Celebs and fans come out in force for Jacko's last show
Thousands of fans and scores of celebrities turned out in 17 cities around the world yesterday for a last look at Michael Jackson on stage.
They flocked to premieres of This Is It, a film made up of footage from Jacko's rehearsals for the 50-date London residency he was due to start only weeks after he died in June.
The movie opened to the public with special showings from 4am yesterday and will be in cinemas for two weeks.
In London, the premiere began at 1am at the Odeon in Leicester Square.
Rapper Chipmunk described the film as "absolutely amazing".
"It's given me the package of what his tour could have been if he was still alive," he said.
He was joined at the star-studded premiere by Peter Andre, who said he would do a Jacko tribute on his tour next year, JLS, who all wore Jacko T-shirts, Westlife, ex-Spice Girl Mel B, former Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan, model Abbey Clancy and Britain's Got Talent winner George Sampson.
Former Blue star Duncan James, who hosted the pre-premiere entertainment show in Leicester Square, said the film showed Jackson had been ready to perform live for the first time in years and was in full control of the show. "He was a genius, an inspiration to many artists who will watch the film," he added.
Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity, who were due to perform at the London gigs, did a dance tribute.
Featuring trademark Jacko moves, such as the moonwalk and the Smooth Criminal forward lean, it attracted huge cheers from the crowd.
Diversity spokesman Ashley Banjo described Jackson as "a great influence" and said performing at the premiere was one of the highlights of their year.
Mel B told the crowd she had met Michael only once but found him humble, down to earth and sweet.
"He's going to be sadly missed," she said. "He was such an inspiration."
Leicester Square also gave a warm welcome to Jackson impersonator Navi, who had acted as a decoy for the singer and also performed at Jackson's 50th birthday celebrations.
"Michael Jackson will always be celebrated," he said.
The Los Angeles premiere was attended by Jacko's brothers, Tito, Marlon, Jackie and Jermaine, the film's director Kenny Ortega and stars including Will Smith, Paris Hilton, Katy Perry and Jennifer Lopez.
It was held near the arena where much of the rehearsal footage was shot. Ortega introduced the film, calling it the "last sacred documentation of our leader and our friend". Jackson's friend Elizabeth Taylor described This Is It as "the single most brilliant piece of film-making".
"It was touching and beautiful," said fan Casey Gosh, 24, who was in the audience. "It told his story. You really felt like you knew him. It was his final performance."
Family friend Lionel Richie surprised Japanese Jacko fans when he appeared at the Tokyo premiere.
Richie spoke to hundreds of people who managed to get a ticket for the show.
He said: "I've known Michael since he was 10 years old. The interesting part about it is that I watched him grow into this superstar but I always have memories of him being this young kid."
The film's release has been controversial as an investigation into Jackson's death is not yet complete.
Some fans believe those close to the star could have done more to prevent his death from a suspected heart attack.
The Los Angeles County Coroner has ruled the death was homicide caused by acute intoxication with the sedative propofol.
|