June 27, 2009 With his then-concerts came approaching, Michael Jackson apparently didn't want to let down his fans, and had a rehearsal session for the gig on the night before he passed away on June 25. "The show at the Staples Center was amazing. Michael rehearsed 10 or 11 songs," his manager told Billboard.
"He sang and danced, not always at full power, but the way you do for a run-through," the manager continued. "When the show was over, he called me, but I was in the back getting something. He found me, and said, 'Frank, I am so happy.' He said he was just so happy. He said, 'This is really our time.' He put his arm around me."
In another news related to Michael Jackson, Akon said Michael was "just one of the healthiest people" he knew. "I couldn't believe it. Even now, I'm completely confused," so Akon said of the King of Pop's sudden death.
Previously, a source also said that Michael had passed a medical exam to obtain proper insurance for his London gigs, and was supposed to have another examination before he kicks off his London concerts. "He passed the physical and everything was a go," the source revealed.
Michael was originally set to begin his concert at London's O2 Arena on July 13. Soon after he passed away, the tour dates were removed from his official website and replaced with condolences from executives of Sony Entertainment. And recently, the concerts' promoter AEG Live announced full refund for those purchasing tickets for the gig.
"On behalf of the entire AEG organisation we extend our deepest condolences to Michael Jackson's family and friends during this tragic time," so the statement on the promoter' website read. "Full ticket refund information and procedures will be released early next week for all Michael Jackson 'This Is It' shows. Fans are advised to hold onto their ticket vouchers/proof of purchase.
June 26, 2009 09:12:11 GMT A source said Michael Jackson had passed a medical exam to obtain proper insurance for his London gigs. This statement is contrary to previous claim from another source close to Michael who informed the singer was actually not ready for a concert.
"He passed the physical and everything was a go," the source told E! Online. It is also said that Michael who passed away on June 25 reportedly due to cardiac arrest had been scheduled to have another exam before he kicks off the concerts on July 13.
Michael's upcoming London concerts were supposed to be conducted at London's O2 Arena. Earlier this year, he expressed his fury toward people who booked 50 live concerts for him at London's O2 Arena. At that time, he admitted he actually agreed to do only 10 gigs. "I'm not a big eater - I need to put some weight on," he complained.
Up to date, there is no word whether or not the concert will be kicked off as scheduled now that the singer has died. At time of writing, the tour dates have been removed from his official website and replaced with condolences from executives of Sony Entertainment.
Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President of Sony Corporation, said on the site, "Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him."
June 26, 2009 04:47:54 GMTMichael Jackson Not Ready for Concert, Source Says Before the Singer Dies
Before Michael Jackson passed away on June 25, a source close to him admitted that the singer indeed was not ready to hold a concert. "Michael is physically just not ready [for the concerts]," so the source revealed.
In further statement, the source also mentioned about Michael's weight issue which was claimed as the cause of his unreadiness. "He weighs even less than he did during his trial, which was almost nothing. He's 50 years old," the source explained. Previously, Michael Jackson has expressed his fury toward people who booked 50 live concerts for him at London's O2 Arena. At that time, he said that he actually agreed to do only 10 gigs. "I'm not a big eater - I need to put some weight on," he complained. Michael's upcoming London concerts were supposed to begin on July 8 before then pushed back to July 13.
Up to date, there is no word whether or not the concert will be kicked off as scheduled now that the singer has died. As of time of writing, the tour dates have been removed from his official website and replaced with condolences from executives of Sony Entertainment.
June 26, 2009
Michael Jackson remembered as 'consummate entertainer'
Following is a sampling of reactions from Michael Jackson's friends and admirers to his death:
The Rev. Al Sharpton says people around the world should pary for Michael Jackson and his family.
Mariah Carey, singer: "I am heartbroken. My prayers go out to the Jackson family, and my heart goes out to his children. Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world, and the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world. I feel blessed to have performed with him several times and to call him my friend. No artist will ever take his place. His star will shine forever."
Dick Clark, television and radio personality: "I knew Michael as a child and watched him grow over the years. Of all the thousands of entertainers I have worked with, Michael was THE most outstanding. Many have tried and will try to copy him, but his talent will never be matched. He was truly one-of-a-kind."
Don Cornelius, host of the show "Soul Train": "His passing will be grieved far beyond that of any other singer, composer, producer, dancer and choreographer, in the history of the world. Indeed, in my very firmest, personal, belief there will never, ever, be another Michael Jackson!"
