Morning:
9°c
Michael Jackson taken to last concert
David Gardner, in Los Angeles7 Jul 2009
The body of Michael Jackson was this evening taking centre stage at a memorial concert in Los Angeles for his final send-off.
More than 250,000 fans lined the streets and tens of millions more watched on TV around the world, with BBC2 clearing its schedules to televise the event.
Police said they had made plans for a “heavy motorcade” with Swat teams as escort to take his gold-lined coffin the 11 miles from a private family funeral service to a concert hall at the Staples Centre arena. The front row of the hall and stage were decked in flowers.
The entertainment website TMZ, which broke the news of the singer's death 12 days ago, said there were also contingency plans to use a helicopter to fly the body to Staples if crowd safety became an issue. Limousines carrying members of Jackson's family arrived at the Forest Lawn cemetery at which about 100 people were present. Local television showed numerous cars driving in and out of the Jackson family compound in the Los Angeles suburbs.
It was unclear whether the £18,000 coffin would be open or closed.
Last night, the Jackson family, including the singer's two older children Prince Michael, twelve, and Paris, eleven, gathered for a private viewing of the coffin at the cemetery. Sisters Janet and LaToya Jackson with parents Joe and Katherine and the late star's five brothers were also at the service with a few close friends.
Some 18,000 fans who got tickets will crowd into the Staples Centre and a nearby overflow theatre for the two-hour ceremony. Sources say the body will be returned to the cemetery after the extravaganza, but there has been no information about the burial. The body could be stored at Forest Lawn until Jackson's eventual burial there. Another possibility is that Jackson's body could be cremated and his ashes buried at his Neverland Ranch near Santa Barbara.
City officials are estimating the cost of the event to Los Angeles at nearly $4 million and are asking fans to make tax deductible donations to help pay for it.
Pop music singers Mariah Carey, Usher and Jennifer Hudson will mix with Smokey Robinson, Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder at the event. The service was expected to feature performances and eulogies. Also on the bill is Britain's Got Talent finalist Shaheen Jafargholi. The Jackson family told the 12-year-old from Swansea that his hero loved watching him on YouTube.
Hotels throughout the area have already filled up and local police warned those without tickets to stay away.
British Airways reported a surge of bookings as soon as the memorial arrangements were announced. Paul Charles, a BA spokesman, said: “This is America's version of Princess Diana. People want to be in the vicinity.”
A British fan who travelled all the way to Los Angeles in the hope of getting a ticket to the memorial struck lucky after he was offered one by a stranger. Melvin Price from Northampton registered for the ticket lottery but failed to win. He then caught a flight to California where he joined the crowds outside the Staples Centre. As he stood outside Barbara Ramirez, a fan with a ticket who could not make the ceremony, offered him hers for free.
Jackson died aged 50 on 25 June from a heart attack while preparing for a series of London concerts.
Dame Elizabeth Taylor, 77, one of his closest friends, said she would not be at the event.
Reader views (46)
all u bad sad people need to get alife the poor man is died cant u just leave him aolny he did have a bad bone in his body and if u read all up on the events after he died u would know that the two boys have come ford and said it was all lies and there sorry but to littlie to late to me so if u didnt love him and want the trueful then its u that are evil.
- manda, ram & kent, 24/04/2010 10:08
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all u bad people need to get a life your sados he was and is a great man and u would read in to this all the way u would know. that after he died both the boys have come out and said its all untrue it was for money that he didnt do anythink to them just sorry its too later. he didnt have a bad bone in his body just love it is us that is bad and some of us are evil
- manda, ram & kent, 24/04/2010 09:57
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i just dont belive tha MICHAEL JACKSON died...i dont belive that[http://i love very much michael jackson,like his girl PARIS..|http://i love very much michael jackson,like his girl PARIS..]
- Albiona, kosova, 10/07/2009 15:49
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why do you leave him alone ??? he who is without sin should throw the first stone..
- Barbara, london, 08/07/2009 12:03
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mmichael - the legend
may his soul rest at peace.
- Sarmistha Rai, india, 08/07/2009 08:38
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I think the family did wrong by having such a massive costly affaire in burying Michael. As one or two said that Michael gave and gave, this money could've gone to the poor somewhere. Anyway, that's America and it can't be without Shows! Even their presidential election is such a waste of money, campaigning for or against!
