I must have really done an excellent job avoiding media more than I thought despite taping things. I honestly did not know about Gene. I hated not taping MJ things like usual, but did it for my sanity cause he was everywhere and there was no getting away from him at all.

alphastreet said:

I must have really done an excellent job avoiding media more than I thought despite taping things. I honestly did not know about Gene. I hated not taping MJ things like usual, but did it for my sanity cause he was everywhere and there was no getting away from him at all.

I've know about Gene's statements within the first few weeks after Michael's death. And in fairness, Gene was asked about his opinions of Michael's legecy during that radio interview, so it's not like Gene brought the subject up on his own freewill.

To an extent, I feel bad mostly for the other current KISS members Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, & Tommy Thayer.

Now I need Michael-fans & KISS-fans to hear me out very careful to understand why I can said this.

First of all, I think it's totally mess up that Paul, Eric, & Tommy have to be dropped from the tribute concert because of the negative comments of 2+ years ago of Gene, who's views outside of the band KISS did NOT & does NOT necessary reflect the views of the other three band members whosoever.

Just saying.

I like several KISS tunes too and was considering seeing them at one point, and I used to sometimes watch Gene's show cause I had no idea at all about the comments he made. I'm sure a tribute would have sounded nice, but I still think it's very odd he would agree to do a tribute to someone he believes he's guilty and mj's mom is okay with it, very messed up. This shit did just not happen 10 or 20 years ago to this level. Imagine if Latoya Jackson was asked to perform at Jackson Family Honors, it's like that

alphastreet said:

I like several KISS tunes too and was considering seeing them at one point, and I used to sometimes watch Gene's show cause I had no idea at all about the comments he made. I'm sure a tribute would have sounded nice, but I still think it's very odd he would agree to do a tribute to someone he believes he's guilty and mj's mom is okay with it, very messed up. This shit did just not happen 10 or 20 years ago to this level. Imagine if Latoya Jackson was asked to perform at Jackson Family Honors, it's like that

And when was THE last (if ever!) KISS performed on stage free of charge, not counting award shows or holiday celebrations?!?

See there, even I know that the idea had "100% pure bullshit" written all over it.

Don't know KISS deeply like that, but I would imagine Gene doesn't settle for less. And if he were to perform for "someone guilty" he wouldn't do it for free

Timmy84 said:

I'm sorry, I know Katherine's ailing and all but I think she's healthy enough to take responsibility for her actions so she's just as guilty. As hurtful as it is to say those things about her, sometimes the truth is nasty and ugly. And this is about a woman, the only relative Michael REALLY trusted. Nobody in that stupid family has sense to tell her she's being used anyways, they're just waiting for the money.

I don't know how senile, naive or whatever Katherine is, but she's got 8 kids to help her understand things, including Janet. Why shall we exclude Janet? I love her and I understand she might not wanna get involved publically in this mess, but she could call her mum and tell her "what the hell are you doing?". I would love to know how all those people think and what's going on behind the scenes cause I truly don't know what to think about them.

On the other hand, the "it's been two years" statement seems really weird to hear from his MOTHER, from someone who said she would never be healed.

Poor, poor Michael. Imagine living in all that s**t in his life we talked about earlier in the other thread plus having truly NOONE to trust? And poor, poor Prince, Paris and Blanket.

[Edited 8/16/11 1:24am]

I read you said she has 8 kids and something felt strange about reading that, and then it hit me why :*(

First of all, I don''t get it that they do a tribute concert NOW!?

I mean it's already 2,5 years ago by then.

Why not earlier? Why such a bad line-up?

I don't think these artists are any related to MJ.

Why KISS? I mean I love their music.

But the combination with KISS and MJ is not absolutely not a good one!!!

I hate what Gene Simmons said and it's awful, but I still do like KISS though I'm not a big fan. Shame on the Jacksons more than Gene though now he probably wishes he kept his mouth shut too.

Lawd...was watching American Morning just now and they were talking about this catastrophe of an event.

"They were like KISS?? Who put them on the bill...Gene Simmons said these awful things about Michael.."

"The fans are outraged..."

