BEIJING, March 17 -- Additional Michael Jackson comeback concerts were announced Thursday, the second such day in a row, increasing the number of gigs the "King of Pop" will perform in London to over 40, organisers said.

    Citing very strong demand, AEG Live added a further 23 concert dates, raising the total number to 44, all of which will be held at London's O2 Arena, before a new batch of tickets goes on sale Friday morning.

    The concert series will now stretch from July 8 to February 12, 2010.

    Initially, 10 performances were announced at a press conference organised at the beginning of the month that was attended by Jackson, who will be making his first series of shows in over a decade.

    The "Thriller" and "Billie Jean" star told fans at the time that the performances would be his "final curtain", adding: "I am coming to London to play the songs my fans want to hear."

    On Wednesday, 11 extra dates were added to the "This Is It" concert series, with the gigs originally being scheduled to conclude in September.

    Ticket prices range from 50 pounds to 75 pounds (85 euros, 100 dollars).

    (Source: Chinadaily.com.cn/Agencies)

Fans queue to buy tickets for Michael Jackson's forthcoming concerts at the O2 Arena in London March 13, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>