George Michael in Court and Concert

LONDON, UK -- George Michael will be the first artist to play the brand new 90,000 capacity Wembley Stadium on June 9, 2007, but now his preparations for the concert will be cut short because he has been ordered to appear in court the day before.

The British pop star faces a charge of driving while unfit through drugs and an allegation of being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drugs. Part of the trial will take place on June 8, the day before his opening concert in the new Mega-Wembley.

Michael's lawyer submitted an application to allow the 43-year-old singer to skip the trial but this was rejected by district judge Katherine Marshall who said that Michael would need to attend at least on the first and on the final day of the trial.

Wembley Stadium is about three miles from the court.

"He is around in the area because I believe he is appearing at Wembley Stadium. I do not think he will have any difficulty in being here on June 8," Marshall said.

George Michael was arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive and for possession of cannabis on October 1 last year. He was also caught slumped at the wheel of his car in February 2006.