Refund relief for many Jackson fans

Michael Jackson fans who bought tickets for his shows at the O2 via eBay and PayPal will receive refunds, it was confirmed today.

Thousands of fans were left waiting to see if they would get their money back after the singer’s death.

A spokeswoman for eBay said: “The sad news of Michael Jackson’s death has left fans of the King of Pop bereft. eBay is committed to ensuring that no buyer is left out of pocket as a result of the unique nature of the event, and will ensure all buyers on the site can receive a full refund for their ticket purchase.”

The online retailer will return sales commission to sellers when they refund buyers, eBay said.

Final details of how the exchange will work will be announced next week.

Yesterday retailer Seatwave and ticket exchange site Viagogo both said they would refund ticketholders.

A spokesman for AEG Live, the organiser of the 50 concerts, said: “On behalf of the entire AEG organisation we extend our deepest condolences to Michael Jackson’s family and friends during this tragic time.

“Full ticket refund information and procedures will be released early next week for all Michael Jackson This Is It shows.”

He advised fans to keep hold of ticket vouchers or proof of purchase slips.

But other retailers said they were unable to say at the moment what will happen.

A statement on Lastminute.com’s website said it was working with AEG to provide its customers with information, and Ticketmaster said it was waiting for “official information”.

Tony Northcott, of the Trading Standards Institute, said fans who are turned down for a refund but bought their tickets on a credit card should contact their card provider.

The King of Pop was due to perform the farewell concerts this summer, bowing out on an illustrious music career spanning several decades while aiming to restore his fortunes.

In March, tickets to his ‘This Is It’ concerts at the O2 became the “hottest-selling on the planet”, according to organisers, with 750,000 fans snapping them up.