Celine Dion, singer: "I am so devastated by this terrible news. From the beginning of my career, he was my idol in show business. He was a genius and an incredible artist! I remember when I was growing up and watching him on TV, and all his videos...I had his poster on my wall...he was so amazing...his singing, his writing, his dancing. ...It's unbelievable that he's no longer with us."
Gloria Estefan, singer: "The two great losses that we have felt today can only be balanced by the beautiful things that they left behind in our world. Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson will live forever in my heart as unforgettable and eternal."
Berry Gordy Jr., Motown Records producer and founder: "I am somewhat numb. I'm shocked at the death of Michael Jackson. It's like a dream, a bad dream. He was so much like a son to me. It's just hard to realize that Michael Jackson is not here.
" ... As a kid Michael was always beyond his years, he was an innovator, he was a genius at what he did. He had a knowingness about him. At 9 years old, when I first started working with him, he seemed to me like he had been here before. He was just so knowledgeable about life."
Eddie Van Halen, played famous guitar solo on Jackson song "Beat It": "I am really shocked, as I am sure the world is, to hear the news. I had the pleasure of working with Michael on 'Beat It' back in '83 -- one of my fondest memories in my career. Michael will be missed and may he rest in peace."
Jim Henke, vice president of exhibitions and curatorial affairs at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum: "Michael Jackson was one of the most creative and successful recording artists of the last 40 years. He became an instant star when he was only 11 years old, fronting the Jackson 5. His solo career was so extraordinary that he became known as the King of Pop. Few other artists of his era reached the peaks that he did, both in terms of sales and critical acclaim. His legacy will live on for a long, long time. We join the world in mourning the loss of this twice-inducted member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."
Whitney Houston, singer: "I am full of grief."
Wyclef Jean, Haitian musician, actor: "Michael Jackson was my musical god. He made me believe that all things are possible, and through real and positive music, he can live forever! I love Michael Jackson. God bless him."
Quincy Jones, conductor, composer, arranger, trumpeter: "I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words. Divinity brought our souls together on "The Wiz" and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the '80s. To this day, the music we created together on "Off The Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad" is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all ... talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."
John Landis, director of Jackson's "Thriller" and "Black or White" music videos: "I was lucky enough to know and work with Michael Jackson in his prime. Michael was an extraordinary talent and a truly great international star. He had a troubled and complicated life and despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure. My wife, Deborah, and I will always have great affection for him."
John Legend, singer, composer: "Michael Jackson will always be remembered as one of the greatest performers in the history of popular music. As a child of the '80s, I feel as though his music and his videos have been an inseparable part of my life and that of an entire generation. And the powerful thing about great music is that it will always live on. He was and always will be an icon. My heart goes out to his family, friends and countless fans for their tragic loss."
Madonna, singer: "I can't stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."
Neil Portnow, CEO of Recording Academy: "Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent, and vision as Michael Jackson. He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim. A 13-time Grammy recipient, Michael's career transcends musical and cultural genres and his contributions will always keep him in our hearts and memories. We are deeply saddened by this tragic news and our hearts go out to his family and to music lovers around the globe who mourn this great loss."
Lisa Marie Presley, musician and Jackson's ex-wife: "I am completely shocked and saddened by Michael's death. My heart goes out to his children and his family."
Linda Johnson Rice, chairman and CEO of Ebony: "I am deeply saddened by the news of one of the world's greatest and most influential entertainers, Michael Jackson. He was unquestionably an incredible and unique talent for the world to enjoy. I, along with my mother and father, John H. and Eunice Johnson, were extremely fortunate to have a great relationship with the Jackson family.
"In our hearts he will always be the The King of Pop, and I will personally miss him."
The Rev. Al Sharpton, civil rights activist: "A friend of Michael's for the last 35 years, I call on people around the world to pray for him and his family in the hour. I have known Michael since we were both teens, worked with him, marched for him, hosted him at our House of Justice headquarters in New York, and we joined together to eulogize our mutual idol, James Brown. I have known him at his high moments and his low moments and I know he would want us to pray for his family."
Brooke Shields, actress: "My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael. He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing."
Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Records: "Michael Jackson was my generation's most iconic cultural hero. Courageous, unique and incredibly talented. He'll be missed greatly."
Britney Spears, singer: "I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I'm devastated he's gone!"