- Ariya, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 08/07/2009 06:19
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I dont believe any of child abuse allegations were true they were well calculated to extortion money out MJ. Some people will cross all limits to get money of a rich and famous guy
- Praveen Anand, London, 08/07/2009 00:18
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Unfortunately Michael Jackson betrayed our trust.
Anyone can be accused of doing something wrong once, But when someone keeps doing the same offences with children, and paying people off etc. It makes you wonder ? Luckily Michael Jackson had plenty of money to hire the best Attorney in the world to get him off.
However Michael Jackson was a musical genius, and i was an ardent fan until he got in trouble for the second time for the same thing involving children, He even dangled a baby from a balcony in london, This disgusts me, however if anyone defends him for his actions, I would also question their morals and catachter.
- Martine, london, 08/07/2009 00:12
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I was a fan in the 80's,I haven't been a true fan since- however- I also think it is sick that people are making distastful remarks about him- especially now he has passed away.as for any past allegations- they are exactly that- 'in the past, and never prooved' as a parent- I can tell you- if anyone had done anything to my child-I wouldnt settle out of court- not for all the money in the world, so in the opinion of someone with common sense- I think they were false allegations.
- Suzie, Ilford, 07/07/2009 23:14
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What a farce - is it coming to an end though?
My query in all this, although I am not a fan but have been intrigued at all the furore and fake mass mourning by the millions of people who "knew" him and their lives were at an end and they were surprised at someone his age dying suddenly from a heart problem even though so many drugs were involved (which is common).
Do all these people think nobody ever dies?
- Jack, Surrey, England, 07/07/2009 23:07
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If you looked into his life you would see what a hard up bringing he had. So much pressure was put on the Jackson 5 to perform and with MJ being the youngest he took it hard. He could never do the things you and I take for granted everything he did had to planned and policed, he could never just hang with friends or go shopping. Personally I think he had some sort of mental health issues (I could be wrong and forgive me if I am). Everything seemed to get worse when he had the stage accident and burnt his face which lead to him having the plastic surgery, this is evident with the way he behaved and when he hung his son over the balcony. His life has had it's ups and downs but he did a lot of good with his charity work. How much have you lot done for charity???
I agree with Maya, if someone had abused you, you wouldn't settle for money you would want justice.
Rest in gods arms MJ, may you be at peace now.
- Vicki, Croydon, England, 07/07/2009 21:47
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michael jackson is the king of pop the best of the best and those who dont like it STAFF IT!!!
- Kc, londonboy, 07/07/2009 21:41
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Can't understand the adoration - the guy sang some songs and jigged around a bit. Its all about record sales, and there seems to be a reasonable amount of people that like to be duped. Now hes gone they should try the catholic church to satisfy their duping needs.
- Mr Pastry, Brisbane, 07/07/2009 21:32
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Lets face it if my child was abused, I would take it all the way not settle out of court, or if there had been an earlie allegation, then I would not have put my child in that situation. Therefor Eye, rather than say why settle if he was innocent, why not say, why in the hell did the parents settle if their child was abused? Why did the 2nd parents let their son go to Neverland when they new of previous allegations, were their allegations a money making exercise?
The man was a legend, he had many brilliant records, and was an exceptional performer.
- E Sullivan, London, 07/07/2009 21:22
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Eye - well it is hard to convict someone when you settle out of court ....
This just shows how much you know - Michael Jackson was ACQUITTED IN COURT of these charges.
I do find it quite incredible that so many people who have only bad to say about MJ have bothered to read the article and then comment on it - no one is asking you to watch, listen, read...
As for Ge - comparing him to Jade - that doesn't even warrant an argument, it just shows how narrow minded you really are - no appreciation....
rest is peace MJ - the world is definitely worse off without you, but hopefully you are in a better place...
xxx
- Madgefan, London, 07/07/2009 17:26
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Maya - You think the child abuse allegations don't matter any more but I wonder if his victims feel like that?
David - Yes, I do have a lot of time on my hands, thanks for caring. I don't really see why that has anything to do with my wishing to redress the balance of all these mindless sheep spinning their drivel about the little freak though? Just because I had no interest in Jackson's so called talent does not mean I can't be interested in the social aspect of this outpouring of sentimental nonsense, does it?
- M Farbiash, Highgate, 07/07/2009 16:22
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Brilliant performer, less than brilliant human being.
