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The mother of the late US singer Michael Jackson has welcomed plans for a special tribute concert for the "King of Pop" in Vienna next month, organisers said Monday.
"I immediately found this is a wonderful idea because of Michael's impact and influence around the world," Katherine Jackson said in a letter released by World Awards Media, which is jointly organising the September 26 event with Jackson's brother Jermaine.
"An event of this dimension not only keeps Michael's spirit alive. More than that, it gives millions of fans the opportunity to experience his music and celebrate the life of my son. I am sure Michael would love it."
Organisers are expecting some 85,000 people to attend the concert, which will bring together a number of international stars in the grounds of Vienna's Schoenbrunn Palace.
Madonna, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie and U2 are among the names mentioned in the press as possible guests.
Despite the lack of details about the programme, more than 10,000 tickets -- ranging in price from 63 to 519 euros (90 to 744 dollars) -- have already been sold, a spokeswoman for World Awards Media, Nina Ellend, told AFP.
Jermaine Jackson has said in a statement that he wants to pay tribute "not only to the artist, but also to the man".
Jackson died on June 25 aged 50 at his home in Los Angeles. Inquiries into the cause of his death are continuing.
