Funerals Of The Stars – Michael Jackson
In March 2009, Michael Jackson announced his final ten shows at London’s O2 Arena, but demand forced the residency to be extended to fifty nights, to commence on July 13th 2009. However, on June 25th 2009, the world stood still as news spread that Michael Jackson had died after a suffering cardiac arrest at his LA mansion.
The immediate public response says it all about how famous and popular a figure Michael Jackson was. Internet search engine Google received millions and millions of requests for information on him within an hour of the news breaking, and he was back at the tops of the charts (airplay and download) by the end of the week.
Much speculation has arisen over the star’s physical health for such a mammoth tour, and whether this was to blame for the cardiac arrest, although rumors are rife of murder, overdose and still being alive. Only time will tell.
Michael Jackson’s private funeral service was held on July 7th 2009 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park’s Hall of Liberty, followed by a public memorial at LA’s Staples Center, where the ‘Artist Of The Decade (1980′s)’ had been rehearsing, which was watched by over 30 million people.
Mourners remembered Michael for his talents, success, generosity and attempts to ‘Heal the World’ through launching the ‘Heal The World Foundation’ and further charity work. In 2000, he broke the Guinness World Record for his support of 39 charities (more than any other entertainer or personality), to which he donated millions.
Various musical superstars, from past and present, who had been involved in Michael Jackson’s life sang tribute songs, whilst non-musical acquaintances gave moving eulogies. Perhaps the most notable line to come from the many said was by Reverend Al Sharpton, who told Jackson’s children – “There wasn’t nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange what your daddy had to deal with”.
Michael’s 11-year-old daughter, Paris, cried as she told the crowd, “Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine”.
It was also a time for regret for some, as they may have, for the first time, really considered what pressure they had put the man under, and how much they had unnecessarily hassled him. It was put nicely by Jackson’s brother Marlon – “We will never, never, understand what he endured. How much pain can one take? Maybe now, Michael, they will leave you alone”.
All in all, it was a fitting way to remember such a great man, and the services to commemorate him will be long remembered.
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