"When you say something bad about Michael Jackson, you're cursed forever. You can never go back.."

"Why would they do such a thing?"

One woman on the left said "Money"

I was like YUS! . See!? You know somethin's wrong when EVEN the freakin' MEDIA acknowledges it's wrong.

Everytime the Jacksons attempt to do something like this,it turns into a ridiculous circus Gene Simmons?! LOL...that's hilarious It just shows you how out of touch this family really is.What are the gonna do next....ask Rosie O'Donnell to perform a comedy routine at this concert?!

I LOVE the official response from the estate! They raised the same questions I asked yesterday, mainly, who are these other charities that some of the proceeds are so supposed to benefit? I noticed that during the CNN interview, nobody mentioned one charity by name. This, I believe is the bottom line of this thing, Money.

The whole Gene Simmons thing is only a small fraction of a bigger problem for me.

Why would Katherine sign onto a tribute concert without the backing of Michael's estate? This was my first question after reading about it.

I believe that Katherine and Global Live Events figured that they would create such a public demand and essentially dare the estate to turn down all those people. This way even if it doesn't happen they're not the bad guys. I guess they didn't count of the people turning against them and the idea. They probably never saw that coming.

I don't think this thing will make it to Cardiff, Wales. Hell, this idea probably won't make it past, Hayvenhurst It will go down like most other so-called reunions, tribute concerts.

BTW anybody ever heard of Global Live Events before this fiasco? I hope this thing goes down in flames before any fan spends one penny on it.

Fans complain 'Michael Forever' tribute includes Jackson critic

TonyVanDam said:

I've know about Gene's statements within the first few weeks after Michael's death. And in fairness, Gene was asked about his opinions of Michael's legecy during that radio interview, so it's not like Gene brought the subject up on his own freewill.

But you know what really f*** up about the whole situation with this Michael Jackson tribute concert?!?

To an extent, I feel bad mostly for the other current KISS members Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, & Tommy Thayer.

Now I need Michael-fans & KISS-fans to hear me out very careful to understand why I can said this.

First of all, I think it's totally mess up that Paul, Eric, & Tommy have to be dropped from the tribute concert because of the negative comments of 2+ years ago of Gene, who's views outside of the band KISS did NOT & does NOT necessary reflect the views of the other three band members whosoever.

Second of all, as a fan of music, I think it would have been potential badass to see/hear Paul Stanley sing a cover version of Michael's Beat It and/or Black Or White.

Just saying.

Yes Gene said those things, BUT all 4 OF THEM do appear in a video where they ALL laugh at MJ, so not it's not only Gene, he,s just the one who went too far, the others too made their opinion on Michael known with this video.

[Edited 8/16/11 8:35am]

NaughtyKitty said:

OK I just watched the video of this press conference on CNN's website:

http://edition.cnn.com/vi...ribute.cnn

Katherine really did say that comment and Jermaine and Randy were there as well---laughing about something. They werent in the same studio w/Katherine, but it looked like they were standing by, live, somewhere, listening to what all was being said. But they didnt say anything.

[Edited 8/15/11 13:10pm]

According to several posts on other forums they were not there. They say that the segment with Randy and Jermaine was edited from another interview.

MICHAEL JACKSON ESTATESomething Stinks Overthe MJ Tribute Concert

The honchos in charge of the Michael Jackson Estate are threatening the people behind the Michael Jackson Tribute concert, claiming the promoters have sullied Michael's name and are possibly even ripping off the Estate.

Howard Weitzman, lawyer for the Estate, fired off a letter to promoters of the concert -- set for October 8 in Wales -- expressing displeasure that one of the bands that will be performing is KISS, whose guitarist, Gene Simmons, publicly accused MJ of being a hard-core child molester. Weitzman wrote in his letter, "It was extraordinarily embarrassing when no sooner than you announced this 'news' that he would participate in your concert that TMZ posted an item noting that Mr. Simmons called Michael Jackson -- the man you are purportedly honoring -- a child molester..."

Weitzman also questions where all the proceeds for the concert will be going. We're told Joe Jackson and Leonard Rowe are behind the concert, and they've always been quick to cash in on MJ's name.

