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Liverpool, England (Bad Tour)
In 1988, at the height of his fame, Michael returned to Merseyside as a solo star, for the final British date of his iconic Bad tour.
He arrived into Liverpool by helicopter at Speke airport and his entourage travelled to the city centre in three black limousines, with a police escort.
During his stay, the superstar took over an entire floor of the Atlantic Tower hotel, requesting the then £100 a night Port of Liverpool Suite, with sweeping views of the Mersey.
Down at Aintree Racecourse , 125,000 fans - who had each paid £16.50 for a ticket - poured into the venue, some having queued for hours to get a good view of the star. Merseyside Police drafted in 500 extra offices, but the night went off with few problems.
Singer Kim Wilde was the support act, and Jackson’s two hour set included a Beatles medley, in tribute to his Liverpool heroes.
Chris Cadman, author, “Michael Jackson the Maestro”
Biggest concert of the tour was staged at Liverpool’s Aintree Racecourse (home of the famous Grand National steeplechase) on 11th September 1988 – 125,000 fans attended. ‘I have always considered Liverpool the home of contemporary pop music,’ Michael told the press, ‘by virtue of its being the birth place of the incomparable Beatles.’
Michael’s management tried negotiating a deal with BBC TV to air the Aintree show live. However, that same day Sports Aid had organised a free concert in Hyde Park where some 250,000 people were expected to turn up. The event was set to coincide with Sport Aid’s Race Against Time run across London. When the organisers heard of Michael’s plans they feared their event would be affected. In the end no deal could be struck and Michael’s Aintree show wasn’t televised.
3,000 people needed treatment for minor injuries during the show, due to crushing as fans pushed and shoved as Michael came on stage. St John’s ambulance reported there were no serious injuries, with only 40 going to hospital as precautionary measures.
“Thank you very much to all the fans in the United Kingdom. I look forward to seeing you again in the near future. The tour was a wonderful experience. I love you all. Thank you.”