26/06/2009

Glastonbury Leads Michael Jackson Tributes

Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis has led the tributes for Michael Jackson, hailed as the 'King of Pop', who has died after a suspected heart attack at the age of 50.

The singer was pronounced dead after being taken to UCLA Medical Centre in Los Angeles from his home. He had been in a deep coma, reports have said.

Emily Eavis, who co-runs the festival with her father, Michael said: "I am shocked. This is such a tragic moment. We haven't got anything official to say yet but what I can say is there are tributes all over the site.

"Everywhere you go you can hear Michael Jackson 's music. I am sure the artists will pay tribute in their own ways. In the coming days everyone wants to pay their respects."

Dave McCabe, singer with The Zutons, told the BBC some cover versions are inevitable: "Hopefully, 'cos he's got good songs and it's always a winner."

The pop icon's brother Jermain said he believed he suffered a cardiac arrest in his home in Holmby Hills.

Jackson was pronounced dead at about 2.26pm local time (10.26pm British time).

He said: "My brother, the legendary King of Pop, passed away on Thursday, June 25, at 2.26pm.

"We believe he suffered a cardiac arrest at his home, however the cause of his death is unknown until the results of the autopsy are known.

"His personal physician, who was with him at the time, attempted to resuscitate my brother, as did the paramedics who transported him to UCLA Medical Centre in Los Angeles.

"On arrival at 1.14pm a team of doctors including emergency physicians and cardiologists attempted to resuscitate him for one hour but they were unsuccessful."

He also asked the media to respect the family's privacy during his "tough time".

"And Allah be with you Michael always. I love you," he added.

The singer, whose 1982 album was the biggest selling record of all time - shifting 57 million copies - also scored seven UK number ones as a solo artist and won a total of 13 Grammy awards.

Jackson sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide.

The King of Pop was dubbed 'Wacko Jacko' for his seemingly eccentric way of life, including his preference for the company of children, his friendship with a chimp, high-pitched voice and numerous plastic surgeries, including unsubstantiated rumours he bleached his skin.

He had lived as a virtual recluse since being cleared in 2005 of charges of child molestation, had been scheduled to launch a comeback tour at London's O2 Arena next month.

The star had three children, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince Michael Jackson II.

(JM/BMcC)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

18 November 2008
Bahrain Royal Sues Pop Prince Jacko
A Bahrain sheikh has challenged fallen-pop star Michael Jackson at London's High Court over a reneged financial agreement to record new material. Jackson allegedly backed-out of a creative arrangement he made with the king of Bahrain's son, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Khalifa, who reportedly financially supported the star.
09 November 2011
C4 To Air Michael Jackson Trial Documentary
Channel 4 is set to air a documentary about the relationship of Dr Conrad Murray with pop sensation Michael Jackson. The broadcast date the documentary will hit the screens has yet to be confirmed but it is understood that it will be some time next week.
05 March 2012
Michael Jackson Back Catalogue Stolen
Sony music has alleged that hackers have stolen 50,000 music files, most by the late Michael Jackson. Two men arrested last May appeared in court on Friday accused of the alleged security breach, they deny the charges made under the Computer Misuse Act and the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act.
29 October 2014
Zambian President Michael Sata Dies In London
Zambian President Michael Sata has died in London. According to media reports, he had been receiving treatment at London's King Edward VII hospital for an undisclosed illness. The reports said Mr Sata died on Tuesday with his wife and son at his bedside. It is not yet known who will succeed as president.
29 June 2004
Blunkett invokes High Court in top cop suspension row
The row over the future of underfire Humberside police chief David Westwood has entered the High Court, after the Home Secretary lodged papers last night asking the court to "enforce the law and grant a hearing".