And Weitzman suggests promoters may be running afoul of the law by using "intellectual property that is controlled by the Estate" -- which includes MJ images and his songs.

*praying for a shut down lickety split*

Transcripts of Katherine Jackson interview with HLN Showbiz last night


Hello, I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. And we are breaking big news tonight with a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive, face to face and one-on-one with Michael Jackson`s mother.

Katherine Jackson tearfully opened up to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about the controversial Michael Jackson tribute concert that`s being planned. Now, the concert is going to be going on at the same time that Dr. Conrad Murray will be on trial on charges that he`s the one to blame for Michael`s death.

SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that has sparked a family feud. Two of Michael Jackson`s brothers, Randy and Jermaine, have criticized the timing and they`re saying they want nothing to do with it.

But today, Katherine Jackson defended the concert in a headline-making exclusive interview with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter in Los Angeles.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KAREEN WYNTER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: October 8th, the big tribute concert is right around the corner. Can you believe that it`s happening?

KATHERINE JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S MOTHER: Yes. But I`m excited about it. And I have to thank this gentleman and a few others for doing it. And even the children are excited, so we`ll be there.

WYNTER: What are they saying?

K. JACKSON: They were asking, "Where is it going to be?" And they said, "I can`t wait."

WYNTER: Who are the big performers that Michael`s children are looking forward to seeing? Any favorites?

K. JACKSON: Well, no. They haven`t said anything about favorites, but they just want to be there to see whoever is going to perform.

WYNTER: And honor their dad. You know, it`s been two years since Michael`s death. I believe the anniversary was in June. And some people are saying while something like this takes a great deal of planning. What took so long?

K. JACKSON: Since Michael passed, you know how it is being a mother. And it just - I don`t think it`s a long time. But it just - it takes a while. And I had to - at first, it`s something you`ll never get over. But these gentlemen came to me with the idea and I thought it was really nice.

WYNTER: Ms. Jackson, many would agree that you`ve been incredibly strong in all of this. Has it been really emotional for you planning this concert with your colleagues and just remembering your son?

K. JACKSON: Anything that anybody speaks to me about Michael today is emotional. There`s not a day that passes that I don`t get emotional about him going. But - you have to excuse me.

WYNTER: It`s still hard when you talk about it?

K. JACKSON: It`s very hard. It`s hard to talk about it.

WYNTER: When you think of all the amazing things that he would have done had he been alive today, his music, inspiring the world, really -

K. JACKSON: Yes.

WYNTER: We really, really lost an icon.

K. JACKSON: Yes. And I think Michael would have been really proud if he was here today. This is a concert he would really have loved, and that`s why I`m supporting it.

WYNTER: I have to ask, though, with the timing of the trial, and I know you don`t want to go into specifics, but I do want to mention not all the family members, the Jackson family members, are on board.

For example, Jermaine and Randy - in fact, they went as far as issuing a joint statement recently saying, "We want to make it clear this does not reflect the position of the entire family." I have to ask, Ms. Jackson, why now with the timing of the Conrad Murray trial?

K. JACKSON: Well, the trial is very important and I can understand how Michael - how Randy and Jermaine feel. But it`s been two years, and when these gentlemen came to me and talked about it, I thought it was a good idea. And I`d like to keep Michael`s legacy alive and that`s one of the reasons.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We think also that it`s a Saturday, when the courtroom is dark, it`s a chance for the world to have a joyous moment and remember the beautiful music that Michael made.

It will be a welcome relief from what will be a somber time during the trial, so we actually feel it`s just a wonderful moment. We`re going to raise money for the charities that Michael was very passionate about what he was alive. It`s just going to be wonderful.

WYNTER: Yes, and as you mentioned, Michael`s kids, they can`t wait. They`re excited about the big tribute. What`s the last couple years been like for them? How are they hanging in there?

K. JACKSON: They`re doing very well. They`re getting ready for school now, and they`re taking lessons - acting.

WYNTER: They`re acting.

K. JACKSON: Well, they`re taking acting lessons. This is what they want to do. And some - well, Paris really wants to be an actress. I think she`s announced it twice since she`s been on TV. But other than that, they`re doing very well.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HAMMER: Which, of course, is great to hear. And there, you heard it here first - the Jackson tribute concert is going full steam ahead despite protests by some of Michael`s own family.

