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Jackson lived like king but died awash in debt

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-06-26 16:26

President-elect Bill Clinton (L) shakes hands with Michael Jackson as singer Stevie Nicks (R) of the band Fleetwood Mac sings at the finale of a star-studded gala on the eve of Clinton's first inauguration as president of the United States in Washington in this January 19, 1993 file photo. [Agencies]

Barrack was unavailable for comment Thursday, but referred to the singer in a statement as a "gentle, talented and compassionate man."

Related readings:  Michael Jackson dies at age 50  Selected discography for Michael Jackson  A look at the career of Michael Jackson  Michael Jackson in 50 years  Michael Jackson's marriage

A final piece of the financial jigsaw puzzle fell into place in March, when billionaire Philip Anschutz' concert promotion company AEG Live announced it would promote 50 shows in London's O2 arena. Tickets sold out, and the first show of the "This is It" tour was set for July 8.

Jackson, who has won 13 Grammys, hadn't toured since 1997. His last studio album, "Invincible," was released in 2001.

But the opening date was later postponed to July 13 and some shows moved back to March 2010, fueling speculation that Jackson was suffering from health ailments that could curtail his comeback bid.

His death, caused by cardiac arrest according to his brother Jermaine, raised the question whether an insurer would refund money to ticketholders. AEG Live did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Jackson was practicing for the concert in Los Angeles at the Staples Center with Kenny Ortega, a choreographer and director of the "High School Musical" movies, who has worked on previous Jackson videos like "Dangerous" in 1993.

"We had a 25-year friendship. This is all too much to comprehend," Ortega said in a statement. "This was the world's greatest performer and the world will miss him."

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