Photos of Fans and Crowns Arriving for Michael Jackson's Memorial Service in LA

Michael Jackson's Memorial Mayhem Begins in LA

July 7, 2009

The circus has begun surrounding Michael Jackson's funeral events today in Los Angeles. Fans from around the world are pouring in to pay their respects, though only 17,500 were lucky enough to win tickets in the lottery to attend. Last night the Jackson family gathered for a viewing at Forest Lawn cemetery, where Michael will be laid to rest, and they were there again this morning for a private service preceding today's spectacle. The entire thing is being broadcast live, starting with the procession through LA's shutdown streets — find out how and where to watch it all here. Michael's body will be front and center at the Staples Center memorial, where performances include Usher, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, and more.

Appearances are also expected from stars like Kobe Bryant, Brooke Shields, Lionel Ritchie, and John Mayer. One person who will not be there is Michael's good friend Elizabeth Taylor, who shared her feelings on her Twitter page. The day — from closing down streets to security measures — is rumored to be costing the city of LA around $4 million. We'll be keeping you updated on this incredible event as we all watch as millions of fans pay their respects to Michael.

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Lots more from Staples Center so read more

Source: Getty, Splash News Online and Pacific Coast News Online

Michael Jackson RIP

17 Comments

3 years 45 weeks

California needed to keep that 4 million they spent on this event. Did California claim they were in a serious financial crises.

wilma 3 years 45 weeks

Iam still in shocked when he passed-away.wheather you're a fan of him or not it's sad that he had to go like that.I loved to watch him sing and dance.RIP Michael.My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

mel92 3 years 45 weeks

I completely agree with you breakbrooklyn, I grew up with Michael Jackson blasting from stereo systems in my older sister and brother's bedroom. We would watch mtv special's and record vhs tape's of his music and try to imitate his dance moves. He made me love music. There are just so many artists that record songs that I like at first and they soon get old. But not with Michael Jackson, it never did and never will. I am heartbroken :(

mel92 3 years 45 weeks

Ana V 3 years 45 weeks

breakbrooklyn, I feel the same. Born in 86, I grew up watching his videos, I remember the first time I saw Thriller I got really scared. I don't know what to think about this memorial, the artists performing with his body there is weird. I think it would be better if the funeral and the concert were separated, but maybe I'm wrong. I'm happy to see all the world recognizing his work but is so sad at the same time. Michael, rest in peace.

Ana V 3 years 45 weeks

breakbrooklyn, I feel the same.Born in 86, I grew up watching his videos, I remember the first time I saw Thriller I got really scared.I don't know what to think about this memorial, the artists performing with his body there is weird. I think it would be better if the funeral and the concert were separated, but maybe I'm wrong. I'm happy to see all the world recognizing his work but is so sad at the same time.Michael, rest in peace.

breakbrooklyn 3 years 45 weeks

@kiki tee- i grew up in the 90s (born in '88 but i was too young to understand anything '80s) and he resonated with me. maybe that's because I used to watch "thriller" with my cousin who is an 80s child and he used to pretend to call the zombies after me. i don't think it's that though. i just love his music and notice that many of the male pop artists in my generation try to copy him. he's definitely had a lasting impact on the industry and he made a lot of classics so i'm not surprised that those who grew up in the 90s would love him as much as the those who grew up in the 80s or 70s

Gdeeaz 3 years 45 weeks

poshbride i agree with you. I really hope people step up and donate money for this event because us here in LA can't afford to spend that kind of money. It is crazy trying to get anywhere in downtown LA today, a drive that would usually take me an hour took 2 hours.

Gdeeaz 3 years 45 weeks

Kiki tee 3 years 45 weeks

Actually those girls aren't as young as they looked in the small picture!

Kiki tee 3 years 45 weeks

It's so strange to see young girls carrying "I heart MJ " posters, I wouldn't have thought he was relevant to their generation. Which I don't mean in a disrespectful way before anyone tears my throat out for being a "hater", I just mean that if I'd grown up in the nineties instead of the eighties I can't imagine what he would have done in his career that would have resonated with me.

Kiki tee 3 years 45 weeks

3 years 45 weeks

RIP,MJ.

mar 3 years 45 weeks

MJ looks so cute as a little boy in that pic! God bless him.

mar 3 years 45 weeks

MJ looks so cute as a little boy in that pic!God bless him.

PoshBride 3 years 45 weeks

I can't believe that our state is in such a financial crisis, yet the city has no problem spending an estimated $4 million on this "event" when this shouldn't be a public service in the first place.

mel92 3 years 45 weeks

Wow, I wish I could've been there....I probably would have cried my eyes out though.

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17 Comments

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