Michael Jackson Tribute Concert Planned - Katherine, Latoya, Marlon Announce, Brothers Jermaine, Randy Stay Away

Michael Jackson Tribute Concert Planned For Cardiff, Brothers Stay Away
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Michael Jackson's family took to the stage yesterday to announce a tribute concert to honour their superstar sibling - to take place at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium on 8th October.

Jackson's 81-year-old mother, Katherine, accompanied by her children LaToya, Marlon, Jackie and Tito, told a press conference that the concert would be "an event great enough in scale, talent and imagination to form a worthy celebration of Michael's life".

According to the event's website, the concert will be "a tribute fit for a king", although the world-quality artists promised have yet to be named. Katherine added that the concert would also be attended by "as many of my family as are available".

However, marked by their absence at the conference were two of Jackson's brothers Jermaine and Randy, who instead issued a statement to explain their lack of participation in the concert:

"While we wholeheartedly support the spirit of a tribute that honours our brother," their statement read, "we find it impossible to support an event that is due to take place during the criminal trial surrounding Michael's death."

These criminal proceedings will seek to ascertain the events surrounding the superstar's death two years ago, particularly the actions of Jackson's attendant physician Doctor Conrad Murray, who has pleaded not guilty to the charge of involuntary manslaughter.

"As everyone knows, those proceedings commence September 20th," continued Jermaine and Randy's statement, "and this Michael Forever concert takes place in Cardiff, Wales, on October 8th. In light of this, we feel it is inappropriate to be involved with such an ill-timed event and its promoter, Global Live.

"There will come a time and place for an amazing and deserving tribute to Michael. But we feel that the most important tribute we can give to our brother at this time is to seek justice in his name."

The concert is planned to broadcast across the world in both 2D and 3D versions.

Money raised will go to three charities, including the Los Angeles-based Aids Project.