Earlier this week we learned that Michael Jackson would be appearing at the O2 Arena in London, England to announce a string of concert dates that he would be performing at the venue this coming Summer. Just a couple of hours ago, Jacko did just that. Looking as regal as he could in one of his trademark uniform outfits, MJ announced to the world that he would be performing a string of concert dates for the last time ever in the UK. Promising to play all the hits that folks want to hear, he asserts that “this is it” … our last chance to see him live on stage (at least, in the UK):

Reclusive pop icon Michael Jackson will perform 10 concerts in London in July in what he described Thursday as a “final curtain call.” The summer shows, Jackson’s first major live performances in 12 years, will take place at the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena from July 8. Jackson, 50, appeared in front of fans and media at the venue Thursday to announce the “This Is It” shows. “These will be my final shows performing in London. “This Is It” really means this is it,” said Jackson, wearing a trademark black military-style jacket with sparkling embroidery and black sunglasses. Jackson blew kisses and saluted his fans as they chanted “Michael! Michael!” “I’ll be performing the songs my fans want to hear. I’ll see you in July and I love you so much.” Tickets for the shows will cost £50-75 ($70-105) and will go on sale on March 13. Fans can pre-register to purchase tickets at www.MichaelJacksonLive.com. The O2 Arena has acquired a reputation in recent years for staging “must-see” musical events. Last year it hosted Led Zeppelin’s one-off comeback gig and in 2007 Prince staged a 21-night residency there. Britney Spears, the Pet Shop Boys and Lionel Richie are among performers due to play the venue this year. Event promoter Rob Hallett welcomed Jackson’s return, saying: “We are delighted to facilitate the return of the king of pop, long may he reign! When Michael Jackson performs the eyes of the world will be watching.” Jackson’s appearance Thursday was not as slick as some of his signature dance moves. The star was held up in traffic as he traveled from his central London hotel to the venue on a peninsula of the River Thames in southeast London. An exclusive video that was to be shown before his arrival on stage then failed to play on cue. Several hundred Jackson fans had waited up to five hours to show their support for their idol. iReport.com: Show us your Michael Jackson moves “I’m quite excited about him coming back,” said Lee Gibson, 36. “He’s got great songs despite all his issues. It’s going to be massive.” Owen Griffiths, 29, said: “It will be interesting to see what he does. If he puts on a good show like he used to do back in the day it will be a turning point for him just like it was for Prince here. If he’s playing a greatest hits concert I would definitely pay £50 to see that — so long as it’s “Thriller” and “Off the Wall” only” … Jackson hasn’t recorded a studio album since “Invincible” — his 10th solo record — in 2001. His last major series of concerts was a world tour to promote the “HiStory” album in 1996 and 1997.

To be totally honest, I never thought this day would come … but I, gotta say, I’m glad that it did come. As much as I am not a huge fan of Michael Jackson personally, I can appreciate his contributions to pop culture in general and as a big fan of pop culture, this is amazing news. I’m surprised, tho, that tickets are priced so low. The most expensive tickets available are around $100 … while the most expensive tickets for Madonna‘s last tour were around $400 and the most expensive tickets for Britney Spears‘s new tour are around $500 (for a pair that must be purchased together). The relatively low price means that these 10 dates are bound to sell out for sure.

I have to confess … I fear that I *may* have to attend at least one of these shows. David is a HUGE Michael Jackson fan and he reminded me that he flew to London last Summer with me to see Kylie Minogue at the O2 Arena. If we can get tickets, I think we’ll be making a return trip. OY! But, as I said, in pop cultural terms, this new residency that Jacko is planning to undertake is really pretty incredible. I just hope he’s up to the task. The eyes of the world will be watching. That said, if he manages to pull this off, my guess is that he will perform other dates in other cities in the near future. I guess we shall see. After the jump, watch video of Michael Jackson‘s official announcement in full …