It’s finally official! Michael Jackson’s memorial service will be held Tuesday at 10 AM PT/1 PM EST at L.A.’s Staples Center, broadcast live on television and also live-streamed on the web. Check in with us in the morning. We scored tickets, and will be live-blogging.
Tickets will be given away, not sold, through a random drawing of 8,750 names — a breath of fresh air to those who have been sickened by the leeches making money off of Jackson during every phase of his life. People may register for the drawing at Staplescenter.com. Each winner will receive two tickets and no one without a ticket will be admitted to the venue.
Police have already begun to secure the area around the Staples Center with barricades, and a Los Angeles City Councilwoman recommended that fans without a ticket watch the memorial on TV. We’ll see how that plays out … [Photo: AFP]
July 3rd, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Michael jackson will always be the king of pop no one will take his place and he will always be remeber in my heart and everyone heart…………….. we love u michael jackson………………. i know ur parents must be glad dat u are the king of pop and no matter wat people say about u we will still love u………………………………………. u rock michael……………
July 3rd, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Michael Jackson is the King of Pop and always will be. Nobody can take that away from him. He change music, and that’s what he will always be remember for. I do not care what anybody say about him. Michael Jackson, change music and will always be the King of Pop. That’s what I’m going to remember him for.
July 3rd, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Are there any plans for public memorial services in any other cities?
July 3rd, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Soooooo……
Is this gonna be on VH1 or another Channel???
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:12 pm
It has taken a few days to digest the reality of Michael Jackson leaving us. He will always be remembered as the King of Pop and I can’t wait for all his collections to be back on the shelves. Got to say I am his same age and grew up with his artistry. I have always waited with expectation to see what Michael would do next. He will be very much missed. Love you Michael, and the world always will………
July 3rd, 2009 at 11:00 pm
I am sad about this. Michael Jackson has always been my favorite entertainer! I’m a child of the 70s and 80s, so I was really into Michael. I had a poster in my room of Michael wearing the yellow sweater and shirt (anyone remember that?) Anyway, not to be nitpicky, but in the article, why did it say “festivities”? Yes, we celebrate his life and his everlasting life into Heaven because I’m a believer, but we have to remember that his family is hurting. I’ve lost my sister, my niece and my dad in 2008, and we have to remember they lost their brother. It hurts. I think the word festivities is making light of the real situation. The Jackson’s are burying their son, brother, uncle and dad.
July 3rd, 2009 at 11:11 pm
i c ant believe that since neverland, the man loved that place so much, and the world can’t seem to let the man be buried there. the neighbors are so selfish, he gave the world everything he had and more, you can’t even let the man rest in peace there, if it was your son you would want him to be buried in his most favorite place in the whole world. you should be proud that the most fav icon wanted to be in your town, you should be ashamed. a few days of tv, fans ec. if he was god how would you feel????????
July 4th, 2009 at 12:04 am
michael jackson was my idol ever since i was small………….now that he is gone too soon ALLLLL PART OF my life is gone if it wasnt from him i wont know what music is all about sooo why mj gone too soooon………….=[….r.i.p1958-2009..
July 4th, 2009 at 12:21 am
I just wanted to say something about The King of Pop. I have grown up with him since he first started out and I still love his music til this day. He was a great singer and performer. I wish I would have got the chance to see him in concert, but never got the opportunity. R.I.P. You will be in my memories forever.
July 4th, 2009 at 6:34 am
Michael Jackson and his music have been a true and priceless gift to me in this life time! Although I never met Michael, I did see one of his concerts in the 80s and absolutely fell head over heels in love with him. Michael’s powerful persona, quiet charm and music has evoked so much happiness and feel good energy for me for decades. I am truly saddened by the untimely passing of Michael and feel it as a personal loss. I feel that all of us whose lives have been touched by Michael should have done a better job of giving back to Michael during his difficult times. I can’t help wondering if Michael had felt the out pour of love and support when he was alive, would things have turned out differently? Michael Jackson, your music, dance and love will live on through our hearts forever.
