The London premiere of the late star’s This Is It film which follows the singer’s preparations for his 50-date London residency in the months leading up to his death began at 11pm last night (27.10.09) but the late hour didn’t stop fans from turning out to support their idol.
This Is It which screened simultaneously at 19 premieres around the world was drawn from over 100 hours of behind-the-scenes clips shot in Los Angeles and showed a multi-million pound spectacular featuring pyrotechnics, complex dance routines and elaborate stage sets.
However, a group of fans calling themselves This Is Not It had called for a boycott of the film, claiming it covered up the Thriller star’s poor health and glosses over the enormous stress he was under when he died.
Their threatened protest failed to take place, though fewer supporters than expected turned out to see stars including Australian pop star Peter Andre and former Spice Girls star Mel B.
Paying tribute to the pop icon, Mel said: "He was very humble, down to earth, sensitive. He was very, very sweet."
Irish boy band Westlife, rapper Chipmunk, former Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan and Harry Connick Jr. also attended the UK premiere.
In Los Angeles, Michael’s relatives including brother Jermaine, who hailed his late sibling as a messenger of God were joined by celebrities including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton.
Michael died of acute Propofol intoxication on June 25, just weeks before he was scheduled to begin his This Is It run of shows at London’s O2 Arena.
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