Madison Square Garden — His Last Reunion — Michael Jackson

THE FACT

Michael's final pair of concerts in the United States — celebrating thirty years as a solo artist — happened at Madison Square Garden on September 7 and September 10, 2001. The second show ended just hours before the World Trade Center attacks. All five Jackson brothers reunited on stage for the first time in two decades.

WHAT MOST DON'T KNOW

The two-night event was the most expensive concert ticket in history at the time: front-row seats sold for $2,500, gala packages for $5,000. The lineup of guest performers was unmatched: Liza Minnelli, Marlon Brando (in his final public appearance, delivering a 20-minute rambling monologue that confused both the audience and Michael), Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, Usher, NSYNC, Slash, Liza Minnelli, Destiny's Child and Ray Charles. The Jackson 5 reunion mid-show — Marlon, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Michael, with Randy invited but absent — was the first time all five had performed together since 1984. The second show ended just before midnight on September 10. By 9 a.m. on September 11, the towers had fallen six kilometres south of the venue. Michael was reportedly woken in his hotel suite by his close friend Marlon Brando, who insisted they evacuate New York immediately. The footage from the two concerts was held by Sony for two and a half years before being released as the two-disc DVD Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration in 2004 — Michael's last live US concert ever filmed.

▶

THE MOMENT

Michael Jackson — Jackson 5 Reunion, MSG 30th Anniversary 2001 — All five brothers together for the first time in twenty years.

SOURCES

Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration — Wikipedia ↗