Reactions to Michael’s Death Over the Course of a Month
After the news of Michael’s death was announced on the afternoon of June 25, people in cities around the world—from Tokyo and London to Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles—took to the streets to celebrate Michael and the art he devoted a lifetime to giving the world.
Fans gathered outside the Apollo Theater in New York, in his hometown of Gary, in front of the old Motown company building, from Hong Kong and China to Australia and Europe. In disbelief and shock at this devastating death, they turned to singing his songs and performing his dance moves. Fans covered the entrances to the farm and Michael’s former home, Neverland, as well as the Jackson family’s Encino home with flowers, dolls, and kites, and lit candles on the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame star bearing Michael’s name.
But not everyone’s reaction to this devastating loss was dancing and singing. Sky News reported that at least 12 fans had died by suicide. In a video message on YouTube, Jesse Jackson strongly urged Michael’s fans not to think about suicide. He said, “Our grief is heavy, but it is a strong reason to hold a celebration for Michael.”
In the weeks following Michael’s death, memorial concerts were held in many cities around the world. Many performers, singers, and major stars—such as Beyoncé, Madonna, You Too, and many others—paid tribute to Michael in their performances and concerts, or honored him by performing one of his songs and commemorating his name. Some even created songs in his memory.
Many filmmakers and prominent figures in the film and music industries, and even athletes and politicians such as Barack Obama and Nelson Mandela, as well as social activists, friends, close ones, and Michael’s colleagues, dedicated pages to him or expressed their condolences by sharing a memory of him on their Twitter, Facebook, or MySpace blogs. Many television specials and panel discussions about Michael were broadcast, along with numerous interviews.
Even prisoners in prisons in the Philippines paid tribute to Michael by performing the group dance Thriller in the prison yard. The inmates entered the yard holding large placards with Michael’s image and, in the style of the Thriller video, began their dance.
On July 13—the day that was supposed to mark the start of Michael’s 50-night concert run in London—fans from all over the world gathered outside the O2 Arena, where the concerts were to be held, to keep Michael’s memory alive. They sang some of Michael’s songs, including We Are the World.
On July 14, Buckingham Palace paid tribute to Michael. The Buckingham Palace royal guard—made up of 40 drummers, trumpeters, clarinetists, and trombonists—played Heal The World and Thriller outside the palace. Soldiers also marched while Bad was played by the Queen’s royal guard. Tourists watched in amazement, singing along and dancing. One of them said that the Queen’s tribute was to the King of Pop.
Source: eMJey / Daily Mirror / CNN / Sky News