NEW YORK – A year after Michael Jackson’s death caused a worldwide outpouring of shock, tears and tributes, the anniversary of his passing was being marked today on a quieter scale, as fans remembered their fallen King of Pop with vigils, prayer, and of course, music.The electric, enigmatic and troubled icon died on June 25, 2009, at age 50 as he was preparing for a series of comeback concerts in London. Dr Conrad Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s death for administering the powerful anaesthetic Propofol to Jackson to help the pop star sleep.Some radio stations woke up listeners to Jackson’s music; on United States television, all the major networks devoted a portion of their morning news programmes to Jackson and more coverage was expected during prime-time hours. Events were held across the globe, from Tokyo to New York.Some weepingAt Jackson’s final resting place at Forest Lawn in Glendale, California, hundreds of fans, some weeping, filed past barricades yesterday morning to get close to the mausoleum that houses Jackson’s tomb. Some carried bouquets, others were armed with cameras to document the moment.Erick Dominguez, 37, a sales rep from Victorville, California, wore a black shirt with Jackson’s photo that read: In Loving Memory.“He’s been my idol all my life since I can remember. I feel like I haven’t had closure,” he said, starting to weep from behind dark sunglasses.Yugi Aoki, 33, of Tokyo, came with 13 other Japanese fans of the pop star. They were all wearing sparkling gloves and fedora hats, one of Jackson’s signature looks.Jackson’s family members were expected to arrive at the cemetery later in the day, said his brother, Randy Jackson.Pictures on wallAcross the country in New York, pictures of Jackson hung on a wall outside Harlem’s Apollo Theatre, where Jackson and his brothers won the amateur night competition in the late 1960s.Since the Apollo helped launch the Jackson 5, it has had a strong connection to the late pop star. After Jackson’s death, it became the de facto gathering place for New York fans. It was an emotional though more low-key scene yesterday morning, as Jackson’s music blared from boomboxes and passing cars.“We are really honoured to have played a part in launching Michael’s musical career and to serve as a gathering place for people to come and celebrate his lifetime of achievement,” said Jonelle Procope, Apollo president and CEO.Procope placed Jackson’s black hat and sequined glove, both from the theatre’s collection, beside his sidewalk plaque outside the theatre. (AP)
