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June 29, 2009
Photo Gallery: Michael Jackson at one of his last rehearsals
Posted: 02:28 PM ET
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Editor's Note: In these handout photos provided by AEG/Concerts West choreographer/director Michael Jackson rehearses for his 'This Is It' tour. See images from some of his final rehearsals at the Staples Center on June 24th, and May 6, 2009 in Burbank, California with choreographer/director Kenny Ortega. Tune in tonight to see more from Michael Jackson's final rehearsals.

66 Comments
66 Comments
Cindy   June 29th, 2009 2:37 pm ET

Cool pics! Looking forward to seeing more. I'm shocked they gave them out though. Most people would be trying to make a buck off of them seeing that it's some of the last images of him working and of him alive.

Cindy..Ga.

BettyAnn,Nacogdoches,TX   June 29th, 2009 2:48 pm ET

Remember when Elvis died and some thought is was a stunt to get him out of the spotlight?
Is there a theory here that maybe MJ is not really dead? Just hoping.

Jane Junkert   June 29th, 2009 2:55 pm ET

I loved Michael Jackson's music but I think that way too much time is being made of his death and his legacy. There are no heroes, music or otherwise, that would destroy his life spend millions of dollars on drugs. If he really cared for children like the stories say, his money could have been spent on so many children's issues.
We all could blame our bad choices on our past experiences but sooner or later we have to stand up for what we believe and show who we are. He is not a martyr or a hero to me but I will miss his music.

Gail Ellis Duncan   June 29th, 2009 2:58 pm ET

Help me out here, we all are going to die and journey into the fogotten place. Why not take the time to love one another while we are here and treat each other right? Are we so consumed with wealth and profit that we are lost about our basic needs? We are in a deep transition here and we need to remain focused. Searching our heart and minds for a better way of living and treating our neighbor. Death comes to us all. Have we forgotten this? Let us live a better life here and now...please.

beefree   June 29th, 2009 3:02 pm ET

I thought the death of Elvis was bad, this is 100 times more explosive around the world. Neverland will turn into the biggest pilgrimage on earth.

Kimberley   June 29th, 2009 3:03 pm ET

Beautiful final images to leave us with... Thanks for that.

Kitten   June 29th, 2009 3:03 pm ET

He looks frail to me..even his smile seems forced. Very sad all around.

Zorada   June 29th, 2009 3:06 pm ET

He looked truly happy doing what he loves. All politics aside, he was an amazing performer.

Joanna   June 29th, 2009 3:06 pm ET

It truly is a tragedy that we will never see Michael Jackson make a come back. He was a musical genius and talent like no other. My heart goes out to his family. Joanna Mi

Steve   June 29th, 2009 3:06 pm ET

Since there will be no concert, do you think they will release video of him rehearsing? I want to see his new moonwalk!

Lynne   June 29th, 2009 3:07 pm ET

These make me sad. He looked great!

JT   June 29th, 2009 3:08 pm ET

So great to be able to see these pictures. It's been reported that the last rehearsal was filmed with several HD cameras. I wonder if the footage will be released?

Kelly   June 29th, 2009 3:10 pm ET

He was looking fantastic! I'm just so sad.

Maria   June 29th, 2009 3:11 pm ET

I guess we should look at the fact that this man lived his life doing what he loved the most in the world, and he fulfilled that ten times over. But looking at those pictures of him doing what he does best, makes me really sad. He had no idea that those moments would be his last, and maybe, he wouldn't have had it any other way. I think right now, people should pay their respects and remember him for all the lives that he has touched, the young men he inspired after him, and those he will continue to move when they hear about him and the memories he has left behind. But most importantly, forgetting all the chaos that has plagued him the last ten years or so, because as of Thursday, it really doesn't have any precedence here anymore. He's gone, let him rest in peace. To god be the glory!

brittany   June 29th, 2009 3:12 pm ET

I'm sure his father was not over releasing theses photos bc he would have waited to make a buck. RIP MJ. It's a shame he's gone before his comeback.

candidgyal   June 29th, 2009 3:15 pm ET

Thanks for posting these. He looks happy and in good health. I was looking forward to this concert since it was the only opportunity I had to go to one of his live performances. I will hold my ticket as a memorabilia for he will always live in my heart. RIP MJ.

