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Thousands of Michael Jackson fans gathered at the 02 arena to remember the star on the day that would have seen his first London concert.
The venue was turned into a shrine as people paid tribute to their idol by singing his songs and celebrating his life.
Ellie Howlett, 24, a student from Portsmouth, who made the trip with her sister, said the event was a chance for a "final goodbye" and in contrast to the sombre memorial service in Los Angeles last week.
She said: "I had tickets to see the concert this week and I had to come down just to be with other fans. It's a way of getting closure.
"I cried when I signed the memorial wall, but apart from that the atmosphere has been happy. London has become the focal point for all of his fans in Europe because of the concerts so it was important to be a part of this."
Last night would have been the first of 50 planned dates for his This is It comeback tour.
Some of those at the O2 dressed in Jackson costumes spanning his 40-year career from red leather Thriller outfits to sequined military jackets and single white rhinestone gloves.
Michael Lewis, 25, a retail manager from Edmonton, dressed in full Jackson stage costume, spent more than £1,000 for concert tickets for seven dates.
More pictures: Michael Jackson fans at the O2
He said: "I'm a member of a fan club and we've been holding vigils outside HMV in Piccadilly Circus, but the 02 is now the real focus. I think there will fans meeting here for the whole of the 50 nights he was meant to perform.
"I didn't see a single tear here. We've been dancing and singing. Remembering his music, but also all the good that he did."
A minute's silence at 6.30pm marked the time when the doors to the concert would have opened. Fans also signed a memorial wall while impromptu performances were given on a stage as footage of Jackson was broadcast on television screens.
Leo King, 28, a business journalist from Kingston, took promoter AEG Live's offer to trade in his £75 ticket for a souvenir version with a Jackson hologram rather than a refund.
Mr King said: "I decided that if I didn't go for the hologram ticket then I might regret it later. Like all fans I was very sad, but once you come to terms with it, you realise the legacy of great music and videos that he has left us."
More pictures: Michael Jackson fans at the O2
Reader views (39)
Wow, not many have done their MJ research on here! Jackson, in fact, wrote most of his music including his most well known tracks - Billie Jean, Don't Stop, Black or White, Beat It, Smooth Criminal, Bad etc - himself. Quincy Jones was only co-producer on 3 of MJ's studio albums.
I think the saddest thing is when people are so mean spirited about where other people find enjoyment in life. Everyone is a fan of someone or something, so why not allow everyone to enjoy what they enjoy without resorting to abuse?
On a factual note, MJ was found not guilty at a criminal trial in the US in 2005. Why can't people let this man, who has had such a huge cultural influence on music over the last 4 decades, rest in peace? Long live The King of Pop.
- Jo, London, UK
The people who really need to "get a life" in this whole situation are those who are consistantly commenting on a story that theyre not even interested in.
Whatever you may think about him, Michael Jackson was one of the greatest musicians to walk the earth. Its a proven fact : Thriller being the best selling album of all time. Heres a little challenge for all the haters: you go and sell more than 40 million copies of one album, you break that record and then I may just have a little bit more respect for you.
Just leave the man alone, thats all he ever wanted and it people like you that made his life hell in the first place.
- Georgia, Croydon, London
i love u so much, MJ.
- Echa, pekanbaru,indonesia
ok,
it might be difficult for you to comprehend why people will grieve for someone they didnt know or even met, but i an many other people feel grief stricken over michael
yes there is so much terrible things in the news right now that are just as, if not more important than mj but maybe im crazy,maybe im not,but thats the reality of it, an i cant help feeling the way i do
and in the circmstance of any death that hurts you, you get together with other people who loved and cared for that person and you seek support and you celebrate the persons life,so tell me another way that i as a grieving mj fan can do that? we arent hurting any one are we?
and to the person who said michael dont care about his fans? course he does! after all we are the ones who made him who he is, and you can joke about what iv just said if you want but its a fact- no artist out there dont care about those who buy their records and support them, especially as michaels fans supported him during 2005 .
- Rachael, UK
Kevin Sullivan, Roehampton, London.
If you did your research, still can say MJ did not do anything original, anything that is been copied by other artists of this centry? or is your research based on the Sun and the Daily MIrror perhaps?
