While it’s long been reported that Michael Jackson is making a comeback, Brittan’s Sky News has a legitimate sounding article stating that the King of Pop is planning a string of concerts this summer at London’s O2 Arena. Since Jackson has suffered from all sorts of health problems – in addition to stage fright – it’s thought that performing itself isn’t the reason he’s getting back on the stage. Rather it’s his dire financial state. Sky News postulates that Jackson simply has no choice but to pull himself up by his bootstraps and start to sing again.

Sky News understands that, after years of rumours, Michael Jackson has finally agreed to perform a string of concerts in London this summer. The 50-year-old will end his exile as a live performer by staging a residency at the O2 Arena, in one of the biggest comebacks in pop history. While the exact dates of the shows are yet to be revealed, Sky sources say that Jackson has exchanged contracts with the venue and is now committed to return to live performance. The first dates of the concerts will be confirmed at a news conference on Thursday at the O2. Jackson will appear in person to make a “special announcement”, his spokeswoman confirmed.

A small number of shows will be released initially but more dates will go on sale, emulating Prince’s successful 21-night stay at the venue in 2006, if interest in the shows is as high as promoters expect. It seems inevitable that the concerts, which sources say are the only live shows he is planning, will sell out instantly but what is never certain with Jackson is his behaviour.

While there has been no confirmation on the record about the shows, sources close to the star have spoken of his excitement at his live return. An insider said his health has improved markedly in recent months, described him as looking “much better” and stressed that the concerts “will be amazing”.

Whether he has been able to work on his fitness to sustain a residency will be one of the key questions ahead of this series of dates. But it may be that Jackson’s finances are now in such a state of disrepair that quite simply has no choice but to go back to work. If he were to emulate Prince’s record residency at the 18,000-capacity O2 then he could play to an estimated half a million fans, which according to some experts could generate in theory up to £50m.

[From Sky News]

The 02 Arena is the biggest concert venue in London. There’s no doubt that Jackson could probably fill the whole place… but for an entire string of concerts? That’s hard to guess. Not to be overly cynical – because it does sound like the concerts are legit, since his spokeswoman confirmed he’ll be making an announcement at the arena – but even if he does plan concerts and sell tickets, that doesn’t mean Michael is ever going to show up. I mean this is the guy who claimed he couldn’t come to court because of a spider bite. His health is notoriously fickle, and his hypochondriac delusions even more so.

There was a report yesterday that Jacko wants NINE doctors at his concerts. You know, just like any sane performer. The source is quasi-suspect, so grain of salt and all that. But it doesn’t seem at all out of line, considering the eccentricities in which this man is known to indulge. If his health really has improved, he has the potential to truly shock people by actually delivering a great show. But if he’s the same Michael Jackson he’s been for the past 15 years, something tells me everyone will be sadly disappointed.

Here’s Michael visiting Rodeo Drive with Christian Audigier to shop at Dior and Dolce & Gabbana on Friday. Images thanks to WENN.com.