With me right now in New York, Jane Velez-Mitchell, the host, of course, of "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL" right here on HLN. In Atlanta tonight, Vinnie Politan, the host of "HLN SPECIAL REPORT." Catch him every weekday at 5:00 p.m. Eastern here on HLN, followed, of course, by "PRIME NEWS" at 6:00 p.m.

So right there, we heard Katherine Jackson acknowledging that Jermaine and Randy object to the show being held at the same time Dr. Murray is on trial in connection with Michael`s death.

Now, Katherine says she`s wants to honor Michael`s legacy. I kind of get both sides of this. Jane, do you think it is in bad taste or inappropriate to have this concert going on at the same time while Dr. Murray is on trial?

JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, HOST, "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL": I don`t know if it`s going to work in the same way Katherine intends, but I can see the desire to keep her son`s legacy alive.

Let`s face it. A trial like this is almost like putting a legacy on trial. There`s going to be discussion of Michael Jackson`s drug use. In her mind, she might be counteracting all that by saying, "Let`s put on a show." That`s the Jackson family`s reaction to this about everything.

Remember when Michael Jackson jumped on the SUV and danced? The whole family showed up in his child molestation trial dressed up in matching outfits. Whenever they`re in a jam, their reaction is, "Let`s put on a show."

HAMMER: It will be interesting to see if it actually happens, because there may be - it runs (UNINTELLIGIBLE) into the whole concert event, because, last month, a spokesman for Michael Jackson`s estate did tell us the promoters of this tribute concert never asked for, never obtained permission from the estate`s executors to use the late pop singer`s name or image.

I see that as a problem, but I`m not a lawyer. That`s why I go to you, Vinnie Politan. Could his mom be facing a lawsuit over that?

VINNIE POLITAN, HOST, "HLN SPECIAL REPORT": It could be a problem, and it doesn`t start with a lawsuit. It usually starts with a letter and it starts with a phone call and a discussion, perhaps some negotiations to try to figure out.

Because those who have the rights to it and have to protect that legacy and protect that image of Michael Jackson will want to probably have some sort of a say in the way he is portrayed throughout this whole thing.

So I don`t necessarily see it ending the lawsuit. It could end up in a lawsuit. I think people are going to sit down and talk to each other and try to figure it out first.

HAMMER: Yes, I would hope they would do that. An not that this whole deal means anything else to raise eyebrows, but we learned today that Kiss is joining the all-star lineup for this tribute concert.

Here`s the thing about that - Kiss` lead singer, Gene Simmons, in the past, questioned Michael`s sexuality. He seemed to suggest at one point that Michael may have abused young boys.

Jane, you were right there all those years covering Michael Jackson and his molestation charges. Do you find it at all strange that Kiss, of all bands, is going to be a part of this thing?

VELEZ-MITCHELL: It`s very strange. You have to wonder why, and I think the answer may simply be that Katherine Jackson is an elderly woman. She`s not keeping up with Kiss or any - I think it`s a strange combo, just Kiss even without the controversy.

HAMMER: I think it`s strange that Kiss would want to be part of it, based on what Gene has said in the past.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Exactly. Exactly, but I think the heart of this is that the Jackson estate doesn`t benefit all of the Jacksons, and it`s a large brood, and so Katherine wants to help out her other kids and her other grand kids.

She wants to provide a huge stage for all of them. She`s being a good grandma in her own mind because it`s going to be a family affair.

HAMMER: Yes. Best of intentions, I think, is what`s going on there.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Yes. Right.

(Anybody else is really disturbud by some of the things she said in that interview???)

manthevan said:

NaughtyKitty said:

OK I just watched the video of this press conference on CNN's website:

http://edition.cnn.com/vi...ribute.cnn

Katherine really did say that comment and Jermaine and Randy were there as well---laughing about something. They werent in the same studio w/Katherine, but it looked like they were standing by, live, somewhere, listening to what all was being said. But they didnt say anything.

