Jackson O2 'tribute shows' cancelled

The planned Michael Jackson tribute shows due to be held at London's O2 arena have been called off, it has emerged.

It had previously been suggested that the memorial concerts would be held later this month, with artists including Leona Lewis and Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé tipped to perform.

However, the shows have now been cancelled amid claims that organisers AEG Live ran out of time to finalise deals with the performers, The Times reports.

A source said: "If they ever happen, it will not be until next year. We didn't want to rush out something that was sub-standard - we would rather wait until we have got the best possible people."

Chief executive of AEG Live Randy Phillips claimed: "The 'potential' tribute show on August 29 was never pursued because the estate, AEG Live and Sony Pictures agreed that the first time an audience should see the 'This Is It' production was October 30, 2009 when the concert film/documentary opens worldwide."

The release of the movie was approved by a superior court judge earlier this week. The film is comprised of Jackson's final rehearsal footage cut together with behind-the-scenes interviews and 3-D segments.