Michael's fetish for a new gizmo

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Michael Jackson wants a giant robot of himself which shoots laser beams for his Las Vegas show. The 'Thriller' singer is reviewing plans for a 50 foot robotic replica should he decide to agree to a show in the casino capital.

Mike Luckman of Luckman Van Pier, an entertainment consultancy firm, said: "It would be in the desert sands. Laser beams would shoot out of it so it would be the first thing people flying would see. Neon is wonderful, but it's old school."

Luckman's partner, Andre Van Pier - who designed the spacesuits worn by U2 at their recent New Orleans fundraising concert - has designed Jackson's robot and also sketched out a stage set of a giant audience-interactive video game with human robots controlled by the audience. Luckman said: "Michael's looked at the sketches and likes them." The 'Earth Song' singer has reportedly bought a house in Las Vegas and has met with tourism officials and hotel owners to discuss the possibility of a long term show.

Meanwhile, Jackson is currently working on his new album, which will include him rapping on some tracks. His representative Raymone Bain said: "He hasn't made up his mind about whether a Vegas show is in the cards for him. "He's been in the studio since November working on his music. He's been presented with various proposals. A Vegas show isn't a priority. "He's in Las Vegas now. He's pretty grounded in Vegas. It's very convenient for producers and songwriters to get to him. He's worked there before. He's been recording with producers Rodney Jerkins, William and Neffu."

But Jackson is yet to secure a record deal. Bain said: "He's finalising distribution arrangements.