Jacko fans angry at gig postponement

It was almost inevitable that Michael Jackson's grand residency at the O2 Arena in London this summer would be accompanied by intrigue and rumour, and with two months to go the fur has already started flying with the first four dates postponed.
 
The official reason for delaying until March 2010 what were supposed to be the opening shows this July is that the singer needs more time for dress rehearsals at the venue. But the gossip-mongers are not convinced. They claim that Jackson is in poor health, after tabloid reports last week that he was suffering from skin cancer and would have to undergo "flesh-saving" surgery.
 
The move has also disgruntled fans who have shelled out hundreds of pounds to be in the audience for the first performances of the 50-date residency. The opening concert, originally scheduled for July 8, will now take place on July 13.
 
Randy Phillips, head of AEG Live, which is promoting the event, was adamant that the delays had "absolutely nothing" to do with the King of Pop's health. He even made the bold claim: "I would trade my body for his tomorrow. He's in fantastic shape." He stopped short of mentioning his face.
 
The official line is that because of a clash of dates with Madonna, who is also performing at the venue in July, Jackson was left with no time to rehearse at the arena.
 
Rehearsals are already underway in the US for the $20m spectacular, dubbed 'This Is It'. Pyrotechnics, acrobatics, exciting dance routines and a "sequel" to the moonwalk have all been promised. ·