2:50pm Saturday 27th June 2009
By James Connell
TRIBUTES from the people of Worcester poured in for pop legend Michael Jackson following his death from a heart attack.
The controversial icon died following a cardiac arrest at his home in Carolwood Drive off Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles on Thursday.
In the UK sales of his albums have rocketed, with retail giants HMV reporting that demand for his albums have increased 20 fold with stores well stocked because of his planned sell-out performance at the 02 Arena in London.
HMV in Worcester blasted out classic songs such as Beat It and Thriller.
Press spokesman Gennaro Castaldo said it was likely that some of his albums would sell so much they would re-enter the charts.
He said that he believed people were buying his albums – CDs, DVDs and online because they wanted to connect with the man and his music.
He said: “He lived the most unreal of lives but, by the same token, his death also feels unreal. You saw a similar reaction following the death of Elvis. It’s comparable to that. He has a very dedicated fan base. He has been omnipresent in all our lives and we are all going to feel his absence in some way. He was probably the most famous man in the world.”
On our website people wrote a series of tributes, some critical and some admiring of his work and achievements.
MrStJohns, St John’s Worcester, said: “What a legend, rest in peace MJ.” Worcswolf, Worcester said: “I think the one thing this will highlight is how so called fame ruins the lives of the young. He was a child genius who never grew up, probably never given the time. His later years’ craziness was probably more insecurities. Love him or hate him, you have to respect his impact on music as well as young people’s lives. I did not know him so cannot give a love/hate opinion. What I can say is R.I.P. Michael my thoughts are with your family.”
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