Concerts: Laying the Glove on Michael

While Michael Jackson fans across the nation eagerly await the Jacksons' upcoming megatour, city fathers in Foxboro, Mass. (pop. 14,200), last week did the unthinkable. They banned a performance there by the Gloved One, citing "security considerations" and fear of the "unknown element" that might descend upon the town. Foxboro officials were accused of racism, namely trying to keep out black teens who might travel from nearby Boston for the concert, a charge that the officials heatedly denied. Meanwhile, the tour's promoters were being criticized for the way a ticket lottery was being handled. Jackson concert tickets, priced at $30 apiece, must be bought in blocks of four, and the money paid in advance. If the tickets have not arrived by two days before the concert, the fans are to assume they have not won admission. Refunds will be made up to eight weeks later. The Jacksons will keep the interest that piles up while a projected $1 billion sits in the bank. The expected gross receipts from the tour, not including souvenirs: $100 million.