[Edited 8/15/11 13:10pm]

According to several posts on other forums they were not there. They say that the segment with Randy and Jermaine was edited from another interview.

I saw that too but I am wondering from which interview did they pull that from? Looked pretty recent but I cant remember any CNN interview they did recently. Weird that they would show that anyways--it was out of place.

Good fan blog post about these outrageous developments: http://muzikfactorytwo.bl...er-is.html

dag said:

Timmy84 said:

I'm sorry, I know Katherine's ailing and all but I think she's healthy enough to take responsibility for her actions so she's just as guilty. As hurtful as it is to say those things about her, sometimes the truth is nasty and ugly. And this is about a woman, the only relative Michael REALLY trusted. Nobody in that stupid family has sense to tell her she's being used anyways, they're just waiting for the money.

I don't know how senile, naive or whatever Katherine is, but she's got 8 kids to help her understand things, including Janet. Why shall we exclude Janet? I love her and I understand she might not wanna get involved publically in this mess, but she could call her mum and tell her "what the hell are you doing?". I would love to know how all those people think and what's going on behind the scenes cause I truly don't know what to think about them.

On the other hand, the "it's been two years" statement seems really weird to hear from his MOTHER, from someone who said she would never be healed.

Poor, poor Michael. Imagine living in all that s**t in his life we talked about earlier in the other thread plus having truly NOONE to trust? And poor, poor Prince, Paris and Blanket.

[Edited 8/16/11 1:24am]

i co-sign on everything you said.

i've lost respect for everyone in the family, katherine for using her son this way, and the rest, including janet, for standing by and allowing her - and joe - to do it. i feel very sorry for mj3, but i'm hoping that the estate has a plan for their future. remember, once the estate comes out of probate, branca and mcclain will totally control the purse strings.

i'm hopeful since they've already kicked alejandra and others off mj's gravy train. it sent a message that they have no intention of putting up with freeloading relatives. they will make sure they only give mj3 enuf money to provide for *their* needs, not enough to 'share' with the "family", as michael bearden put it.

[Edited 8/16/11 10:20am]

dag said:

Timmy84 said:

I'm sorry, I know Katherine's ailing and all but I think she's healthy enough to take responsibility for her actions so she's just as guilty. As hurtful as it is to say those things about her, sometimes the truth is nasty and ugly. And this is about a woman, the only relative Michael REALLY trusted. Nobody in that stupid family has sense to tell her she's being used anyways, they're just waiting for the money.

I don't know how senile, naive or whatever Katherine is, but she's got 8 kids to help her understand things, including Janet. Why shall we exclude Janet? I love her and I understand she might not wanna get involved publically in this mess, but she could call her mum and tell her "what the hell are you doing?". I would love to know how all those people think and what's going on behind the scenes cause I truly don't know what to think about them.

On the other hand, the "it's been two years" statement seems really weird to hear from his MOTHER, from someone who said she would never be healed.

Poor, poor Michael. Imagine living in all that s**t in his life we talked about earlier in the other thread plus having truly NOONE to trust? And poor, poor Prince, Paris and Blanket.

[Edited 8/16/11 1:24am]

double post

[Edited 8/16/11 10:21am]

carinemjj said:

TonyVanDam said:

I've know about Gene's statements within the first few weeks after Michael's death. And in fairness, Gene was asked about his opinions of Michael's legecy during that radio interview, so it's not like Gene brought the subject up on his own freewill.

But you know what really f*** up about the whole situation with this Michael Jackson tribute concert?!?

To an extent, I feel bad mostly for the other current KISS members Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, & Tommy Thayer.

Now I need Michael-fans & KISS-fans to hear me out very careful to understand why I can said this.

First of all, I think it's totally mess up that Paul, Eric, & Tommy have to be dropped from the tribute concert because of the negative comments of 2+ years ago of Gene, who's views outside of the band KISS did NOT & does NOT necessary reflect the views of the other three band members whosoever.

Second of all, as a fan of music, I think it would have been potential badass to see/hear Paul Stanley sing a cover version of Michael's Beat It and/or Black Or White.

Just saying.

