Jackson fans can buy 02 tickets as souvenirs

(AP Photo/Akira Suemori)

Disappointed fans who bought tickets to Michael Jackson's string of scheduled concerts in London were reassured today that they will receive full refunds.

Bosses at AEG Live, which was promoting the 50 This Is It gigs at the O2, said they were treating fans with the "same reverence" as Jackson did.

Fans will also have the option of being sent their tickets as souvenirs in part lieu of the full refund.

Announcing the refunds, Randy Phillips, president of AEG Live, said: "The world lost a kind soul who just happened to be the greatest entertainer the world has ever known.

"Since he loved his fans in life, it is incumbent upon us to treat them with the same reverence and respect after his death."

Refunds will include all ticket service charges, he said.

Ticketholders can gain more information at www.michaeljacksonlive.com .

The refunds will be processed by each of the authorised ticket agencies: Ticketmaster, Viagogo, See or Ticketline.