The Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration was more than just a television special; it was a pair of live concerts held at Madison Square Garden in New York City on September 7 and 10, 2001. These events were designed to honor Michael Jackson's three decades as a solo artist, a career that began with his first solo single, "Got to Be There," released in 1971. The concerts themselves were a spectacle of high demand, significant financial investment,
and, at times, unexpected challenges.
A Hot Ticket: Sales and Pricing
The demand for tickets to the 30th Anniversary Celebration concerts was extraordinary. Tickets for both shows sold out in a mere two hours, indicating the immense anticipation and desire among fans to witness this milestone event. The pricing structure for these concerts was also notable, with some of the most expensive tickets ever offered for an event at the time. The best seats, which came with VIP access, a dinner with Michael Jackson, and a signed poster, were priced at $10,000 each.
This premium pricing contributed to a substantial box office success. The official box office taking for both concerts combined amounted to $10,072,105. Michael Jackson himself reportedly earned $7.5 million for each of the two concerts, highlighting the significant financial scale of the production and the value placed on his performance for this special occasion. The rapid sell-out and high ticket prices underscore the event's status as a major draw.
Production and Choreography Excellence
The concerts were a massive undertaking, presented by David Gest, World Events LLC, and Clear Channel Entertainment. The visual and performance aspects were meticulously planned, with choreography playing a central role. Glenn Douglas Packard and Brian Thomas were responsible for choreographing the show, and their work did not go unnoticed. They received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Choreography, a testament to the quality and impact of their creative contributions to the celebration.
The performances featured a host of other musicians and celebrities, adding to the star power and variety of the shows. Michael Jackson performed "The Way You Make Me Feel" with Britney Spears, and a dynamic performance of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" was delivered by Mya, Usher, and Whitney Houston. These collaborations and guest appearances were integral to the celebratory atmosphere and the overall entertainment value of the concerts.
Performance Challenges and Speculation
Despite the overall success, the concerts were not without their moments of scrutiny. Some fans observed that Jackson appeared somewhat disoriented during the first concert. For instance, he performed only one short moonwalk and improvised the ending of his iconic "Billie Jean" performance. This led to speculation and later claims regarding his state during the shows.
In 2011, presenter David Gest alleged in the documentary *Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon* that Jackson was on drugs during the concerts. However, Jackson himself offered a different explanation, stating that he had not rehearsed for the first concert and was self-conscious about his performance. Contradictorily, his brother Jermaine Jackson, in his book *You Are Not Alone: Michael Through a Brother's Eyes*, claimed that Michael was taking Demerol, a pain-relieving medicine with reported psychotropic effects, during this period. Regardless of these differing accounts, the concerts remain significant for being the only times Jackson performed any song from his album *Invincible* live.