Yes Gene said those things, BUT all 4 OF THEM do appear in a video where they ALL laugh at MJ, so not it's not only Gene, he,s just the one who went too far, the others too made their opinion on Michael known with this video.

[Edited 8/16/11 8:35am]

You must be talking about a different interview. The radio interview that I knew about from 2+ years ago only featured Gene without KISS, where he made his negative criticisms about Michael known.

But if there is another interview with all four KISS members laugh at Michael, I like to see that for myself.

TonyVanDam said:

carinemjj said:

Yes Gene said those things, BUT all 4 OF THEM do appear in a video where they ALL laugh at MJ, so not it's not only Gene, he,s just the one who went too far, the others too made their opinion on Michael known with this video.

[Edited 8/16/11 8:35am]

You must be talking about a different interview. The radio interview that I knew about from 2+ years ago only featured Gene without KISS, where he made his negative criticisms about Michael known.

But if there is another interview with all four KISS members laugh at Michael, I like to see that for myself.

i remember there was a skit on the now-defunct madtv wherein the entire kiss band made fun of mj, played by one of the cast members. it was on a halloween ep, i think? anyway, it was fairly mean sprited. perhaps this is what carinemjj is referring to?

TonyVanDam said:

carinemjj said:

Yes Gene said those things, BUT all 4 OF THEM do appear in a video where they ALL laugh at MJ, so not it's not only Gene, he,s just the one who went too far, the others too made their opinion on Michael known with this video.

[Edited 8/16/11 8:35am]

You must be talking about a different interview. The radio interview that I knew about from 2+ years ago only featured Gene without KISS, where he made his negative criticisms about Michael known.

But if there is another interview with all four KISS members laugh at Michael, I like to see that for myself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeZjXE2FSmg

[Edited 8/16/11 10:34am]

carinemjj said:

Transcripts of Katherine Jackson interview with HLN Showbiz last night


Hello, I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. And we are breaking big news tonight with a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive, face to face and one-on-one with Michael Jackson`s mother.

Katherine Jackson tearfully opened up to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT about the controversial Michael Jackson tribute concert that`s being planned. Now, the concert is going to be going on at the same time that Dr. Conrad Murray will be on trial on charges that he`s the one to blame for Michael`s death.

SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you that has sparked a family feud. Two of Michael Jackson`s brothers, Randy and Jermaine, have criticized the timing and they`re saying they want nothing to do with it.

But today, Katherine Jackson defended the concert in a headline-making exclusive interview with SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s Kareen Wynter in Los Angeles.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KAREEN WYNTER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: October 8th, the big tribute concert is right around the corner. Can you believe that it`s happening?

KATHERINE JACKSON, MICHAEL JACKSON`S MOTHER: Yes. But I`m excited about it. And I have to thank this gentleman and a few others for doing it. And even the children are excited, so we`ll be there.

WYNTER: What are they saying?

K. JACKSON: They were asking, "Where is it going to be?" And they said, "I can`t wait."

WYNTER: Who are the big performers that Michael`s children are looking forward to seeing? Any favorites?

K. JACKSON: Well, no. They haven`t said anything about favorites, but they just want to be there to see whoever is going to perform.

WYNTER: And honor their dad. You know, it`s been two years since Michael`s death. I believe the anniversary was in June. And some people are saying while something like this takes a great deal of planning. What took so long?

K. JACKSON: Since Michael passed, you know how it is being a mother. And it just - I don`t think it`s a long time. But it just - it takes a while. And I had to - at first, it`s something you`ll never get over. But these gentlemen came to me with the idea and I thought it was really nice.

WYNTER: Ms. Jackson, many would agree that you`ve been incredibly strong in all of this. Has it been really emotional for you planning this concert with your colleagues and just remembering your son?

K. JACKSON: Anything that anybody speaks to me about Michael today is emotional. There`s not a day that passes that I don`t get emotional about him going. But - you have to excuse me.

WYNTER: It`s still hard when you talk about it?

K. JACKSON: It`s very hard. It`s hard to talk about it.

WYNTER: When you think of all the amazing things that he would have done had he been alive today, his music, inspiring the world, really -

K. JACKSON: Yes.

WYNTER: We really, really lost an icon.