The man was replete with contradictions, good points and bad, whether they be real or imagined (by himself or others) - they've all been amply listed so I won't rehash them yet again (not enough room with only 1500 characters allowed!) - but he's being laid to rest so I say RIP mate.
...unfortunately I foresee a manufactured hysteria of near Diana-like proportions. Hopefully I'm wrong. Twice in my lifetime would be just twice too many, but asking those that can to show restraint in their ability to exploit this to the hilt would be little more than a pleasant dream destined to end in a nightmare.
Ah well.
- Rogan, Irving, 07/07/2009 16:15
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He hasn't had a decent record out since the 80's if it wasn't for the fact that he turned himself into a freak show he'd have faded into obscurity years ago. As it was he was perfect media fodder which kept him the public eye,long after he should have hung up his trilby.
Kerry from Purley has hit the nail right on the head. Also his dodgy behaviour with regards to young boys, seems to have been swept under the carpet by some people, who seem to think that sort of thing is ok, provided the person doing it is famous/talented.
Oh and as for the famous Moonwalk, Jeffrey Daniels of Shalimar did it years before Jackson, (and far better).
- Shelly, London, 07/07/2009 16:00
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I read somewhere that Jackson only settled on the child abuse allegations because his insurers insisted on it. We will never know the truth, but, does it really matter now? The parties concerned with these allegations have been handsomely compensated, although I cannot believe someone who has genuinely been abused by him would have accepted cash. Human nature is to prosecute and see the offender behind bars, at any cost!
- Maya, London, 07/07/2009 15:50
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Can't wait for the first miracle to be claimed for someone praying to Saint Michael!
- Angela, London, 07/07/2009 15:44
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I am surprised that Gordon Brown hasn`t got in on the act and declared a National Day of Mourning.
If Blair was still in No.10 he would have muscled his way in to the funeral.
I guess that Queen will get another going over for not flying the flag at Buckingham Palace at half mast.
Just bury the poor, sad, crazy man; name an airport after him and get on with life.
- Charles, Stanmore. London, 07/07/2009 15:27
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M, Farbiash. So boring that you have taken the time not only to search and read this article but actually comment on it too. Why did you bother to do this in the first place if you didn't like his music and found him boring. Too much time on your hands?
- David, London, 07/07/2009 15:25
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I've been told that only the good die young!
Michael Jackson has a place in the good lords aboad, and may he rest in peace. He was a man with a fantastic talent, so innocent like a flower in bloom.
This world has lost out on such a majestic person, and only one thing remains - and that is for the pope to cannonise him and let him be remembered as a saint.
RIP Michael, for we all loved you!
- Raminder Bhalla, Isleworth, 07/07/2009 14:42
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She says on global messaging service Twitter!!! - John Entwistle, Hertford
Made me chuckle
- Gary, Brentwood, 07/07/2009 14:41
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CHARLIE CHAPLIN AND MICHAEL JACKSON: A PHOTOESSAY
go to:
http://chaplinalife.com/blog/2009/07/07/lost-childhoods-charlie-chaplin-michael-jackson/
- Steve, Washington,DC, 07/07/2009 14:28
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I do hope that Michael's sad and untimely death does not mean the end of the Bo Selecta character!! He was my favourite!
- Sydney O'Limpiks, coventry, 07/07/2009 14:18
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Saf, London "Michael was not convicted of child abuse" well it is hard to convict someone when you settle out of court .... I wonder why he choose that option like they say there is no smoke without fire not only once but twice well well
- Eye, London, 07/07/2009 14:15
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err, the "saddos" are not the people mourning for Michael Jackson's death, it is the miserable sods (thankfully very few) who not only fail to appreciate his amazing talent and contribution to good causes over the years, but also make such offensive comments on the day of his memorial. You think you're clever, you are just a disgrace to humankind
- Sk, London, 07/07/2009 14:06
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If it looks like a freak, sounds like a freak and acts like a freak then you know what? I bet you it is a freak!
As to whether Jackson was talented - that surely comes down to whether or not you appreciate his type of singing and dancing? I for one did not, therefore I would go further and class him as a boring freak. No, make that a dead boring freak. And yes, folks, I believe the world is a better place now he is dead. Good riddance to freakish trash!
- M Farbiash, Highgate, 07/07/2009 13:59
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Re: Kerry, Purley - If his kids were in anyway a risk while in his care, then they would have been taken away from him. He was never convicted of any crimes. Those allegations were money orientated. As for him not being the biological father, does it matter? Seeing as celebs are adopting kids from all over the globe.