Melissa   June 29th, 2009 3:15 pm ET

Sad to think this is the last time we will see this.

Molly   June 29th, 2009 3:15 pm ET

These are amazing pictures. Michael Jackson was a great influence to people everywhere. Even, though he is not with us anymore, his music still lives on. We love you Michael, and thank you for making such a big impact everywhere. Thanks for everything.

Sincerely,
Molly

kiera   June 29th, 2009 3:18 pm ET

So sadened by his death. Simply genious. What a legend. His legacy will live forever! I too loved him

robyn   June 29th, 2009 3:19 pm ET

I love u michael...you've known that since I was listenin to "Goin' Back to Indiana" at age 8. Just super glad to see u w/o the very unflattering wig...these pics do you justice and show us that you were everything to us in inspiration and that the addiction in your life was a battle that so many struggle with ...but it is not the sum total of who they are by any means. I pray that it was just your time my love and that no one hurt you...sleep with the angeles sweet prince.

Brenda   June 29th, 2009 3:20 pm ET

Nice pictures, thanks AEG and Cooper for sharing them with us and his fan who is still trying to understand the how, what and why of a death that appears so sudden and inexplicable. Thanks again

VICCIE   June 29th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

Thanks for sharing. Micheal looks good to me. Wish I could have
been there to enjoy his music LIVE one more time!!

Viccie...CALIFORNIA

Terri   June 29th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

Thanks for sharing....He doesn't look sick to me! I still can't beleive he is gone....Dance with the angels Michael. Your my HERO and you will be missed!

sherry rodriquez   June 29th, 2009 3:26 pm ET

How fantastic!! We get to see him in action one more time. This is it.

Norma German Bread Haus   June 29th, 2009 3:26 pm ET

wow! This whole thing is so wierd, the timing of all these events. I agree with previous comment, too many peopoe are into the not so almighty buck. I work hard for my money, but it's not about the money. He was a genius, no matter what. He touched my life in SO many ways. His music lives on forever. Love those pictures

Danny   June 29th, 2009 3:26 pm ET

Thanks for sharing. The world will miss MJ. RIP...

Lisa pa   June 29th, 2009 3:29 pm ET

really nice pictures ! makes it hard to believe that he is actually gone!

JoJo n Vegas   June 29th, 2009 3:31 pm ET

Nice pics....its refreshing to see celebrities in pics enjoying themselves instead of demeaning gossipping photos.

Penny Sanders   June 29th, 2009 3:35 pm ET

This is so nice that there is pictures of him at his last rehearsals. I still cant believe he is gone. I set here a few minutes ago and listened to Ben off of youtube and cried. What a loss. IHe was a part of my childhood , my teens, my adulthood and just the other day I was dancing to Thriller with my grandson before his passing. Im sure he is in heaven and dancing with the angels RIP Michael ♥

christine cox   June 29th, 2009 3:37 pm ET

He doesn't look unhappy or sick or drugged out to me. Darnit I hate it that he lost his chance at a comeback.

Don, TN   June 29th, 2009 3:37 pm ET

Cindy -

I'm sure someone made some money from the shots and story!

Ed Hubble Somewhere in Ca.   June 29th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

112 lbsand multiple needle marks are not signs of a Father whose "children met more to him than anything else in his life" as quoted by people that love him. America is more concerned about sick people & the benifits of marijana [ a natural grown herb plant ] with many benifits except making money for Drug & Liquor companys. Wake up America it`s 2009.

Madeleine   June 29th, 2009 3:43 pm ET

I wish he could have performed! He had been putting so much into this tour! I just really wish that he could have performed, just once.

Anthony Ching   June 29th, 2009 3:45 pm ET

Thanks for sharing some of the last photos taken of MIchael Jackson during rehearsals. He looks happy!

Judy Azevedo   June 29th, 2009 3:46 pm ET

It looks like he was very happy in these pic He sure does not look like a man in pain. He looks like the same old Micheal. Enjoying what he was doing.