And when Quincy Jones dies, I will feel sad to see another genius leaving us, not only for his work with MJ but for his contribution in the history of contemporanean music, TV and Film. And I will feel sad everytime one of those extraordinary people who have inspired me personally and professionally die because they put a smile in the faces of millions and make them forget their problems for a while. That's is the magic of Entretainment, that is why we mourn MJ.
- Laura, London, UK
It"s interesting that the only news in the Los Angeles newspapers related to Jackson is that Liz Taylor went into hospital and that the Jackson circus cost the city a lot of money that they could have done without,i wonder if the organisers will pay the bill?
Hopefully there is no more hysteria and his fans no longer go to an empty building to pay some sort of respect.I find it very hard to fathom out the actions of these socalled fans when hysteria is very seldom seen at a funeral of a loved family member.
ray london
- Ray, london
to Rob, London,
well actually you will find people who show an out pouring of emotion for whomever usually are people who can show empathy for others and their feelings.
I cried for the soldiers and their families especially the eighteen year olds, so young, i cried today for the 17 children who were orphaned in the US by murderers who shot their parents dead.
I cried when MJ died too. It hurts when I see so much sadness everywhere but in MJs case he gave us his music which lifts us from feeling so sad.
I have perspective and so do other MJ fans
- Dizzy, uk
What a sad bunch of zany characters. Michael Jackson didnt care about one of you. He would have never been fit to perform any concerts in London. He was a fifty year old very mixed up druggie.
- Michael Riley, london
The ones being disrespectful to Michael jackson and his fans are the idiots that need to get a life! He was never convicted of any offence and i defy anyone to life a 'normal' life after being shoved in the limelight at such a young age! The man was a legend, he had the biggest selling album of all time, so many great songs and videos! He had fans and lots of them, just because you lot arent doesnt mean others aren't and you should respect them not slag them off. If you've had enough of it, dont come on news articles about him, dont read the pages in papers about him and change the radio if he comes on! But dont disrespect others for being a fan and wanting to celebrate his life! Rest in peace MJ!
- Mj Rules, London
Laura, London, Thank you, I did do my research, and, you have totally confirmed my sentiments. Thank you!
PS. What will you do when Quincy Jones dies?
- Kevin Sullivan, Roehampton, London.
so now to all those people who don't get why we were so emotional and celebrating Michael Jackson's life.
yeah we didn't knew him at all like we know our family and friends.
But he gave us a lot. He tried all his life to express himself. every human being on this earth is alive to express themselves. everybody in an other way. Michael also did, and some of the people liked and some didn't ... he succeeded in a lot on this earth. more than any of us could ever dream about.
We celebrated the love we had for him, our appreciation for what he has done. for the love he wanted to give. and he gave!!!!
its totally normal that not everybody has to love him and appreciate him.
It is not our fault that the concert were starting at the 13th of july, when the 8 dead soldiers arriving from Afghanistan. it is not because we're celebrating michaels life that we forget everything around us. come on people. thats bull**** and you know it. mybe you just a bit jealous..
we shared michaels music with a lot of fans through all these years... and now i think its just to normal to get all together as possible to "celebrate" his life.
look at this : if a member of your family came to die, you will be very happy to have the rest of your family as as support ..
we are the MJ-fan family.. its a family too.. and we need to get together to help each other. its love!!!
why shouldn't we celebrtrate LOVE!! for god's sake.. keep your negativity for yourself and get a rest!!! thank you
- Sophie, luxembourg
And some of you, this event was nor organized by AEG or anyone trying to make money, but fans for other fans...This is something we have done for years...If media chooses to be there, not our fault.
- Lisa, Bournemouth
Beautiful event.
Don't worry about about some people...they will never understand anyways...Michael was a big star but for his fans he was a performer who was "hands on" and dedicated..he really loved his fans and the fans loved him...still do.
The event was to keep MJ memory alive and the fans seem to have the media attention so go for it! No other artist, dead or alive, have such fans as MJ fans are. You are special.
Carry on and keep the man alive.
- Minna, Southampton
Just wondering how many of these people spared even a nano-second today to acknowledge the 8 dead soldiers arriving from Afghanistan. These people need some perspective in their lives.
