Outpouring of love for Michael Jackson

Behind the scenes of the elaborate July 7 memorial service here for Michael Jackson were the thousands of fans who had come from all over the world. Without a ticket or a hope of attending the service, held at Staples Arena in Los Angeles, they came from every continent to pay tribute to an artist who had personally touched their lives. Upon hearing of his death on June 25, people jumped on planes from every corner of the earth, most without a plan. They just knew they had to be near him.

Some of the thousands outside the arena. Photo: Julia La Riva

As the City of Los Angeles clamped down on security, creating a protective barrier for blocks around the arena—restricting movement on the day of the memorial—fans arrived days early in order to sign the large billboard-sized cards with Michael’s image. They also wanted to hover around one of the last known places Michael had been while rehearsing for his upcoming London tour, or to get a glimpse of Michael’s former home, Neverland. Throngs of people hung over freeway overpasses, peering from skyscrapers and street corners, in hopes of getting a glimpse of the funeral procession.

Fans without the “golden” ticket to attend the memorial were not satisfied watching on television—as police, city officials and media insisted—but traveled near and far. They were drawn to pockets of downtown where they could be with others who shared the same passion for the man, his music and his artistry. Countless stories were told to this reporter on July 6 by people who waited hours in line to sign memorial cards. Michael had been the “theme music of their lives.” Everybody grew up with Michael and the rest of the Jackson Five.

From young children to senior citizens, they spoke as if Michael had personally touched their lives and sang or written songs just for them. Individuals from countless countries exchanged their stories with Angelenos, sharing the common thread of love for the music of the beloved Jackson family. True devotion and unflinching loyalty were the shared language on the streets, tempered by sadness at the loss of a young, great talent. People were not deterred from coming to Los Angeles even when they lacked access to the memorial service.

While many gathered for the extremely moving Michael Jackson Memorial inside the arena, thousands were out on the streets of downtown Los Angeles paying their respects and showing their great appreciation. From the entertainment capital of the world, Michael Jackson reigns supreme. Long live the King of Pop.