Fans camp out around the box offices
People camped out around the box offices three nights before ticket sales began.
Letisha Martin, 26, who is at the front of the line, says: “We’re not sleeping. We’ll stay awake all night.”
She recalls Friday night as a time for learning the Thriller dance from a group of dancers dressed as the dead, who performed to entertain the campers around the venue. Some people rested in sleeping bags, and some on folding chairs.
Martin continues, pointing to the group of Michael devotees camping out around:
“We’re one big family.”
Michael fans were eager to get tickets designed by Michael for the This Is It concerts and given to the first 500 people in line. For them, getting these tickets—part of pop music history—was worth waiting three days, not going to work, staying awake, using public restrooms, and sleeping on the street.
Andrew Wenglarz, a 26-year-old bus driver, says he’s been awake all night. Waiting with three friends, he proudly says he was also present at Michael’s memorial celebration on July 7 at the Staples Center.
1.6 million people registered to receive free tickets for that event, and 8,750 of them were given tickets by lottery.
Brenda Gonzalez says she joined the line at 3:00 AM on Friday, along with her sister and a friend.
“I only slept for four hours. I always sleep for 12 hours.”
Even so, these fans believe the excitement created for the film’s screening doesn’t match the outburst of emotions and feelings that were sparked after Michael’s death on June 25.
Jamie Lee, 34, who dances in Michael’s style to entertain tourists on Hollywood Boulevard, says the presence of people like him—who have been camping since Thursday evening—proves that:
“People are still reacting to his death. We all mourn in one way or another.”
Martin says this three-day camp is just the beginning, and Michael’s devotees will line up again for him. On the day of the film’s release, the earlier you arrive, the better your seat will be.
“That day we have to come early.”
Source: eMJey / AFP