K. JACKSON: Yes. And I think Michael would have been really proud if he was here today. This is a concert he would really have loved, and that`s why I`m supporting it.

WYNTER: I have to ask, though, with the timing of the trial, and I know you don`t want to go into specifics, but I do want to mention not all the family members, the Jackson family members, are on board.

For example, Jermaine and Randy - in fact, they went as far as issuing a joint statement recently saying, "We want to make it clear this does not reflect the position of the entire family." I have to ask, Ms. Jackson, why now with the timing of the Conrad Murray trial?

K. JACKSON: Well, the trial is very important and I can understand how Michael - how Randy and Jermaine feel. But it`s been two years, and when these gentlemen came to me and talked about it, I thought it was a good idea. And I`d like to keep Michael`s legacy alive and that`s one of the reasons.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We think also that it`s a Saturday, when the courtroom is dark, it`s a chance for the world to have a joyous moment and remember the beautiful music that Michael made.

It will be a welcome relief from what will be a somber time during the trial, so we actually feel it`s just a wonderful moment. We`re going to raise money for the charities that Michael was very passionate about what he was alive. It`s just going to be wonderful.

WYNTER: Yes, and as you mentioned, Michael`s kids, they can`t wait. They`re excited about the big tribute. What`s the last couple years been like for them? How are they hanging in there?

K. JACKSON: They`re doing very well. They`re getting ready for school now, and they`re taking lessons - acting.

WYNTER: They`re acting.

K. JACKSON: Well, they`re taking acting lessons. This is what they want to do. And some - well, Paris really wants to be an actress. I think she`s announced it twice since she`s been on TV. But other than that, they`re doing very well.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HAMMER: Which, of course, is great to hear. And there, you heard it here first - the Jackson tribute concert is going full steam ahead despite protests by some of Michael`s own family.

With me right now in New York, Jane Velez-Mitchell, the host, of course, of "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL" right here on HLN. In Atlanta tonight, Vinnie Politan, the host of "HLN SPECIAL REPORT." Catch him every weekday at 5:00 p.m. Eastern here on HLN, followed, of course, by "PRIME NEWS" at 6:00 p.m.

So right there, we heard Katherine Jackson acknowledging that Jermaine and Randy object to the show being held at the same time Dr. Murray is on trial in connection with Michael`s death.

Now, Katherine says she`s wants to honor Michael`s legacy. I kind of get both sides of this. Jane, do you think it is in bad taste or inappropriate to have this concert going on at the same time while Dr. Murray is on trial?

JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL, HOST, "ISSUES WITH JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL": I don`t know if it`s going to work in the same way Katherine intends, but I can see the desire to keep her son`s legacy alive.

Let`s face it. A trial like this is almost like putting a legacy on trial. There`s going to be discussion of Michael Jackson`s drug use. In her mind, she might be counteracting all that by saying, "Let`s put on a show." That`s the Jackson family`s reaction to this about everything.

Remember when Michael Jackson jumped on the SUV and danced? The whole family showed up in his child molestation trial dressed up in matching outfits. Whenever they`re in a jam, their reaction is, "Let`s put on a show."

HAMMER: It will be interesting to see if it actually happens, because there may be - it runs (UNINTELLIGIBLE) into the whole concert event, because, last month, a spokesman for Michael Jackson`s estate did tell us the promoters of this tribute concert never asked for, never obtained permission from the estate`s executors to use the late pop singer`s name or image.

I see that as a problem, but I`m not a lawyer. That`s why I go to you, Vinnie Politan. Could his mom be facing a lawsuit over that?

VINNIE POLITAN, HOST, "HLN SPECIAL REPORT": It could be a problem, and it doesn`t start with a lawsuit. It usually starts with a letter and it starts with a phone call and a discussion, perhaps some negotiations to try to figure out.

Because those who have the rights to it and have to protect that legacy and protect that image of Michael Jackson will want to probably have some sort of a say in the way he is portrayed throughout this whole thing.

So I don`t necessarily see it ending the lawsuit. It could end up in a lawsuit. I think people are going to sit down and talk to each other and try to figure it out first.