- Triffidqueen, Desk in London, 07/07/2009 13:57
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Say it loud say it clear Kerry, Purley. People who refuse to see what a mess Jackson had become will never change, they still miss the other superstar of 2009 Jade.
A dead person can no longer be offended though many do enjoy seeking offence missing what is known as "the truth"
- Ge, Kernow, 07/07/2009 13:13
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Why is the lady in the photo looking so happy? Does she realise she is going to a memorial, and although his life is to celebrated, perhaps his passing should not.
I don't care how much of a fruitcake anyone thinks I am, I was deeply saddened by his death, and think he was a wonderful artist, and a soft human being who was totally exploited and misunderstood.
I would not however have wanted to go to this memorial, as sometimes you can take things a bit too far.
- Smb, London, UK, 07/07/2009 13:10
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To those who made unkind comments about Michael Jackson's passing I would like to say you should be careful not to dirty another person's name, particularly one who is unable to defend himself. Michael was not convicted of child abuse, but I do know that he did a lot of good deeds whilst he was on this earth, and I will remember him for these, as well as for his talent.
Yes, Michael was unusual and eccentric, this is not a crime. Do not judge him,leave that to God alone and remember you will also be judged one day (even if you do
not believe this). God bless you Michael, I sincerely hope your soul will find peace at last.
- Saf, London, 07/07/2009 12:49
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Kerry, Purley, have you ever heard of the saying if you have nothing nice to say don't say it at all?
- David, London, 07/07/2009 12:43
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A gold plated coffin? Gosh, how tasteful... NOT!
- Sarah Bradshaw, Enfield, Middx, 07/07/2009 12:39
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What the rest of the adult family make of the organised media circus is up to them, it's the 3 kids I feel sorriest for.
- Marianne, SW France/London, 07/07/2009 12:23
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Sharon, What planet are you on? he was an average singer and reasonable dancer who was famous because Quincy Jones made him so. he was a dysfunctional manipulative creep, possibly a child abuser, there is much circumstantial evidence to suggest he was. And as for a brilliant father???? If he behaved like that as a "civilian". social services would have taken them away. he is almost certainly not the biological father anyway. You and all the other deluded saddos can bewail his passing seeing as you don't have a life, but the rest of humanity will forget him in an instant.
- Kerry, Purley, 07/07/2009 12:14
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Mozart and Beethoven were far superior child prodigy’s who provided far superior music later on in life, both lives tempered in tragedy.
- Bob, Cheam, 07/07/2009 12:01
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"I just don't believe that Michael would want me to share my grief with millions of others."
She says on global messaging service Twitter!!!
- John Entwistle, Hertford, 07/07/2009 11:54
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This all seems a bit ghoulish to me. The only person who has had anything sensible to say on the subject is Elizabeth Taylor. I´m with you Liz.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands, 07/07/2009 11:53
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Michael Jackson was the greatest peformer ever, the greatest child performer and the greatest adult performer. His music was more pioneering then Elvis Presley. I went to two of this concerts (one in London the other in Scotland) and have never seen any other peformer come close. The guy was a genius who died thanks to the pressure of greedy losers making any excuses to sue him. They took advantage of his introverted nature knowing full well that he was a very shy person who would rather pay someone off then have to defend himself in public. Even the greedy surrogate mother who had contractually agreed not to have any parental rights, tried to sue him afterwards and Michael agreed to pay her 4.8 million dollars to have her full custody of his children rather then face public hearings or risk losing them. He was not guilty of anything but wanting to keep his children. Maybe he was also the greatest father too!!
- Sharon, london, 07/07/2009 11:44
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For heavens sake get this circus over so that the saddos can get back to life. Whacko was never the greatest. He was a disgrace to his race. The world is better off without him
- Trevn, Abu Dhabi, 07/07/2009 10:53
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Does anyone know if the memorial is going to be on any big screens in London?
- Triffidqueen, Desk in London, 07/07/2009 10:50
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Just don't leave him in the sun, he may melt.
- Dom, London, 07/07/2009 10:48
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Well said Liz !!!, 'she does not want to be part of the mass mourners', this is about one deranged person who is probably better off where he's gone,'Oh you sad lot'.
- Col, london, 07/07/2009 10:17
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Well said Liz (possibly the first sensible thing you've ever said).
- Claire, London UK, 07/07/2009 09:25
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