Michael Jackson has pushed back the first four of his comeback concerts in London this year, organisers said Wednesday, but they stressed the decision was not linked to his health.
The first scheduled show on July 8 at London's O2 arena will now take place on July 13.
Promoters and producers AEG Live said the rescheduling was done because of the "sheer magnitude" of the show and the desire for fans attending the opening nights to get the same experience planned for all 50 shows.
In a press conference from the United States broadcast over the Internet, AEG Live president Randy Phillips was asked about Jackson's health.
"I would trade my body for his tomorrow. He's in fantastic shape," he said.
Phillips added: "Physically and mentally we're having a blast. We're having a great time. This is a high time for Michael, he's enjoying this. He's loving the creative process."
Fans who bought tickets for the first show will still be the first to see the singer in action, but ticketholders for the next three initially scheduled concerts will have to wait until early 2010 to see the rescheduled shows.
Phillips said: "This show has grown in size and scope, thereby necessitating more lead time for manufacture of the set, programming the content for the massive video elements, and, most importantly, more time for full production and dress rehearsals in the world's busiest arena, The O2."
Jackson told fans at a brief press conference in London in March that the performances -- his first major shows for more than a decade -- would be his "final curtain".
The "Thriller" and "Billie Jean" star added: "I am coming to London to play the songs my fans want to hear."
Tickets sold out with hours of going on sale a week later, even after extra shows were announced to cope with demand.
The singer initially announced 10 concerts in July but AEG Live added further dates.
Reports suggest Jackson could make millions of pounds from the concerts, which come four years after he was cleared of child abuse in the United States.
Copyright 2009  AFP European Edition
