LA police warn ticketless Jacko fans to stay home

Police in Los Angeles are warning Michael Jackson fans to stay away from his memorial ceremony tomorrow if they do not have a ticket. 17,500 have been allocated in a free online lottery to join the show in LA’s Staples Center and a neighbouring hall.

More than one and a half million applicants crashed the web server within minutes. The lucky ones were told by email – but police are concerned about massive crowds.

Assistant Police Chief Jim McDonnell said: “The closest you’ll get will be the outside of the secure perimeter. You will be standing in the hot sun on a city street with a lot of other people, but you probably not be within eyeshot of even Staples very much. So a much better place to watch (is) with friends at home or somewhere you have access to a TV.”

Jackson died suddenly at the age of 50 a week and a half ago. He had been preparing for a series of comeback concerts in London.

His family are keeping details of the Staples Center ceremony secret, but they have said there will be no procession, and Jackson’s body will not be at the memorial.

euronews will be covering it live from 1900 Tuesday, Central European Time.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Michael Jackson death, Music, USA