Michael Jackson memorial U-turn after UK fan snub : The organisers of Michael Jackson’s public memorial were forced to do a U-turn last night after a fiasco over tickets for British fans.

Thousands of loyal fans in the UK were outraged that promoters AEG Live had said only Americans could apply for tickets to Tuesday’s service.

Jacko fanatic Ian Peters, from Preston, said: “We’re the most loyal fans in the world.

“We have followed Michael through his triumphs and tribulations for years. And now they have slammed the door in our faces. It’s a disgrace.”

Another fan, writing on a fan website, said: “Why the US only? That’s so unfair.”

Others said Jacko himself would be horrified at the ban on Brits – especially as he had chosen the UK to stage his comeback concerts.

SLAP

But after the Mirror lodged calls with bosses, AEG Live hastily updated their website to allow Jacko admirers from all over the world the chance to attend.

The initial decision to only allow Americans to apply for tickets to the lavish celebrity-packed ceremony at LA’s Staple Center on Tuesday had been an unforgivable slap in the face for Michael’s devoted UK fans.

But all fans can now apply online for free tickets to Tuesday’s memorial service and 17,500 will be randomly selected. The tickets will be handed out in pairs.

A total of 11,000 fans will be allowed into 20,000 capacity Staples Center, home of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team.

Another 6,500 will be able to watch the memorial inside the neighbouring Nokia Theatre.

The remaining 9,000 Staples Center tickets will go to the Jackson family, their friends and special celebrity guests.

The Center’s website crashed within moments of the announce- ment of the ticket lottery. Michael’s close friend Diana Ross has been asked to lead the memorial tributes to him.

The Jackson family want her to perform his 1995 No1 hit You Are Not Alone. But the grief-stricken singer is worried she will lose control and break down in front of millions of people.

Diana, 65, told friends: “I want to honour Michael’s memory but I’m not sure I can hold it together. He was like a son to me.”

The Jackson family believe such a poignant tribute by the Motown legend would rank with Sir Elton John’s famous performance of Candle In The Wind at Princess Diana’s funeral. A family source said: “It will be this decade’s Candle In The Wind moment.”

Sir Elton movingly played a reworked version of Candle In The Wind – called Goodbye, England’s Rose – at Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997. For many around the world, it became the defining moment of that sad day.

Ms Ross has known Michael since he was a little boy and was one of his closest friends. He named her as guardian to his three children in the event of his mother Katherine’s death.

But Madonna will not be at Tuesday’s memorial. The singer, who launched her Sweet & Sticky tour last night, is expected to record an on-screen message in memory of Jacko, who died last week of a heart attacked aged 50.

Michael’s close friend Liz Taylor will read a eulogy at the ceremony.

Other stars who will honour the star include Whitney Houston, Justin Timberlake and Stevie Wonder. They will take front-row seats at the memorial.

UPLIFTING

Other famous guests for the two-hour spectacular are expected to include President Obama, Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Lionel Richie and Liza Minnelli.

Jacko’s British-based friends Uri Geller, Mark Lester and David Gest will fly in for the occasion.

Around 750 million people are expected to tune in on TV worldwide. Thousands of British fans are said to either already be in LA hoping to attend the memorial or are on their way to the city.

Police last night warned ticket-less fans to stay away from the stadium and said they would close surrounding roads.

Jackson family spokesman Ken Sunshine said: “Everything with this memorial is to do with accommodating as many fans as possible. It’s all about the fans.”

Tim Leiweke, of the ceremony’s organisers AEG Live, promised a “memorial fit for a King.”

He said: “I hope it will be a dignified and uplifting memorial.”

Michael’s brother Jermaine said there will be a private ceremony for family before the memorial.

Jacko’s ex-wife Debbie Rowe was pictured yesterday for the first time since his death, as was his eldest son Prince.

Debbie, 50, who has vowed to fight for custody of her kids, was spotted tending to her horses on her ranch in California.

Thanks to mirror.co.uk

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