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.
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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.
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.
What is that on his wrist??
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.
Man, he looked so much happier when he was performing.
Gotta have new costumes – likely finished or nearly so – would be cool to see those too.
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.
I feel so blessed to have seen this. Beautiful Michael Jackson, he looks so happy here. Thank You CNN.
Still am in shock can believe Michael left us,it was yesterday he doing all this rehearsals
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
Ok, there are rumors all over the blog-o-sphere that Evan Chandler is recanting the accusations against Michael Jackson. Is it true?
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
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?
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!!
that's the guy who did the Hannah Montana concerts!
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
Thanks for sharing some of the last photos taken of MIchael Jackson during rehearsals. He looks happy!
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.
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.
Cindy -
I'm sure someone made some money from the shots and story!
He doesn't look unhappy or sick or drugged out to me. Darnit I hate it that he lost his chance at a comeback.
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 ♥
Nice pics....its refreshing to see celebrities in pics enjoying themselves instead of demeaning gossipping photos.
really nice pictures ! makes it hard to believe that he is actually gone!
Thanks for sharing. The world will miss MJ. RIP...
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
How fantastic!! We get to see him in action one more time. This is it.
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!
Thanks for sharing. Micheal looks good to me. Wish I could have
been there to enjoy his music LIVE one more time!!
Viccie...CALIFORNIA
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
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.
So sadened by his death. Simply genious. What a legend. His legacy will live forever! I too loved him
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
Sad to think this is the last time we will see this.
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.
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.
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!
He was looking fantastic! I'm just so sad.
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?
These make me sad. He looked great!
Since there will be no concert, do you think they will release video of him rehearsing? I want to see his new moonwalk!
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
He looked truly happy doing what he loves. All politics aside, he was an amazing performer.
He looks frail to me..even his smile seems forced. Very sad all around.
Beautiful final images to leave us with... Thanks for that.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.