Michael Jackson's 'Weird' Comeback Obstacles
Sept. 7 -- He's been Bad, Dangerous and even a Thriller, but there's one title Michael Jackson must avoid as he makes his comeback: "The King of Flop."
The buildup toward the self-proclaimed "King of Pop's" first new album in six years begins tonight at New York's Madison Square Garden as he puts on the first of two star-studded concerts commemorating his 30-year solo career.
Jackson's anticipated — much delayed — album Invincible isn't due to hit stores until Oct. 30, but he and his label are hoping the concerts will whet the appetites of his old fans and get the attention of new ones more familiar with Britney Spears, 'N Sync and The Backstreet Boys. And Thursday night, in a surprise appearance at MTV's Video Music Awards, he gave those fans a preview by dancing with 'N Sync at the end of their performance of their latest hit "Pop."
But the concerts are not just Jackson's tribute to himself. They're his attempt to begin reviving a legendary career that has been tarnished by scandal, sagging record sales and an obsession with the star's weirdness, among other things.
His ill-fated marriage to Lisa-Marie Presley and his almost ghoulish Thriller-like appearance from too much plastic surgery have made him an easy target for comedians, DJs and fans, making pop's "King" sometimes seem more like a clown prince. And that will make his comeback an uphill battle.
"It'll be a significant battle for him to get back in the game in a big way," said Alan Light, editor-in-chief of Spin magazine. "Of course, the curiosity is there. The hard part will be what his relationship will be with the younger fans he is trying to target. If you're 18 to 20 years old, the majority of your cognitive years is most familiar with the freak show whose music has been overshadowed by the allegations, the weirdness."
"He really must concentrate on getting people to focus on Michael Jackson the musician, the singer, the onstage performer, which is one thing people haven't talked about in years," Light said.
The Greatest Show — or Spectacle — on Earth
Then why raise eyebrows by having two tribute concerts — for yourself?
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