HAMMER: Yes, I would hope they would do that. An not that this whole deal means anything else to raise eyebrows, but we learned today that Kiss is joining the all-star lineup for this tribute concert.

Here`s the thing about that - Kiss` lead singer, Gene Simmons, in the past, questioned Michael`s sexuality. He seemed to suggest at one point that Michael may have abused young boys.

Jane, you were right there all those years covering Michael Jackson and his molestation charges. Do you find it at all strange that Kiss, of all bands, is going to be a part of this thing?

VELEZ-MITCHELL: It`s very strange. You have to wonder why, and I think the answer may simply be that Katherine Jackson is an elderly woman. She`s not keeping up with Kiss or any - I think it`s a strange combo, just Kiss even without the controversy.

HAMMER: I think it`s strange that Kiss would want to be part of it, based on what Gene has said in the past.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Exactly. Exactly, but I think the heart of this is that the Jackson estate doesn`t benefit all of the Jacksons, and it`s a large brood, and so Katherine wants to help out her other kids and her other grand kids.

She wants to provide a huge stage for all of them. She`s being a good grandma in her own mind because it`s going to be a family affair.

HAMMER: Yes. Best of intentions, I think, is what`s going on there.

VELEZ-MITCHELL: Yes. Right.

(Anybody else is really disturbud by some of the things she said in that interview???)

I found one part of THAT^ transcript disappointing. Instead of calling them her sons, Katherine referred to Jermaine & Randy as "these gentlemen". Anyone that is an expert of "reading between the lines" can plainly see that Katherine is still piss with her two children not supporting some of her ideas at all.

TonyVanDam said:

I found one part of THAT^ transcript disappointing. Instead of calling them her sons, Katherine referred to Jermaine & Randy as "these gentlemen". Anyone that is an expert of "reading between the lines" can plainly see that Katherine is still piss with her two children not supporting some of her ideas at all.

By 'these 2 gentlemen' she's reffering to the 2 creepy guys in charge of Global Live, she just can't remember their names...

carinemjj said:

TonyVanDam said:

You must be talking about a different interview. The radio interview that I knew about from 2+ years ago only featured Gene without KISS, where he made his negative criticisms about Michael known.

But if there is another interview with all four KISS members laugh at Michael, I like to see that for myself.

[Edited 8/16/11 10:34am]

I fixed it up for you. These days, THAT^ is shameful to watch!

I'm disappointed.

carinemjj said:

TonyVanDam said:

I found one part of THAT^ transcript disappointing. Instead of calling them her sons, Katherine referred to Jermaine & Randy as "these gentlemen". Anyone that is an expert of "reading between the lines" can plainly see that Katherine is still piss with her two children not supporting some of her ideas at all.

By 'these 2 gentlemen' she's reffering to the 2 creepy guys in charge of Global Live, she just can't remember their names...

Now that's bad.

TonyVanDam said:

carinemjj said:

By 'these 2 gentlemen' she's reffering to the 2 creepy guys in charge of Global Live, she just can't remember their names...

Now that's bad.

REAL bad.

The concert promoshiters have finally released a statement.... THROUGH TMZ! (what??)

Guess we're not important enough to be talked to directly... anyway.. here it is:

Michael Jackson Tribute Concert We're Killing KISS From the Roster

The promoters of the Michael Jackson Tribute Concert have heard fans loud and clear -- Gene Simmons, who has accused Michael of being a pedophile, and his band KISS, have been dropped from the roster.

There was a flurry of criticism after TMZ posted a story ... that Gene said last year, "There is no question in my mind he molested those kids. Not a doubt."

The promoters tell TMZ, "We have listened to Michael's fans and are grateful to have been alerted to these unfortunate statements by Gene Simmons. Under the circumstances we fully agree that even though KISS is a band Michael admired we have no choice but to rescind our invitation to them to appear in our tribute concert."

The Estate had fired off a letter to the promoters yesterday, expressing their displeasure over KISS performing at the concert.

__________

Erm... since when was Michael a fan of Kiss?? And did they just qualified Gene's comments as UNFORTUNATE?

[Edited 8/16/11 11:08am]