As one of the 8,750 people selected out of the million-plus who submitted requests for tickets to the Michael Jackson Public Memorial Tuesday, I attended the July 7, 2009 event at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.
Though very much a life-long fan of Michael Jackson, I went somewhat cynically to observe the spectacle. But what I found was a moving tribute to a son, friend, father and one of the greatest entertainers the world has or will ever know. It was a privilege to have been able to experience it in person.
My Flickr photoset is here. My live-tweets from the day, last to first, are after the jump:
- MJ Memorial recap: I went in cynical and jaded and came away weepy. I’m missing Michael more than on the day he died.
- Olvera street on a Tuesday afternoon is quite Pleasant. Might hang around for several margaritas
- @lucindamichele Yep. Did the “sraples” give it away?
- Maggies at La Golindrina! Such the heat beatbacker after walking up here from Sraples http://twitpic.com/9mh6f
- Absolutely!
- Margaritas win; Olvera it is
- Post MJ memorial foods, I’m debating as i head up B Way between Spring Street Smokehouse, Olvera Street, or going home
- Musts missed the email. Sure I’ll chat if she needs someone
- Exit the casket
- Marlon was very moving and now daughter Paris is making everyone sob
- Heal The World http://twitpic.com/9m790
- Wow. A perf from the This Is It tour coming.
- Kenny Ortega
- Nice finish thou, kiddo
- some kid onstage. Think he’s a Britain’s got Talent contestant. He’s no MJ
- Smokey’s back
- @RDJ59 no live Version of Kermie but a pic of mj with Henson and the frog flashed during usher’s number
- Usher onstage
- Rep Lee decides this is the venue for a review of constitutional law
- Rep. Shiela Jackson Lee
- Martin Luther King Jr’s son is speaking
- I guess all four brothers are wearing sequined gloves
- Audience politely supportive of Jermaine. Standing O
- Jermaine singing “smile”
- Brooke’s struggling a bit, bless her
- Brooke Shields
- Correction Mayer’s guitaring “Human Nature”
- John Mayer singing “Human Nature”
- Sharpton to MJ’s kids: there was nothing strange about your daddy.
- Rev. Al Sharpton
- Jennifer Hudson singing her heart out
- I knew I shoulda brought a hanky
- Kobe and magic
- I’m part of something pretty special here folks. Stevie was very powerful
- I’m seeing all these phenomenal performers live for the first time.
- Stevie Wonder!
- “I think he is simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived.” – Berry Gordy
- Berry Gordy
- Lionel Ritchie
- Queen Latifah
- I’m getting a bit verklemptified. I can admit that.
- Mariah Carey singing I’ll Be There
- Pastor Lucius smith speaks
- And out comes the casket
- And we’re off!
- @randyridesbikes oh hell no!
- Quite surprised at how no “We love you Michaels!” are being shouted out in this lengthy silence
- I think the family’s been seated so things should get going in a minute or 20
- The longest that staples has been silent in it’s history
- Smokey reading letters from Diana Ross and Nelson Mandela
- Smoky robinson takes the stage
- A hush has fallen over the house, it’s almost… Respectful
- Inside! http://twitpic.com/9lrnj
- We’re in. Kah Ray zee scene, but subdued. Section 205 row 5 seats 5 & 6 http://twitpic.com/9lrf9
- At Olympic & Fig: the second ring of madness
- I’m getting the distinct feeling I should be running away from the shitstorm, not toward it
- North end of downtown is traffic biz as usual
- @seanbonner absolutely!
- My wristband has been noticed by a fellow busrider, but no threats of. Violence, money or sex stuff.
- @ayogist you should read LA Metblogs more often!
- On board the No. 4 to meet the haiku contest winner w/ the prize of my extra MJ Memorial ticket & wristband.
- Leaving house for MJ Memorial. Opting to travel light via bus ‘n feet instead of bike
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