'Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour' Hits Detroit Saturday

DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit is the first city in the country to witness the "Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour."  It arrives at Joe Louis Arena on Saturday, Oct. 15.

This tribute to the King of Pop is a feast for the eyes and ears.  "It's everything Michael would have done, except that he's not physically there," says tour spokesperson Maxime Charbonneau, adding that the show is the biggest touring show EVER produced by Cirque du Soleil: a $60 million production.

The Immortal World Tour combines Michael's music, his signature moves, and the world of fantasy with the creative genius of a Cirque du Soleil production.  "About 220 people, full time on tour, 65 artists on stage, half of them dancers, half acrobats, so it's kind of like an hybrid of acrobatic, Cirque du Soleil production and your typical rock concert," Charbonneau said.

And, through an arrangement with SONY, they're using Michael's original recordings.  "So when you hear 'Thriller' or when you hear 'Bad,' you hear Michael singing on the stage and he's accompanied by a 12-piece live band, 3 vocalists."  Also part of the tour is native Detroiter Greg Phillinganes, Michael's longtime music director.  And, although the King of Pop himself is not actually there, Michael's spirit is alive and well.

Tickets to the "Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour" are available here.

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