Jackson 5 to step into Michael's shoes

Michael Jackson's "amazing" stage show is to be recreated by his family.

The 'Thriller' star - who died of a suspected cardiac arrest last Thursday (25.06.09) - was due to begin a 50-night residency in London this month.

Promoters AEG Live say the show was so spectacular they hope to get the Jackson 5 and his singing sisters Janet and LaToya Jackson to step in to ensure the high-tech special effects and elaborate routines aren't wasted.

Randy Phillips, president of AEG Live, said: "It could be done as a tribute - with the family. The brothers performing, some sisters, and the stars that were influenced by him.

"At some point the world needs to see this show.

"We have the intellectual property content, we have the sets, we have the costumes. It would have been - which is a tragedy - one of the most amazing arena shows ever."

The spectacular shows were reportedly set to include a new 3D mini-film, nicknamed the 'Dome Project', which was shot two weeks ago and included recreations of the legendary 'Thriller' music video.

Vince Pace, who shot the clip on special 3D cameras, said: "The audience would have felt like they were visiting the 'Thriller' experience, like they were there.

"To think that Michael's gone now, that's probably the last documented footage of him to be shot in that manner."

In addition to his siblings, the 'Billie Jean' singer's eldest son could also perform at one of the tribute shows.

Michael had reportedly planned for 12-year-old Prince Michael to sing and dance with him, his friend and biographer Stacy Brown has claimed.

According to the writer, the 50-year-old singer "didn't really want to do any of the shows" but was spurred on by his three children, Prince Michael, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II.

She added: "Michael really wanted his children to see him perform."

Meanwhile, Randy has blasted claims Michael was too frail to perform at the concerts.

He told Sky News: "At rehearsal on June 24, he gave me a hug and he whispered into my ear, 'Now I know I can do this.'

"We have, and we may at some point release, some footage of him in rehearsal that would totally refute that."

Randy's claims are supported by Kevin Mazur, a photographer who was taking pictures of Michael rehearsing and spoke to the singer during his practice sessions.

Kevin - who has worked with Michael since 1984 - said the singer was shouting: "This is me. The true me. I feel so alive. I feel as though I want to perform forever.

"The only thing missing is my fans, my people, my family - and they will come. I know they will. I'm so happy. Can you feel it? Can you feel it?"

Kevin added: "It was incredible. It was a joy to behold. You could tell Michael was so excited.

"He was like an expectant father pacing up and down the stage. He was just so focused. I have never seen him so happy."