Judy
California

Simon   June 29th, 2009 3:47 pm ET

that's the guy who did the Hannah Montana concerts!

Mona Lisa Wessel   June 29th, 2009 3:48 pm ET

Anderson, how come no one has identified the person who made the 911 call???? Wouldn't he have some very valuable information to share?? This is driving me crazy!! He was watching the doctor!!

kuwaitmirage   June 29th, 2009 3:50 pm ET

I am wondering how a man can 'rehearse' one week and then be found dead, emaciated, bridge gone from nose, bald, covered with needle marks ( re the 'leaked autopsy' ) one week later....

It all just doesn't add up for me. Was he dying? Did he know? Had he any intention of ever performing? I mean could a man in his state perform 50 gigs? Or was the money earned up front, before the tour a way of guaranteeing his kids some kind of inheritence ? Who knows?

Sharon   June 29th, 2009 3:50 pm ET

Dear 360...the coverage on Michael Jackson has been amazing and very touching and relevent for such a GREAT as he. These photos are great and should be shared.

What I want to know is why don't all the stars/musicians that have come forward to pay tribute to Michael in recent days...do so another way ie: help out with the London concerts ie: have one big concert and have all different artists perform in memory of Michael and to help recoup some of the ticket sales for the 50 concerts. Michael did so much for the world and we in turn should give something back to him and celebrate his life.

Sharon
Toronto, Canada

Tammy B   June 29th, 2009 3:50 pm ET

Ok, there are rumors all over the blog-o-sphere that Evan Chandler is recanting the accusations against Michael Jackson. Is it true?

Ali Dahmash   June 29th, 2009 3:51 pm ET

It is very sad that he wasn't able to perform again, here in the Middle East we loved him so much and he was an icon for many people in my generation

kireki   June 29th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

Still am in shock can believe Michael left us,it was yesterday he doing all this rehearsals

dina212   June 29th, 2009 3:58 pm ET

I feel so blessed to have seen this. Beautiful Michael Jackson, he looks so happy here. Thank You CNN.

Sherri   June 29th, 2009 4:02 pm ET

Does anyone ever stop to think that 50 year olds die all the time of heart attacks............Why is this such a shock to eveyrone, and why does everyone assume it's such a mystery? NO mystery.........It may or may not have been related to drugs. Look at Health Ledger, he died taking freaking to many cold medicines. It happens, it just happens. He very well may have over dosed, but it doesn't mean it was becauwse he was addicted. Does it really matter at this point.? What good does it do his children to know start calling him a drug addict on top of all the other titles he has now earned himself.

susan   June 29th, 2009 4:08 pm ET

Gotta have new costumes – likely finished or nearly so – would be cool to see those too.

Shawn MacNeil   June 29th, 2009 4:11 pm ET

Man, he looked so much happier when he was performing.

Taj A.   June 29th, 2009 4:18 pm ET

The master was a masterpiece. It gives me peace to know that he died happy and doing something that he loved. I am so glad that these photos were made available.

Renee   June 29th, 2009 4:18 pm ET

What is that on his wrist??

schar   June 29th, 2009 4:53 pm ET

If I had one of his last concert tickets – I would not want a refund. I would hold on to it to remember him and to also help his estate and children. It would be nice if a group of artists would do the concert and all proceeds can go to his estate.

Kimberly   June 29th, 2009 4:58 pm ET

What tremendous talent bringing joy to the world at each of his performances and in his music, laid waste to the destroyer
of man again, drug addiction. The world is so sad for the loss
of this lovely one. We should have known how to take better care
of a national treasure. Be well in Heaven, Michael, be well and comfort your family from the Other Side.

marlsunshine   June 29th, 2009 5:08 pm ET

I remember 2 Michael Jacksons' .the fiest one was an amazing singer, dancer, performer,philanthropist. The 2nd. was a sick and debilitated man. Drugs, allegations, arrests,too many plastic surguries. It's a damn shame. I truly do believe he was exploited as a child.They do say children that were molested as children ,become molesters in adulthood. It's almost a given. I still lved all his music,and performances. I hope that know he may rest in peace.All that fame at such a young age can kill a man and now we know it's true.