- Rob, London
Ever since the death of Diana, this world seems to get stranger and stranger.
People gather in their hundreds outside schools, stadia, and other buildings to hug each other (whilst appearing on tv) to mourn somebody that they never even knew when that person was alive.
Now we have a load of sad sods with no life whatsoever, who (for reasons only known to themselves) want to go and stand outside an empty building, simply because the person was going to do a concert there.
I am going to make sure that when I kick the bucket, people will go and stand outside where I used to work (at a petrol station)and sing songs about me "(Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life)"
fOR GAWDS SAKE YOU LOT, GET A BLOODY LIFE OF SOME DESCRIPTION!!!
- Steve Hamilton, Totnes, Devon
I have come to the conclusion that all of you sad socalled fans deserve to get ripped off.Michael Jackson was a great showman without a doubt,but as a person he was a disgrace,he was a drug addict obsessed with young
boys that he liked to sleep in his bed,he slept with his pet monkey,he paid off people to shut them up,he refused to bring up his kids with the love of a mother and covered their heads over when they went out.
Respect the music(mainly by Quincy Jones)yes,but respect the man never.
ray london
- Ray, london
Thank you to all the beautiful people that made this wonderful tribute take place. It is only a real human being who understands the Love Power that fuels Michael Jackson and his family of fans. Society is in regression, not recession so ignores the heartless and disrespectful ones that don't understand, although they make this world an ugly and challenge for all of us to live and harmonize in, we must pity them for not being able to experience love this strong. We are truly fortunate. We know the magic that Michael Jackson brought to the world and we shall continue to keep this magic alive. We shall keep celebrating Michael because love survives and he will rock forever on...
WE ARE STILL COMING TO TERMS WITH THINGS, THE TRIBUTES HAVE ONLY JUST BEGUN...
GET READY FOR MICHAEL JACKSON BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS...
SEE YOU NEXT BANK HOLIDAY!!!
Love Power,
The Boogie Woman
- The Boogie Woman, London
Cally G, us fans have a life and this life has been influenced by family, friends and by this music icon in many ways. Does that mean that any person who follow a football team, have a hobby etc are empty headed people? Maybe you should get a life instead of reading articles on which apparently you are not interested in reading?!
- Laura, London, UK
Another reason, amongst many, why I despise pop "music". True musical icons are the likes of Mozart & Beethoven, not this pop rubbish we are all force fed with. Jacko fans needs to seriously get a life.
- Cally G, Essex, UK
I bought a ticket and I need to know how much longer I will have to wait before I get my money back. We’re in a recession and I would like my money back. Keeping the ticket is not an option in my mind.
- Joyce Jerome, London
Wow. There are some very mean spirited people leaving messages today. I'm not a fan of Jackson's music, but no one can deny his sudden death was news worthy. Likewise, the date of what would have been the opening night of his residency at the 02 was always going to be poignant. People love to pour scorn on things they don't appreciate. So many people are keen to 'draw a line' and 'get on with life'. I see it all as a media break from MP's expenses and teenage knifings.
- Ben Farrell, London
Bob, I wasn't directing my comments at you. I wish people would be more considerate too. But as some aren't, I find listening to a personal stereo or phone radio tends to block their tastes out.
- S-M Hearmon, London, UK
It was an honour and priviledge to be at the memorial and vigil yesterday outside the o2 arena. What an amazing evening! This was a great occasion for all his true fans. So many fans from around the world came to pay their respects and celebrate his life. It was great to see Navi and Signature there as well amongst others performing their tributes. For those people wondering what the fuss is all about, name any other artist, entertainer or performer in history who has transcended more boundaries and had such a mass appeal to such a diverse range of people than Michael Jackson? Cue silence. He is an absolute genius and legend. His music has such a wide appeal and means so much to so many people from various backgrounds. He was the iconic star of his generation and arguably the greatest entertainer of them all. Quincy Jones had a big part to play in his success but you need the talent and charisma to carry it off and MJ had it in abundance. He did actually write a lot of his own hits and material and choreographed his dance moves which are still copied today. For all his popularity, success and talent he was also a humble and softly spoken person and did a lot of charity which is often ignored by the ignorant masses.
