Michael Jackson to play greatest hits at London gigs

Michael Jackson during a news conference at the O2 Arena in London. Photo / AP

Michael Jackson will reportedly play a greatest hits set for his London residency.

The pop superstar is treating fans to a selection of his classic songs, including Billie Jean, Beat It, Smooth Criminal and Man In The Mirror.

According to a leaked document, Jackson will close each night of his This Is It concerts with his biggest track Thriller - in which he dressed as a zombie in the video and created the now world famous group dance routine.

A source said: "Bosses were initially concerned Michael would avoid playing his greatest hits. But he wanted to guarantee this would not be the case and produced the setlist to reassure them."

Other highlights include Rock With You - taken from his 1979 album Off The Wall - Wanna Be Startin Somethin' and Remember The Time, written by R. Kelly.

Jackson, 50, is also said to be considering adding a medley of Jackson 5
songs.

The source added: "He's toying with the idea, anything is possible."
Surprising omissions include UK number ones Black or White, Bad, Blood on the Dancefloor and Earth Song.

Tickets for the shows, which are priced at £50, £65 and £75, have already started appearing on internet auction website eBay for over £700 a pair, while some front row seats are listed for up to £10,000 for two.

The residency has already been increased from 10 nights to 45, and promoters AEG Live could still add more.

It is believed Jackson will avoid performing some of his more difficult dance routines by using several lookalikes who will fill in for him.

Michael Jackson This Is It setlist:

1. Billie Jean

2. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'

3. Rock With You

4. The Way You Make Me Feel

5. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough

6. I Just Can't Stop Loving You

7. Human Nature

8. Smooth Criminal

9. Girlfriend

10. Man In The Mirror

11. Beat It

12. One Day In Your Life

13. Heal The World

14. You Are Not Alone

15. Remember The Time

16. Thriller

- BANG! SHOWBIZ