Ed Hubble Somewhere in Ca.   June 29th, 2009 5:34 pm ET

Being a Grdpa of 11, it saddens me to see a father self destruct.[ like self ] However America media, and comedians have spent 10+yrs eatin Michael up Now we will get 10 yrs of his selfdestruction and anything else that sells. A Legend ? All due respect to the Jackson family at the worse times of their lifes.but Was that Jessie J. gettin his 10 min.

Vickey   June 29th, 2009 5:51 pm ET

He looked good in pics did not observe anything unusual.

Janine from PA.   June 29th, 2009 6:02 pm ET

Much better then seeing the photo of him lying on the guerney probably dead. Send my sympathy to his family and I hope all the fans can remember his call for peace and love and follow that for the rest of their lives.

Broken   June 29th, 2009 6:13 pm ET

To the part of you that brought us your talented singing, writing, dancing as never before known, RIP, Michael Jackson.

Marie Forrest   June 29th, 2009 6:19 pm ET

Michael, means he who is like God. He was like a child in so many ways... and also... THE MAN IN THE MIRROR. In that, he was a reflection of our society's eagerness to tear someone down, just because we fail to understand them. Jesus was also, like god, child-like... will we learn.

One of my first thoughts after he died was... well, Michael, you can be Peter Pan now....

My heart goes out to the children Michael cherished, and his family and friends. Just as someone who grew up with his magic, music, image, spirit.... I miss him already.

In another life, Michael....

Marie

Annie Kate   June 29th, 2009 7:00 pm ET

Its too bad that concert tour will never happen now. It looks like from these pictures that Michael was really into the concert and that it was going to be exciting.

Isabel, Brazil   June 29th, 2009 7:08 pm ET

Beautiful picutures of the Michael Jackson!

It is only sad that in the midst of so many beautiful tributes, there are so many stories sensationalist and speculations.

betti   June 29th, 2009 7:46 pm ET

There is one picture here that shows the true deterioration of MJ health: it is the picture where the dancers have their right arm extended and reaching for the sky at a 180 degree, MJ is not able to extend his arm so;also , he is not using his right arm. The other thing I noticed is that the left hip is higher than the right.

yee   June 29th, 2009 8:18 pm ET

thanks for sharing those last few pictures of Michael.

Marie Forrest   June 29th, 2009 8:20 pm ET

Michael, you can be Peter Pan now…. XOXO

nic   June 30th, 2009 3:12 am ET

do they have videos of his last days?

courtney   June 30th, 2009 3:33 am ET

awww, great pictures.
we all grew up with MJ and his music, it's weird and unfair that he's gone at 50. i will miss him.

hoboduke   June 30th, 2009 8:05 am ET

It was amazing to see him perform in concert back in 1980's. You could tell he was doing what he loved in these pictures. We loved Luther Vandros, and we loved Michael Jackson.

kavana   June 30th, 2009 9:02 am ET

It makes me more depressed everytime i see Michael's photos. It's indeed a massive lost. This will not be seen/watched anymore. I hope that they filmed or recorded Michael's last rehearsal and release it on DVD.

Michael, even you were not able to perform once again, you've already done your part. You already proved to the world that you really have God given Talents. you're one of the greatest Performers.You've served your purpose already. Thank you so much for the Music. Where ever you are right now i want you to know that you were Loved by Millions. We will continue your Legacy. Your Music will live forever. Thank you and May you finally found peace with the LORD.
WE LOVE YOU MOST!

Anita Lott   June 30th, 2009 9:31 am ET

Wouldn't it have been great if we had told him how much we loved him and how great an artist we think he was while he was still alive? Everyone has an opinion about how strange he might have been but before you judge him or his actions, put yourself in his life. He didn't get to be a normal kid, or have normal friends, or live a normal life. Of course any of us would want his money but would we want to give up our freedom for it. There was no where on earth he could go that he wasn't recognized, so where was he supposed to go to get a break from the stress. Without a frame of reference similar to his, didn't we judge him a bit harshly? Try to remember to walk a mile in someone's shoes before you condemn them for being different.

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