Icon's curtain call (Sitegeist)
"This is the final curtain call," Michael Jackson announced this March to fans at his 02 Arena press call. No-one could have realised how sadly prophetic his "retirement" statement was as the shock news of his death broke in the early hours. Sat Bal (26 June'09).
At
the time of writing the cause of death was suspected to be cardiac
arrest and Michael Jackson was pronounced dead at 2.26pm yesterday
(25.06.09). His body has been flown to the Los Angeles County Coroner's
Office where a post-mortem will be performed. West Los Angeles had come
to a standstill in the afternoon as a glut of media, police patrols and
fans converged on the University of California medical centre as the
news broke.
Michael Jackson's formidable presence was soon to be revisited by British fans anticipating the 02 shows in July in the most hotly awaited music industry event of the year. The surreal mood spread today to Glastonbury with organiser Emily Eavis expressing her sadness on the festival's Twitter feed, saying "So sad to hear the news about MJ. There will be tributes all over the site all weekend. A truly great artist.”
The Glastonbury sentiment typifies Jackson's appeal way beyond musical borders and cultures. Festival artists will, doubtless, be paying their own on-stage tributes today which join those from figures including Madonna who said:"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."
Close friend Uri Geller has publicly declared his view that the stress of preparing for the imminent London performances led to the death.
Rick Sky, managing director of BANG Showbiz who wrote a book about the star's life said: “I am still in shock as I know millions of people all over the world are. He was a unique star. A true legend who changed the face of music. He wanted to live forever and he will through his music and his performances.”
Event PR, John Cooke also spoke of his sadness at the singer's untimely end aged just 50.
"I
did many things for Michael, particularly organising a party for his
tour in Spain in 1992 for nearly 2,000 people," recalls Cooke. "I also
helped organise the PR when he came over for Uri Geller as well as
arranging the introductions of Saudi princes with him in 1989.
Michael Jackson with John Cooke (right) in brighter times
"I
knew that he was taking prescription drugs, which in the end could have
led to his downfall. I don't think that he was in a position to have
completed the 50 shows that were booked."
The musical legend is survived by three children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11 and seven-year-old Prince Michael II.
Related screening:
RK
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