MICHAEL JACKSON

[john]

I watched parts of it also. Some lovely performances, very moving too.

[mariana44]

I had forgotten to mention Shaheen's performance---what an honour for him- on the same stage as Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie etc etc etc----I had not realised that he would be performing with Michael Jackson in London.

Watching Sky news later, an interviewer was talking to 2 middleaged ladies fom Wales, who had flown over just to be part of the atmosphere---when he asked if they would like tickets for the service, they could hardly contain themselves, they were just so excited--and were astounded when they saw Shaheen [He's from Swansea, they said] perform.

Sky news covered the whole event brilliantly I thought, with interviews afterwards etc.

[ROBERT M.]

The whole ceremony was sooo moving and so very sad indeed ....................... it was just unmissable TV, the ending was heartbreaking

[Terence Lee]

Did close friends Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross & Liza Minnelli appear at the service?

[Gray]

I found the tribute very sad also, really, really upsetting.

Hi Terence, I know that Liz Taylor did not attend.

[Marian]

Diana Ross wasn't there either. She sent a message that was read out at the beginning.

[mariana44]

Saw Shaheen on Breakfast tv this morning--he is such a confident , articulate and sensible boy--hard to believe he is only 12---despite not winning "Brtain's got talent" I believe he will go far---and this latest apearance will have done him a great deal of good.

[ROBERT M.]

Terence, Elizabeth Taylor wanted to keep her respects private (that's her story) ..................I can assure you Terence a hanky or a tissue was needed during the live ceremony

[mariana44]

I agree Robert--I was surprised at how moving it was--a truly beautiful memorial service, that really showed how much his family anf friends thought of Michael.

[mariana44]

Just checked out the lead singer on "Heal the World" -she is a half Japanese Californian called Judith Hill, who was one of the singers due to come to the O2 with Michael this month.

[Lena & Harry Smith]

I watched most of the memorial concert, very moving in parts, and many of those mourners were genuinely saddened and deeply upset by the occasion and understandably so.
This memorial concert was being video'd and was very evident on this occasion, and makes people react differently and at times I thought was pushed a little..over the top.

[Marian]

There was a very long pause a the beginning where nothing seemed to happen for ages, until Smokey Robinson came on to read the tributes.
However, under the circ umstances I reckon they did a good job in organising such a massive event so quickly.
Marian.

[mariana44]

I must have missed that beginning-I switched on as Smokey Robinson started to talk. Sky News spoke to the guy who organaised the event--it took him 5 days.

[paul jh]

I only saw some clips (most of us were working during the broadcast) and I found Stevie Wonder to be the most sincere performance and the most touching tribute. I have to agree with Lena that many of the other performances and speeches were over the top.

[mariana44]

That song that Stevie sang--"Never dreamed you'd leave in summer" is such a lovely song.and so perfect for the occasion. but it is not often heard--in fact the first time I heard it was when I bought the Stevie Wonder "Ballad Collection " cd.