March 5, 2009 11:47

Pete Waterman: 'Michael Jackson won't last past 12 gigs at the O2 Arena'

The pop impresario thinks Jackson's alleged haul of 50 concerts is too much

Photo Gallery: Michael Jackson
Photo: Pa Photos

Pete Waterman has estimated that Michael Jackson's health will stop him from playing more than 12 nights at the London O2 Arena this year.

Jackson is holding a press conference at 4pm (GMT) today (March 5) at the O2 Arena, in which he is widely expected to announce a series of comeback concerts at the venue. Reports state that he will initially confirm ten gigs, with the possibility of up to 40 more being considered.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme this morning, Waterman urged fans to snap up tickets to the earlier gigs because he thinks Jackson isn't physically well enough to perform long-term.

"That's gonna be the problem Michael's gonna have, exactly that," he said, referring to 50-year-old Jackson's health.

"He hasn't done it for so long and the reports are he wants to do 50 nights. Well, I should get your tickets early [for the first slew of dates] because he probably won't make 12. I would have thought - seriously - that's the problem."

Jackson has been dogged with rumours of ill health over the past year. In February it was reported that the singer had an MRSA-type superbug.

NME.COM will be bringing you coverage of Jackson's announcement as it happens – stay tuned to the website to find out details of dates, ticket information, and what Jackson has to say.

Plus, read NME.COM's blog on Michael Jackson's live comeback and have your say now.

Footage of of Michael Jackson's press conference will be streamed Michaeljacksonlive.com.