Vibha
July 4th, 2009 at 9:06 am
There is no exact word to describe what i feel about the loss of such a great person…. sadness…. emptiness…. still adjusting myself… grieving to the reality that MJ was gone. His music, moves and inisghts about how he can change the worlds perspective had greatly influenced and touched my life. Sadly, the hope i’m waiting to see him live in concert can no longer happen but he’ll forever be remain in my heart…. Thank you, Michael for the smiles, insiprations and happiness you brought to mylife and to the world! You’re the BEST! May you rest in peace… I love you!!!!!!!!
July 5th, 2009 at 12:30 am
Michael Jackson has been an idol of mine since i was a little girl. When I heard what happened. I didn’t want to believe. The news didn’t really seem real until i turned the tv on the next day. I cried so hard for Michael. He was truly special. I’ve always wanted to see him live. But never could afford it and he was never close enough to my home town. The life that he lived was amazing. He was a gift to the world. and even with flaws that he may or may not have had. He was a beautiful and amazing man. Thank god for blessing the world with such an amazing gift, a man with a heart for everyone. That wanted to share his talent with the world. And wasn’t ashamed to do so. There will never be another Michael Jackson. Love you Michael, You are my true idol…May god bless you in the heavens.
July 5th, 2009 at 3:03 am
Michael Jackson was a truly a king. His constant strive for perfection changed the world of music as we know it. He inspired me and my music so greatly that its hard to even express in words. He will be missed greatly and this is truly a sad end to an era that history will never forget.
July 5th, 2009 at 4:21 am
This has all been very surreal to me. When it hit me that he was gone was the day I saw a video of his empty house. These were juxtaposed with earlier video of him and his children. It was so sad to see that grand house will never be home to Michael and his children; the walls will not echo will their laughter again. That’s when it hit me he is truly gone.
I watched VH1’s 2004 biopic, “The Man in The Mirror”, which was already a sad movie now made even sadder now that I know he is gone. Although the ending expressed hope, that is no longer the case.
Michael is from my era–I remember seeing him on Ed Sullivan, American Bandstand, and other specials throughout the years. I have a hard time whenever somebody in my age group passes on, because in my mind, they left too soon. And their passing just reminds me how vulnerable I am, how we all are, and that we should live each day like it is out last.
Michael, R.I.P. Teach the angels how to moonwalk. I’ll bet you’re giving one heck of a concert up there in Heaven.
July 5th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I loved all of Michael Jackson’s music since childhood and I will miss hearing his voice. He will be a wonderful memory to me and I will miss him and his music always.
July 5th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I am his biggest fan. Michael Jackson will always be a king of pop to me!!! When I was in 6th grade I had his red Michael jacket, Thriller shirt, one glove, shinny socks and shoes. When I received the Thriller tape for Christmas I took it with my boombox everyday on the bus to listen to on the 1 hr drive to school. Me & my classmates had the tape memorized and my parents went broke buying my batteries for that boombox. During recess we would practice the moon walk and all the others moves so famous by Michael Jackson. My heart is so broken & I wish I could be at the Staple Center to say goodbye. I love you Michael & will be reminded everyday with my son named Jaxson.
July 5th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Another day is gone and i am still all alone.How could this be you are not here with me. You never said good-buy someone tell me why. Did you have to go and leave my world so cold R.I.P MICHAEL
July 5th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
I have watched Michael’s brother Jermaine speak and he is the one and only person I believe has spoken the truth about his brother. I am tired of the lies people are saying about him. We were not in his with him his last few days. Only the ones close to him were and they are the only ones that knew him personally. They told us how he was. I feel that the ones that were close to him shouldn’t have to tell all his life story, thats why he was so private. His family doesn’t have to tell everyone his life story. People would just judge him anyway. I feel his family and close friends know him and wouldn’t hide anything unless they need to. Know matter what they say he will still be missed by the ones that love him, his friends that love him, and his family that will always and forever love him. I know that those kids belong with grandma and the rest of the family. One more thing they are saying Michael never grew up always acts like a kid, well they should look in a mirror because we all have a child in us,and what Jermaine has said about him is only the truth. We should only believe the ones that really knew him, who grew up with him everyday, and what he has said in front of the cameras. I am a great fan of his and always will be. My kids and I will miss him.
