Michael Jackson concert refunds up in air

LONDON — The organizers of Michael Jackson's 50 comeback tour dates in London remained guarded Saturday about refunds for ticket holders after the singer's death.

Jackson fans from around the world had rushed to snap up tickets for the "This Is It" performances at London's O2 arena that were due to start July 13.

The reclusive star made his final public appearance to unveil the sellout gigs in March.

Reports in Britain say about $83 million was spent on 750,000 tickets.

A spokeswoman for concert promoters AEG Live said late Friday: "Full ticket-refund information and procedures will be released early next week for all Michael Jackson 'This Is It' shows.

"Fans are advised to hold on to their ticket vouchers/proof of purchase."

Most tickets for the concerts cost between $82 and $124.

While fans who bought from official outlets are likely to be reimbursed, those who obtained tickets from other sources could lose out.

Tony Northcott, a spokesman for British consumer body the Trading Standards Institute, said: "Sales coming through a third party like eBay or a man in the pub will be on sticky ground. If sales are through a third party, then the terms and conditions disappear."

Auction Web site eBay, where tickets had fetched prices of more than $2,100, urged customers to contact the individual sellers to discuss a refund.

The Times newspaper reported Saturday that AEG had hoped to recoup much of the estimated $16.5 million it would have cost to stage the concerts from merchandising and corporate entertainment.

With that possibility now quashed, question marks also remained over the extent of AEG's insurance for the Jackson concerts.

Quoting insurance-industry sources, the Times said Los Angeles-based AEG could face a bill of at least $82 million and the prospect of the giant O2 venue standing empty for months.

The president of AEG Live, Randy Phillips, has said the company was insured for "the first 23 days" of the run and negotiations were ongoing to increase that.

Concerns for Jackson's health rose when the start of the shows was pushed back after the initial announcement.

But Phillips had insisted the rescheduling was due to the "sheer magnitude" of the show and insisted at the time: "I would trade my body for his tomorrow. He's in fantastic shape."