Leicester fans in vigil for Michael Jackson
Around 100 Michael Jackson fans gathered in the city centre last night to take part in a candlelit vigil to the singer.
Mourners old and young gathered outside the Curve Theatre, in Orton Square, Leicester, to pay tribute to the King of Pop, who died after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles, California, last week.
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Fans of Michael Jackson hold a candlelit vigil in Leicester
Candles were laid out to spell the star's initials, MJ, and RIP, as crowds gathered around.
Organiser Anand Bhatt, of Wigston, said he wanted to provide a platform for fans to pay tribute to the pop star.
The 29-year-old said: "When someone dies, you gather with other people who knew that person.
"Michael Jackson is a bit different because I wasn't necessarily his friend, but I want to get together with other people who were touched by him in the way that I was to share thoughts and memories."
Mitchell Saddington, 27, from Stocking Farm, said he had been a Michael Jackson fan all his life.
He said: "I've grown up on his music and he's had a huge impact on my life.
"His music has helped me through troubled times and it's been a celebration through happy times as well.
"I wanted to come down and pay my respects."
Reena Jaisiah, 29, travelled from Coventry to attend the vigil, which started at around 10pm.
She said: "I feel lost and lonely and there's nowhere to express how I'm feeling. People say 'how can you miss someone who you've never met?' but they don't understand how his fans are feeling.
"I just wanted to pay tribute to someone who has enriched my life."
Shailesh Parmar, from Syston, attended the vigil with his two sons, Rian, seven, and Kaylan, four.
He said: "We are all big fans. I've grown up on Michael Jackson's music."
22 Comments
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by M, leicestershire
Wednesday, July 15 2009, 2:48PM
“Oh and sorry as an add on, soliders in wars are there because they sign up for it, they know they may die, no one is forced to go to war for the British Isle's anymore. This may sound harsh but it's their job and their choice, just as it's everyone's choice who to mourn hold vigil's for etc.”
by M, leciestershire
Wednesday, July 15 2009, 2:44PM
“Well he did a damn site more to deserve this than Jade Goody. The world has lost an amazing performer, i just wish the people closest to him had tried to help rather than giving into his demands, maybe then his children wouldn't be fatherless. Oh and before people start about the child abuse allegations, if he did abuse those boys - and we will never know the truth - how sick are parents for letting him have their kids over at Neverland? but of course it's not their fault!”
by Beee, Leicester
Friday, July 03 2009, 2:19PM
“I don't know why people are continuing to put him down. Sure, you have your own opinions and are entitled to them, but he was a human after all and should be treated with the same respect that everyone else deserves. He's gone now. People either dislike him or like him, but everyone's entitled to go around, believing what they want, free of being discriminated against for what they believe. So, for goodness sake, if you are so fed up or annoyed with all the news, why are you commenting on it or listening to it? Why not stop clicking on MJ links or watching a different television channel or even swapping the radio station or putting on a CD? The world has actually come to people moaning about the news when someone has died who contributed to society in a number of ways? He gave to charity. He sang about good things and what he and many others believed in. Stop the petty moaning and for once, 'let it be'.”
by maya, leicester
Friday, July 03 2009, 1:51PM
“yes it is freedom of speech,thats why everyone is talking about MJ,he has made a massive impact on the whole world.”
by maya, leicester
Friday, July 03 2009, 1:45PM
“tnx lila, just to add,all those that turned up at the vigil,You were MICHAEL JACKSON,THE KING OF POP. there will never be another artist like him ever again.Love You Forever MJ. R.I.P xxx”
by simon, leicester
Friday, July 03 2009, 1:42PM
“I think the love michael gave was well documented.
The sooner we stop people having vigils etc the better.
Freedom of speech is all well and good as long as it's not nonsense like this.”
by Lila, leicester
Friday, July 03 2009, 1:39PM
“I agree with you Maya, well said. i was at the vigil last night and felt so much love from the people who were there. and by the way if MJ was so bad how come his concert was a sell out?”
by maya, leicester
Friday, July 03 2009, 1:33PM
“fred,were u even at the vigil? no, you should hve seen the childrens faces, they all loved MJ,thats the sort of love MJ gave out.and as for Afghanistan and Iraq,the soldiers should not even have been there! they got killed trying to kill others,and MJ only loved,and wanted to heal the world.Unlike Blair and Bush, who should be holding Vigils for the soldiers.”
by AM, Hinckley
Friday, July 03 2009, 12:15PM
“Is Michael Jackson dead ?? I must have missed that story ¿ it¿s been kept really quiet in the news !!
As for the vigil ¿ leave them be. Opinion differs as to whether they¿re misguided or not, but be honest. Have they done any harm by it ? Stop moaning about it all and move on !
And finally, to those of you mentioning 9/11, Afghanistan etc. How many of you organised a vigil, went to a memorial service, lit a candle in a church ? If you¿ve done any of these, then credit & respect to you. If you haven¿t, don¿t be so hypocritical !!!”
by Duane, Leicester
Friday, July 03 2009, 12:08PM
“Great singer, dodgy man. End of.”