July 5th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
I have watched Michael’s brother Jermaine speak and he is the one and only person I believe has spoken the truth about his brother. I am tired of the lies people are saying about him. We were not in his life with him his last few days. Only the ones close to him were and they are the only ones that knew him personally. They told us how he was. I feel that the ones that were close to him shouldn’t have to tell all his life story, thats why he was so private. His family doesn’t have to tell everyone his life story. People would just judge him anyway. I feel his family and close friends know him and wouldn’t hide anything unless they need to and they have the right to. Know matter what they say he will still be missed by the ones that love him, his friends that love him, and his family that will always and forever love him. I know that those kids belong with grandma and the rest of the family. One more thing they are saying Michael never grew up always acts like a kid, well they should look in a mirror because we all have a child in us,and what Jermaine has said about him is only the truth. We should only believe the ones that really knew him, who grew up with him everyday, and what he has said in front of the cameras. I am a great fan of his and always will be. My kids and I will miss him.
July 5th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
I am glued to the tv. watching all of Michael’s videos. My heart keeps aching to think he’s gone, but we will always have his music. Just to think that there will be no other ever like Michael Jackson. R.I.P. Michael, We will never forget you. You will live forever in your music.
July 5th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
It’s still a shock and it feels like a part of my youth has died with MJ, but I will keep him alive in my heart by playing his music and watching his videos. It makes me sad that he was so misunderstood and backstabbed during his life. I hope the media gives him the respect he deserves long after his memorial service. He wasn’t just the King of Pop, he was a wonderful human being.
God rest your soul, MJ.
July 5th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
I am so, so, so upset that /I was never able to see Michael in concert. I guess I always took it for granted. Thinking I could see him the next time he came around. This will be a life long regret. Love you Michael and you will never be topped on the charts or in our hearts.
July 5th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
My 4 year old daughter came to me and said “Dad, I was going to marry Michael Jackson.” This came as such a surprise. Wow! Only 4 years old and talking of commitment, yes I’m in trouble. Nevertheless, what is truly amazing is that she continued to elaborate with “now Dad, you do know its 2 Michael Jacksons-one wears lip stick and the other has an afro. I will marry the one with the afro.” Michael Jackson at 50 years old was able to captivate many, even a 4 year old. To me this is just amazing. Many have criticized the King of Pop, and some say he wanted to be white, because of the physical changes that he made. Well what about the millions of Americans that enjoy tattoo’s or bigger boobs. I guess as long as you are not Michael Jackson then it’s all body art! I will always remember Mike and although we as Americans view Mike’s death as an American tragedy, lets be honest about one fact- Michael Jackson is probably the one human that is known throughout the world! My four year old reminded me of that. So in closing, lets do away with the criticism and the digging into what went wrong and pay more attention to the beauty and hope that Michael and his family brought into our lives. ………………….
