When was mj last concert

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: Michael Jackson's final concert was scheduled for July 13, 2009, at the O2 Arena in London, but he passed away on June 25, 2009, before it could take place. The concert was part of his 'This Is It' residency, which was set to include 50 shows.

Key Facts

Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at age 50, one day before his 51st birthday.
His final scheduled concert was July 13, 2009, at the O2 Arena in London.
The 'This Is It' tour was planned to include 50 concerts, starting July 13, 2009.
Rehearsals for the tour continued up to June 24, 2009, the day before his death.
A documentary film titled 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' was released in October 2009, featuring rehearsal footage.

Overview

Michael Jackson's final planned concert was set to take place on July 13, 2009, at London's O2 Arena as the opening night of his 'This Is It' residency. Tragically, he passed away on June 25, 2009, just weeks before the debut performance, leaving fans and organizers heartbroken.

The 'This Is It' tour was intended to mark Jackson's major comeback after more than a decade away from extensive live performances. Despite never taking the stage for the official concert, extensive rehearsals were completed, and a posthumous documentary captured the preparation process.

July 13, 2009: This was the official start date for Michael Jackson’s 'This Is It' concert series at the O2 Arena in London, which he never performed.
June 25, 2009: Jackson died at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 50 due to acute propofol intoxication, ending all hopes for the tour’s launch.
50 shows: The residency was originally booked for 50 nights at the O2 Arena, a record number for a single artist at the venue.
Rehearsal period: From June 2009, Jackson rehearsed daily at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, with over 100 hours of footage recorded.
Global ticket demand: Over 1.6 million ticket requests were submitted within hours of the sale launch, crashing the website multiple times.

How It Works

The 'This Is It' concerts were designed as a grand theatrical experience combining music, dance, and visual effects, drawing from Jackson’s decades-long career. Each element was meticulously planned during rehearsals to ensure a seamless live performance.

Setlist structure: The show was to feature 20+ songs spanning Jackson’s career, including 'Thriller,' 'Billie Jean,' and 'Man in the Mirror,' in a 120-minute runtime.
Stage design: A massive hydraulic stage with moving platforms and LED screens was custom-built to accommodate complex choreography and special effects.
Dancers and crew: Over 30 dancers, 10 backup singers, and a full orchestra were hired, with choreography led by Kenny Ortega.
Rehearsal schedule: Jackson rehearsed six days a week for up to 8 hours daily, with medical supervision present during most sessions.
Costumes: Dozens of custom outfits were created by designers, including replicas of his iconic red 'Thriller' jacket and military-style jackets.
Visual effects: The production included holograms, pyrotechnics, and 3D projections, requiring extensive technical coordination.

Comparison at a Glance

The 'This Is It' residency was compared to Jackson’s previous tours in scale, ambition, and production value. Below is a comparison of key metrics:

Tour/Residency	Number of Shows	Venue	Duration	Attendance (est.)
Victory Tour (1984)	55	Stadiums (US/Canada)	3 months	2.2 million
Bad Tour (1987–1989)	123	Global arenas	15 months	4.4 million
Dangerous Tour (1992–1993)	69	Global stadiums	10 months	3.5 million
This Is It (2009)	50 (planned)	O2 Arena, London	3 months (planned)	385,000 (est.)
HIStory Tour (1996–1997)	82	Global arenas	14 months	4.5 million

Despite being confined to one city, 'This Is It' was projected to be one of the most lucrative concert residencies in history, with tickets priced from £52 to £125. The intimate setting of the O2 Arena allowed for advanced staging technology not feasible in larger stadiums.

Why It Matters

The legacy of Michael Jackson’s final concert plans continues to influence live music production and fan expectations for artist comebacks. Though the show never happened, its impact resonates through recordings and cultural memory.

Cultural impact: The 'This Is It' rehearsals revealed Jackson’s dedication, dispelling rumors about his declining performance abilities.
Documentary success: The film 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' grossed over $263 million worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing concert films ever.
Influence on residencies: The tour helped popularize the modern concert residency model later adopted by artists like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga.
Medical scrutiny: Jackson’s death led to increased oversight of celebrity medical care and the use of anesthetics like propofol outside hospitals.
Legal aftermath: A wrongful death lawsuit against AEG Live was filed by Jackson’s family, resulting in a $1.5 billion claim, later settled out of court.
Fan engagement: The unreleased concerts fueled ongoing interest in Jackson’s work, boosting album sales and streaming numbers posthumously.

Though Michael Jackson never performed his final concert, the meticulous planning and emotional weight behind 'This Is It' ensure its place in music history.