POP/ROCK - July 1, 1987

It’s official: Michael Jackson will take his show on the road come fall, starting in Tokyo on Sept. 12. The tour was announced by Jackson’s personal manager, Frank Dileo. The enigmatic Jackson--whose “Thriller” album sold more than 40 million copies worldwide--is expected to draw capacity crowds for the nine Japanese performances (three each in Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka). There will be two 240-inch video screens for the convenience of the audiences, and Dileo said that an “unusually high” (though undisclosed) amount of money was being spent on sound and lighting equipment. Jackson will perform in Japan through Sept. 27; dates and sites for other performances on the world tour will be announced shortly, Dileo said. Although not yet officially announced, the formerly one-gloved one’s new LP, still without a title, is rumored to be scheduled for release worldwide on Aug. 31.