Epic/Legacy and RCA Label Group proudly celebrates the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the world’s biggest-selling album of all time, with a new version of the unmistakable classic, Wanna be Startin’ Somethin’. This track is set to become one the big tunes of 2008, with its sacred melody and proven hook.

The never heard before Wanna be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008 features R&B superstar Akon.  The track is produced by both Akon and the legend himself Michael Jackson, who has not worked on new material for over 7 years.

Since the release in February 2008, this new edition of Thriller has been a Top 10 album all over again in nearly every country around the globe, while in the UK it entered the album chart at an impressive No.3 such is the demand for this piece of musical history.

Wanna be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008 is the second track to be taken from Thriller - 25th Anniversary Edition. This  includes the original album in its entirety as well as eight bonus tracks and a DVD featuring Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking short films from Thriller (Thriller, Beat It, and Billie Jean) and the artist’s Emmy-nominated breakout performance of Billie Jean from the legendary Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special (first broadcast on May 16, 1983).

The newly expanded version of Thriller premieres five tracks previously unreleased in any form: a new Kanye West remix of Billie Jean; a new 2008 version of Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ with Akon; will.i.am remixes of The Girl Is Mine and P.Y.T.; and For All Time, a rare unreleased cut from the original Thriller recording sessions, newly mixed and mastered by Michael Jackson.

Additional bonus material on this must have package includes Someone In The Dark, Carousel, and Michael Jackson’s original demo recording of Billie Jean.

Additional mixes come courtesy from Johnny Vicious.

Source: Sony BMG & MJWN

The single, that has already been released in other countries including France and Australia, features Akon and will be a digital remix EP with the following tracks:

- Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008 with Akon (Radio mix)
- Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008 with Akon (Club mix)
- Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008 with Akon (Warehouse Thriller dub)
- Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008 with Akon (Original album version)
- Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008 with Akon (UK radio edit)

Source: Sony BMG & MJWN

Firstly is a ‘Smooth Criminal’ white fedora that Michael wore during one of his concerts, and is signed under the brim “All my Love Michael Jackson 1990″, and bears the words “Michael Jackson” in gold lettering inside, a standard feature with all of his stage-worn fedora hats. It’s estimated to fetch between £300 - £500.

The second item available at the auction is an ‘Artist of the Decade’ award, which is a nicely mounted display, limited edition Platinum Award (number 576 of 1000). It includes a Platinum record, list of albums, record sales, a pencil signed letter of authenticity from Michael Jackson, three miniature album covers and plaque, framed and glazed 65 x 59cm. It’s estimated to fetch between £150 - £200.

The third item is a group of three autographed items, including a signed colour reproduced photo mounted with an unused 1988 concert ticket, plus a nicely mounted colour reproduced photo of Michael holding a panther signed “Love Michael Jackson”. A certificate of Authenticity attached to reverse, plus a large mounted ‘Dangerous’ poster signed on the top left margin, with an inch closed tear to the top margin, various sizes, all framed and glazed, plus a ‘Dangerous World Tour’ official jacket, size XXL, large tour logo on the back with “Dangerous World Tour presented by Pepsi” on the front, leather sleeves. It’s estimated to fetch between £100 - £150.

Source: Dominic Winter Book Auctions & MJWN

Colony Capital LLC, a Los Angeles based private equity firm, have acquired the existing loan on the property from an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group.

Michael has made a statement on the situation saying; “I am pleased with recent developments involving Neverland Ranch and I am in discussions with Colony and Tom Barrack (head of Colony) with regard to the Ranch and other matters that would allow me to focus on the future.”

Source: Las Vegas Business Press, MJFC & MJWN

In December 2006, Michael sued the accounting firm alleging negligence and breach of fiduciary duty. The firm was accused of not paying workers’ compensation payments on his behalf in 2004 and 2005 and was late paying taxes he owed, in addition to hiring people and entering into contracts without his authorisation.

The accounting firm countersued Michael the day after he filed his court papers, claiming he owed nearly $1 million in unpaid bills. Their action was dismissed.

Source: Reuters & MJWN

• Ryan Moseley
• Tom Taylor

The question the winners answered correctly was: What was the name of the Michael Jackson fanzine Chris Cadman and Craig Halstead used to produce?
Answer: Jackson

If you would like further information on the book or would like to order a copy, please click here.

Source: MJWN

The lighting and video designer, Bo Kudsk Kristensen, has incorporated a video element to the show using twenty-four LED panels as a backdrop, with graphical elements made by the company themselves.

Source: www.lsionline.co.uk & MJWN

Celebrity News Service had advice from Pete Wentz, bassist with the Fall Out Boys, that the video should be watched frame by frame to pick up all the tributes to Michael. Look out for the nods to ‘Billie
Jean’, ‘Beat It’, ‘Captain EO’, ‘Bad’, ‘Dirty Diana’, ‘Smooth Criminal’ and more!

The song appears on a CD packaged with the band’s new DVD, ‘Live in Phoenix’.

Watch the video:

Source: Celebrity News Service & MJWN

On Cebu, which is now a holiday destination, the prison Governor has decided to encourage the performance and has built a platform over the exercise yard so that spectators can watch the men dance. They have included other songs in their repertoire, such as Queen’s ‘Radio Ga-Ga’ and Bonnie Tyler’s ‘I Need A Hero’.

Audiences are extremely impressed with the two hour show and treat it like a rock concert, where they can buy t-shirts and have photos taken with the prisoners.

The staff at the prison are happy that morale has increased among the men who in return, are proud of their achievements.

Source: Reuters & MJWN

They are also reporting that he is so serious about it, that he will not allow his children or any females to be in the studio while he is working!

Source: Associated Press & MJWN