July 5th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Michael Jackson truly loved music and it showed in his fantastic work. I will miss his talent.`
July 5th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Since the day of June 25,09 my heart is broken. The world has suffered a big loss. I will always love you Michael Jackson you will be dearly missed. You are the King of Pop no one could ever take you place. I wish people could let you rest in peace. My favorie song is You Are not Alone. My words fail me You Are the Best in My World Love Always Lisa
July 5th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
i feel very bad and sad about this so i ujst want to say that all my pryers go out to his family and to stay strong!!!! much love
July 6th, 2009 at 1:07 am
Michael Jackson was a great entertainer and no one will take his place, he has marked the world in his own way like Elvis Presley has. My biggiest reasons why I am commenting on here is that I think the media and police are on TV way too much in regards to his children, the Will, the ex wife etc. This should all be discussed once they have all of the information and not now when it’s time for his family and fans to mourn him. I don’t feel it is right for all these interviews right now with his family members, his Neverland home being shown, his dad coming out, etc. etc. They should have a spokesperson speak for the family and nothing more. I’m sure at least his mother is at aww with all of this, why don’t someone have some sympathy for this woman, she is his mother. Doctors, nurses and everyone else shouldn’t be coming out of the wood work, they should be speaking to the DEA only at this time, everyone loves to make a buck even when its a sad occasion. There is a time and a place for all that later, right now it should be a sad time for the world. I feel that MJ should not be buried at his Neverland home because he did not love it there anymore, it is a beautiful place there no doubt but he left it, he was tired, depressed and sick of it, he felt invaded there, therefore if he didn’t want to stay there in life, why would you want to put him there for eternity. I know everyone want to make Neverlands his Graceland but this is two different superstars we are talking about here. I know there are many comparasions with him and Elvis (whom I happen to adore and love) but the difference with Michael and Elvis is this: Michael did not love Neverland any longer, Elvis always loved Graceland, why don’t everyone take that into consideration. Maybe someday it should be his tour home as Graceland is for Elvis or they can always build a place to become his Graceland for his fans to tour and view all of MJ’s special belongings. Maybe Neverland should become somewhat of another tour place or a carnival for special needs kids or kids with last wishes. Build a special place for MJ and name it after him, “Michael Jackson’s Peaceful Land”, something that doesn’t remind him of the awful horror that happened to him in Neverland. I am sure someone would come up with a great name for a place with a flowing peaceful water ponds, flowers and trees. I can also agree that he can not be layed to rest in a cemetary, there would have to be round the clock watch over his grave. I feel MJ should go to the Staples Center in that beautiful horse and carriage to the Staples Center so his fans can view his body and maybe TV’s on the outside so the ones that did not get a chance for tickets to at least pay their respects to him that way, for the fans that want to be there and feel close to him who don’t want to be home and watching it on TV. It should not be just a memorial service for him. I also feel it should be a memorial of sadness right now and not of celebration. There are many, many months and years to come to pay tribute to MJ in the coming years with celebrations . The family should lay him to rest somewhere private for the time being until they can figure out what is best, maybe a private moselium, somewhere that his body is safe just to give the family some moew time to arrange his final resting place. Making funeral arrangements for a superstar such as MJ is not easy. I hope many agree with me. “R.I.P” Michael…you will always live in our hearts forever.
Dianne (Medford, MA)
July 6th, 2009 at 1:15 am
I made an error on the wording below, I meant to say he family should lay him to rest somewhere private for the time being until they can figure out what is best, maybe a private moselium, somewhere that his body is safe just to give the family some “more” (not meow) time to arrange his final resting place. Sorry about that typo.
Dianne
July 6th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Dearest Michael Joseph,
When my daughter was young, II took her to see y ou perform twice; your performance was something we never ever forgot and it was truly ‘electrifying’ and worth what the tickets cost and much, much more; I screamed as though I were the youngster and totally lost my voice for 3 days after the concert. We both were praying that you’d come back our way (in Washington, D.C.) when you were done. I am truly saddened by your sudden demise; you have an ‘Earthly Star” here, but you’re now among the “True Angels, Stars and your Heavenly Host.” R.I.P. Michael Joseph — love you forever and you have truly rocked your devoted fans world!!!
July 6th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Michael Jackson will always be the King of Pop. There will never be anyone like him. I will be watching the memorial service on MTV tomorrow morning, but I wish that I could be there in person to honor the man who’s music inspired me and that was the soundtrack to my life. I remember the day that I got cable and seeing the Thriller video for the first time. I knew that Michael was and still is the King of Pop. I bought the Invincible album and I fell in love with it. I bought the Thriller album two years ago and I fell in love with it too. Michael, I love you and I miss you soo much. Jackson family, you are in my prayers.