He brought lots of happiness to so many millions of people and his fans will always remember him. His legacy will last forever, much longer than the cynics, doubters and contemporary media.
Thank you Michal Jackson for all the memories.
A fitting farewell.
- Dwain, London
How long is this silliness going to go on? The guy is dead - get over-yourselves and move on!
- John, London, UK
To Kevin Sullivan, Roehampton, London, who says "a man who never had an original thought, or created anything original in his life":
Clearly you know nothing about him and about his career and I don't need to justify my words, just do some research or ask any music lover. Facts Kevin, facts. And less you know about the "more dull, boring, moronic people" you describe as his fans...from which 95% are music composers, designers, dancers, actors or any other creative career...Some research again, Kevin.
- Laura, London, UK
S-M Hearmon, perhaps you would like me to wear earplugs when I walk down the road so I don't have to listen to pillocks playing MJ at full blast in their cars then? How about people are considerate and don't force their musical tastes (and I use the word very broadly) on others.
- Bob, Cheam
i have missed MJ. had a ticket to go and see him. i will keep my ticket and the memmories of Michael Jackson for ever. I am still crying for you MJ.
for ever love you
katexx
- Kate, london/ england
...sorry I meant clear his debts, as even hyped publicity can't clear his death!
- Smb, London, UK
To the people saying enough of the Jacko stuff (while I agree with you) you don't have to pay attention to it if you don't want to. I've easily ignored the articles in the paper about him (very simple - just skip to the next page) and if you're sick of listening to Michael Jackson, then stop listening to pop radio. As I wasn't a fan of his I've been happily listening to rock radio stations and there's been hardly any Jacko on. It's ace!
- S-M Hearmon, London, UK
Why does this country have so many more dull, boring, moronic people, who somehow in their empty lives can make a hero out of Michael Jackson (a man who never had an original thought, or created anything original in his life) Perhaps, there was something in his private life that deserved admiration that I do not know of,if there was please enlighten me! What are these people grieving for, I dread to think what their reaction would be if a member of their family, or, someone with who they were intimate died. How do they cope with the return of members of the armed forces individuals, who died heroically,in the service of this country, not from self abuse? However, I revert to my original question why does it appear that there so many more dull, boring, moronic people on our tiny little Island, than anywhere else in the universe? Hello...., Hello...., is there anybody out there?
- Kevin Sullivan, Roehampton, London.
I had tickets for September, but I can honestly say I will NOT be going and holding vigil on that date at the O2 or anywhere else.
I respected him as an artist and thought he was one of the most misrepresented people in the media, but there has be a line drawn under this now. I know his promoters will continue the hype as isn't his re-printed biography coming out in the next week? I wonder if all this extra merchandising will posthumously clear his death?
- Smb, London, UK
Last night I witnessed many of these 'fans' bumble through Canary Wharf onto the Jubilee Line. What a bunch of saddoes and social rejects. Considering that he didn't write many of his songs (including the famous ones) and not had what could consitute a 'hit' since the early 90's or hasn't toured in 12 years, this truely is a testament to marketing and hype that only the weak minded would follow.
- Hansel, London
He was a singer not a god!
Tedious and boring, just go away.
- C Cusano, Bedford
Get a life you sad lot
- Dac - Ealing, London
was a moving event
my pics up at
www.concertphotography.co.uk
- Jules, london
Personally I have loved all the music and videos being played everywhere! It's reminded everyone what a great entertainer Michael Jackson was. Kind of bit sick of the Billy Jean video now though!
- Paul, London
Before his death, £75 for the ticket AND the show.
After his death, £75 just FOR THE TICKET as a keepsake! And they are still flogging all the merchandise at full price rather than offering anything to the fans who fought for tickets.
Guys, stop gathering around the O2. It does nothing for Michael. This is his management and promoters dream, as they continue to rip you off.
I am no MJ fan, but if I was, I would at least see sense by now!
- Simon, London
What a sad bunch, all trying to form Flash Mob by decree. Get a life & dance to a different tune.
- William, Hay~Heath UK
Once this has finished can we please just get on with life and drop the subject? It's get very tedious now, at least people seem to have stopped playing Micheal Jackson full blast on their car stereos now.
- Bob, Cheam
