute’s silence on Friday June 25 before the shows in London’s West End and at Manchester Opera House. All the cast and creative team were united in grief and solidarity. We weren’t sure how the evening would go, but with sell-out crowds at both venues on their feet cheering and dancing, the atmosphere was absolutely electric. Michael’s fans clearly want to celebrate his life and hear his great music.”

Thriller - Live is currently booking in the West End until January 3, 2010.