Michael Jackson Memorial Will Be Somber, Producer Says
Jul 6, 2009
by Tim Molloy
Michael Jackson's sendoff will include some of music's biggest stars. It will be produced by the man long responsible for the Grammys, and broadcast across the world. The streets of downtown Los Angeles will be filled with many of the 1.6 million people who registered for free tickets to the event — which went to only 17,500 fans.
Despite the potential for chaos, producer Ken Erlich says it will be a tasteful, somber affair.
"It will be a celebration of Michael's life [but] we're not approaching it as a TV show," Ehrlich told the Daily News of New York.
"In the future, there may be a tribute to Michael Jackson," he said. "This is really a memorial service. It's not going to have all the bells and whistles. We want to keep it low-key."
Ehrlich said there was no decision or who might perform during the 90-minute program. But it will be filled with the artists who inspired Jackson, and those he influenced.
"People who are watching it, both live and on TV, can expect to see people who have played a role in his life, who will both be reminiscing about him and speaking to the impact he's made," Ehrlich said.
The program will follow a private ceremony with Jackson's family. His casket, reportedly the same $25,000 model used for James Brown, will not make any procession through the streets, and Los Angeles police told fans they would enjoy better views of the event in front of their televisions. Officers planned a massive deployment to handle the surge of people and keep them from the event.
"There's no way to get to this venue if you don't have a ticket," said Los Angeles Police Department Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger.
Tim Leiweke, president and CEO of promoter AEG Live, admonished the lucky 8,750 people awarded two tickets each not to scalp them.
"We're hoping people have dignity," he said." "Those who would take advantage of this, shame on them."
TV Guide Network, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC and E! Entertainment will air the event, which begins at 1 pm ET/10 am PT.
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