December 11, 2007 @ 2:01 pm

MJ and the Jackson 5? Don't Bet on It... Yet

Keith Murphy

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Despite Jermaine Jackson's comments to the BBC, a source tells VIBE Michael Jackson has not yet signed on for Jackson 5 tour.

The news of Michael Jackson joining up with his brothers for dates on a much-anticipated 2008 reunion tour may have been a bit premature.

According to a source from the offices of the Gloved One's spokesperson, Raymone Bain, as of yet, MJ has not agreed to reunite with the first family of R&B and pop, the Jackson 5.

"That doesn't seem to be happening," said the source.

It was Jermaine Jackson himself who sparked the rumor. In late November, the J5 bassist and vocalist told the BBC that his superstar brother would be included in a reunion scheduled for next year. "Michael will be involved," he said of the gigs, which would have included original members Michael, Tito, Marlon, Jackie, Jermaine and sixth member Randy, who joined the group in the mid-'70s when they reformed as The Jacksons. "We feel we have to do it one more time. We owe that to the fans and the public. Michael has to be involved. He is a Jackson. He was at the meetings. Michael will be involved."

Jermaine's spokesperson and lawyer Vicki Roberts has since released a statement saying, "Regarding a possible Jackson 5 reunion, I've been advised by my client that the matter is under serious discussion and we look forward to being able to report more about it in the near future."

The buzz around a Jackson 5 reunion has been circulating for years, with unconfirmed reports of a comeback show in Las Vegas. However, during a 2005 trial in which Michael was cleared on charges of child abuse, touring plans were put on hold.

A Jackson 5 tour headlined by Michael, one of pop music's biggest icons and a much-talked-about tabloid fixture, would certainly be a sell-out event. Fans who grew up to J5's classic hits like "ABC," "Who's Loving You," "I'll Be There," and "I Want You Back," as well as Michael's record-breaking solo output, which includes 1978's Off The Wall (Epic), 1982's Thriller (Epic)—the biggest selling album of all time—and 1987's Bad (Epic), would come in droves.

But is seems Michael is busy with his own comeback plans. The enigmatic music legend is set to re-release the 25th anniversary edition of his landmark work Thriller in February—the album includes remixes by Kanye West ("Billie Jean"), and will i. am ("The Girl is Mine," and "PYT"). Michael has also been in the studio recording new material with both West and will, and collaborating on new material with Ne-Yo.

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