Michael Jackson album set to chart

HMV have reported a four-fold increase in Jackon's records sales in their stores in the UK and Ireland, and online at hmv.com.

The King Of Pop album was released last year to celebrate the singer's 50th birthday, and comprises tracks voted for by fans.

The record is now poised to re-enter the official UK album charts this weekend, and could even make the top 40 if sales continue to rise.

Thriller has also seen a bump in sales, with sales nearly doubling since the O2 concerts were announced.

And with fans queuing overnight to get tickets for Jackson's upcoming O2 Arena shows – he's now sold out 50 dates in the 20,000 capacity venue – it seems he's still as popular as ever.

HMV's Gennaro Castaldo says that the demand for Jackson's records will only get greater as the concert dates approach: "The huge spin-off benefits that Michael Jackson can expect from his potentially record-breaking residency at the O2 are already beginning to show themselves. Sales of Michael's albums are starting to show a discernible increase, albeit from a relatively low sales base at this early stage.

"However, if demand is picking up now, imagine what it will be like in July, when Michael actually kicks off his live performances – it could potentially go through the roof as the record-buying public becomes re-acquainted with his talent and a new generation of fans are drawn to his music for the first time."