Source: (CNN)
June 26, 2009 Gallery: Michael Jackson's life in pictures
June 25, 2009 - 4:51 PMFrom wire reports, Jackson was rushed to the hospital this afternoon after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Holmby Hills residence in Los Angeles. Apparently Jackson had no pulse when paramedics arrived, and though they administered CPR in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, they were unable to resuscitate him.
The celebrity gossip site TMZ and the Reuters news wire are reporting singer Michael Jackson has died.
A fire department official told the Los Angeles Times that Michael Jackson had been rushed to the hospital on Thursday.
Steve Ruda (ROO'-dah) told the newspaper that Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m.
The paramedics performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center, Ruda told the paper.
L. Londell McMillan, a lawyer for Jackson, did not have any information. Messages left for other Jackson associates were not immediately returned.
The hospitalization was first reported by TMZ.
The emergency entrance at the UCLA Medical Center, which is near Jackson's rented home, was roped off Thursday with police tape.
News trucks were gathered, helicopters flew overhead, and orange cones were laid out to redirect traffic.
``We have no statements as far as transporting Michael Jackson,'' Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Devin Gales said.
June 26, 2009 - 7:47AM
Pop star Michael Jackson has died after suffering a heart attack, it has been reported.
Media reports have said the star, 50, was taken to hospital in Los Angeles after he was found not breathing in his Holmby Hills home earlier.
Celebrity website TMZ said 911 operators received an emergency call about 12.12pm local time (5.12am AEST).
"We're told when paramedics arrived Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back," the website reported.
Jackson is believed to have gone into cardiac arrest and paramedics performed CPR on him en route to UCLA hospital.
The website quoted family members as saying the Thriller singer was in "really bad shape."
"We just got off the phone with Joe Jackson, Michael's dad, who says 'he is not doing well.'' the website had earlier reported.
Jackson was reportedly planning a comeback and was living in Los Angeles while rehearsing a series of 50 sold-out shows in London, the LATimes has reported.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics had rushed to the singer's $100,00-a-month rented home near Sunset Boulevard to find him not breathing, according to the newspaper.
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Marisa Charles
Micheal Jackson was that like love it dog. He was a great lovely music. Try i cant stop thinking of him. My name is Marissa and i am 22 yrs old. I really miss you him too much. I would please forgive him my life to keep him alive. We together i am sad him before remember this time ago i like to music alot all days. I love youuuuu too much. i am sorry him anymore.
cameron
michael jackson was tha dog.he was a legand at music.i cant stop thinking of him.my name is cameron and i am 9 yeas old.i REALY miss him.i would give him my life to keep him alive.if michael jackons doctor did not give him that medecine that had it had alot of drugs in it.i get this iformation from Nansy Grace. R.I.P MICHAEL
maya
poor man! i feel so sad when i think of him...God bless!
JAMES ATKINS
ALEXANDRA YOUR STUPID GOD ASKED HIM TO GO UP IN TO THE SKY MICHAEL JACKSON IS A WONDERFUL MAN AND HE IS COOL AND ALSO I LIKE HIM A LOT IM NOT GAY BUT I DO THANKS
JAMES ATKINS ! R.I.P
Alexandra
The man is dead. hell yeah is all i have to say i'm not sorry at all
June 27, 2009 With his then-concerts came approaching, Michael Jackson apparently didn't want to let down his fans, and had a rehearsal session for th...
The business loans seem to be useful for people, which would like to start their own company. By the way, it's very comfortable to receive a small business loan.
Micheal Jackson was that like love it dog. He was a great lovely music. Try i cant stop thinking of him. My name is Marissa and i am 22 yrs old. I really miss you him too much. I would please forgive him my life to keep him alive. We together i am sad him before remember this time ago i like to music alot all days. I love youuuuu too much. i am sorry him anymore.
michael jackson was tha dog.he was a legand at music.i cant stop thinking of him.my name is cameron and i am 9 yeas old.i REALY miss him.i would give him my life to keep him alive.if michael jackons doctor did not give him that medecine that had it had alot of drugs in it.i get this iformation from Nansy Grace. R.I.P MICHAEL
poor man! i feel so sad when i think of him...God bless!
ALEXANDRA YOUR STUPID GOD ASKED HIM TO GO UP IN TO THE SKY MICHAEL JACKSON IS A WONDERFUL MAN AND HE IS COOL AND ALSO I LIKE HIM A LOT IM NOT GAY BUT I DO THANKS
JAMES ATKINS ! R.I.P
The man is dead. hell yeah is all i have to say i'm not sorry at all