London, July 11: A waxwork of Michael Jackson made to mark his planned “This Is It” London comeback concerts went on show in the British capital.
The US singer, who died on June 25, had been due to play 50 gigs at London’s O2 Arena from July 13.
The depiction of Jackson at Madame Tussaud’s waxwork museum shows him in his prime in a classic performance pose, matching the “This Is It” concert posters.
Only Queen Elizabeth II, who has been replicated 20 times by Madame Tussaud’s, has been depicted more than Jackson.
“As the response to his tragic death has shown, Michael Jackson was one of the most powerful forces in contemporary music and culture and he has remained one of the most popular personalities at Madame Tussauds throughout his career,” said spokeswoman Liz Edwards.
“We enjoyed a very special relationship with Michael and this is the 13th time we have portrayed him, a reflection of that popularity.
“It was always our intention to make this figure a celebratory one, signalling his much-anticipated return to the stage but also acknowledging all of his incredible achievements.
“We hope it will still be a celebration.”
Jackson’s new figure was created using information gathered at a sitting the singer gave in 1989, together with extensive photography and research to reflect the “This is It” image.
The star is dressed in a black Fedora hat, white v-neck T-shirt, sparkly black jacket, white glove, black ankle-length trousers, white socks and black loafers.
“I have produced 100 waxworks but they don’t come any tougher than Jackson’s,” said the sculptor Stephen Mansfield.
One of the first fans in, Mark Crew, 29, from Yeovil in southwest England, wore a Jackson-style outfit in tribute.
“I am absolutely thrilled by this new version… there is something timeless about this waxwork,” he said.
“I was concerned about which version of Jackson they would choose to imitate — I don’t think fans would have wanted him symbolised in his latter years.”
Matt Blank, spokesman for the World Michael Jackson Network, said: “The new waxwork will undoubtedly be very popular. It is in this sad time that people need to share their grief, not just through tears but also through celebrating the life and legacy of the ‘King of Pop’.”
-Agencies