In what is surely the most depressing news we've heard all day - and yes, that includes the continuing collapse of the global economy and the tabloid furore over a couple of idiots phoning up an old idiot and making idiotic comments about the old idiot's idiot granddaughter - Jermaine Jackson has confirmed that The Jackson Five, including Michael are to reform for a tour. Worse still, they're (shudder) working on new material. Worse still.. Janet Jackson is to be their support act.

Jermaine told Australian Associated Press that "this has been a long time coming for the Jackson family to get back together. What we've been doing is working on the music and all the logistics. We're in the studio, we're planning on being out there next year." Well, that's another truly awesome band about to tarnish all the good work they ever did.

Here are The Jackson Five at their quite magnificent peak..

And here's Michael now..