Michael Jackson Plans Anniversary Bash
April 17, 2001 -- When the King of Pop throws himself a party, the whole royal chart-topping family is sure to be on the guest list.
Michael Jackson's Sept. 7 Madison Square Garden bash, celebrating his 30th anniversary as a solo artist, will not only include a reunion with his brothers — the siblings broke through as the Jackson 5 in 1969 — but also feature reigning hit-makers Britney Spears, 'N Sync, Shaggy, Marc Anthony, and Whitney Houston.
"I am very excited to celebrate my 30th anniversary as a solo artist with such a distinguished array of talent, friends, and fans," Jackson said in a statement released through his publicist Monday. "I look forward to performing live and reuniting with my brothers on this special night."
Jackson, 42, was the youngest of five brothers — and the star — in one of pop's original boy bands. But shortly after the Jackson 5 topped the charts with songs like "ABC" and "The Love You Save," the 12-year-old Jackson began to branch out into a solo career. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice — with his band and as a solo artist.
Jackson was a dominant force in pop throughout the '80s, and his 1982 album, Thriller, is one of the top-selling albums ever.
The singer has not performed a U.S. tour since the late '80s, following the release of Bad.
He has long been working on a new solo album, which is due out this fall — and he plans to debut material from the album at the all-star show.