AEG executive testifies – Day 18

Randy Phillips, concert promoter and financier of Michael Jackson’s “This Is It Tour” took to the stand following the emotional day 18 testimony from MJ’s nurse.

After announcing Michael’s first 10 shows, sales were unlike anything Phillips had seen in his 30+ year history in the business.

Phillips said the demand for tickets was nothing he’s ever seen before in his life. Following this, Michael agreed to add more shows.

According to Phillips, Michael agreed to 50 shows but 2 conditions had to be met:

1. He wanted a 16-acre country estate outside of London with streaming rivers and horses for the kids.

2. He wanted Phillips to make sure he made it into “The Guinness Book of World Records” as the artist with the highest number of shows at the famous O2 Arena (Prince currently holds the record with 21 shows).

These agreements have been debated by some who claim Michael never agreed to 50 but according to the testimony today, Phillips claims the King of Pop agreed.

Phillips told the jury when he first heard Jackson wanted his own personal doctor, he tried to convince the singer to hire someone in London, but MJ insisted on bringing Murray.

After receiving an email from director Kenny Ortega, Phillips said he had no idea there were issues. He did state he had a meeting with Michael where he was not focused and was missing rehearsals.

Frank DiLeo, Michael’s manager, apparently asked for a meeting to discuss MJ’s health. During this ‘emergency meeting’ held on June 20th, Michael assured Phillips he was ready to do the show … telling him, “You build the home, and I’ll put the door on it and paint it.”

Defense attorney Ed Chernoff got Phillips to confirm that Michael would have been responsible for any production costs if Phillips had pulled the plug on him.

Earlier in the day, Judge Michael Pastor barred any discussion about the contract between AEG Live and Michael noting, “This is not a contractual dispute. This is a homicide.”