The Iconic Funeral Of 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.
Internet search engine, Google, shut down as it interpreted the sheer volume of searches for “Michael Jackson” as an automated attack; and, within a few hours of the news breaking, the King of Pop was back on top of the charts thanks to radio airplay and downloads.
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.
A private funeral service was held on July 7th at Forest Lawn Memorial Park’s Hall of Liberty, after which there was a public memorial service at the Staples Center in LA, which was the location that he was rehearsing for his London shows at. The public showed up in huge numbers to pay their respect, and over 30 million people also watched on TV.
A musical artist alone, however good they were, would not be able to cause such a wave of emotion. It was what Jackson did to make the world a better place in general, such as launching his ‘Heal The World Foundation’ and supporting countless other charities, that was the cause of this almost unprecedented public response.
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”.
The services held were a fitting way to celebrate the life of Michael Jackson. They, along with his musical and charitable legacies, will ensure that he continues to live on in the minds of millions of people around the world.