Live at Staples Center « Liveshots

Entertainment

Los Angeles, CA

80

comments

Live at Staples Center

July 7, 2009 - 1:04 PM | by: Adam Housley

Fourth UpdateWe are told that police are pleasantly surprised that the numbers of people who came to downtown without tickets isn't nearly like what they thought and that makes it much easier to obviously control any and all traffic and crowds. They believe it is because people were warned and they wanted to be able to watch the Jackson service on TV.

Third update:LAPD Chief Bratton just told me that the family will make the ultimate decision. As of right now it MAY happen. The AP report attributed to him isn't correct. The LAPD is prepared and thinks as of right now it is likely, but again, the final decision comes from the family. If they bring his remains here, they may be flown in. That option has been made available.

Second Update: As the sun starts to lighten up the marine layer, there is a blanket of gray that covers downtown Los Angeles. Every media platform is now filled and activity is at a fever pitch. I had the chance to talk with LA Police Chief William Bratton who tells me he has about 1,500 extra officers deployed in this area.

First Update: I just had the chance to speak with LA Police Chief William Bratton and he tells me that 1,500 extra police officers are in the Staples Center Area right now in anticipation of a massive crowd for the Michael Jackson service. He doesn't expect any problems and believes the LAPD can scale back those numbers pretty quickly once the event begins.

Moving through a number of roadblocks I have made my way into the compound that now envelopes the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. Even just after 1am here in California, the police presence is massive and security remains tight some 9 hours before the Michael Jackson service even begins.

In my time at Fox, I have covered a few funerals or remembrances including President Reagan and Ford...this one is right up there with media coverage. It is said that in later years Jackson remains more popular overseas than here in America and that's not hard to believe just by the coverage from overseas. Press risers of various sizes (and prices) line the street in front of the arena, spilling into the square in front of the Nokia Theater.

Tables, cables, wires, people and camera's are everywhere and satellite trucks are crammed together like giant white sardines in a can. Our fold up table next to our riser is now my desk and everyone at this hour hopes a coffee shop opens somewhere hear here soon, for the extra jolt of energy to get us to sun up.

Photo Gallery

Media Risers outside Staples Center

Image 1 of 5

Tags

80 Comments

«12 »

Krista

I think that the world has lost a very talented person. MJ was very misunderstood...no one will ever truly understand who MJ was. He touched peoples lives in some why, even if it was through a song of his that you liked. He touched everyone and he will live on in peoples memories. RIP Michael Jackson.

July 8, 2009 at 4:07 AM

karen

I cant stand some people in this blog .you just sound stupit and ingorance just give MJ respect today it don't matter your a fan or don't .Rest in peace will miss u .

July 8, 2009 at 12:51 AM

Ca

I agree with so many comments made here. I grew up with MJ, I'm 46 yrs. old, and loved everything about him. We all do make mistakes, I don't know that he is guilty of anything, except maybe, not thinking correctly. I don't feel that it was just MJ who was wrong in the abuse alligations, I also, blame the parents of the children. Why would any parent allow their child to sleep with an adult who is not the child's parent. I wish that MJ had stopped sleeping with other people's children after the first alligation. I also agree that he like Elvis was world renowned. I think he gave a lot to a lot of people. I believe that our soldiers should get the recognition they deserve, but it's not unusual that people with money are heard over others, and that's unfortunate. I praise and thank God for Michael Jackson's gifts and his contributions to music and his work with helping others. For, it is only because of God and Jesus the King, that we had MJ for the time we did. I loved him and always respected him all my life, and I will continue to love his music, and the words of his music. I do believe that he loved deeply. I pray that his spirit is free and that his family find strentgh in Our Lord and Savior, and that they help each other through this difficult time in their life. As a mom, I pray that Mrs. Jackson will be ok. I don't care how old you or your children are, they are still you're children, and you miss them terribly when they are gone, and you're life is never the same. May Michael's spirit live on in all of us, and let us remember to always love, as he sang about so may times, and as I'm sure he did.

July 7, 2009 at 4:52 PM

Erica

As I took my bath I thought of what was happening today,The world will come together in a few hours to try to say thank-you rest,and goodbye to Michael Jackson.The world has lost a legend,a kid at heart,a humanitrian. Society,constant pressure,and lies have help to bring us to this day. I thought where will MJ rest at?I too believed Neverland should be the logical place for MJ to rest-but with MJ not being able to call that home any longer, I can only say I understand. It is hard to believe that MJ is gone. He will not suffer any longer,a kid at heart- misunderstood. Just as I said with Anna Nicole -the person that was closest -has fault.He did not inject himself most likely,someone had to be doing it for him.Say was there a doctor around? Greed has brought us to this sad day. Fifty concerts- why not ten or twelve,then set a few more at a different time.Who say who wrote this contract? Looking out for The King of Pop,it seems like everyone DID want to profit tremenously off these concerts- Don't you think? Everyone that has a role is aware of this-Yes,you loved him,but love true love could have helped to keep MJ here entertaining for us all. It is really sad that Michael's life had to end like this. May you rest now Michael Jackson and stay forever young.

July 7, 2009 at 4:34 PM

turtle1307

MJ was the best and there is a lot of pepole that don't think he was and that is ok it is there loss. He will live on forever in hearts that loved him just like Elvis rest in peace my KINGS.

July 7, 2009 at 4:14 PM

Sarah

So, MJ had a good voice and was a very good dancer. He could not take credit for these since the Lord gave him his voice and the talent for dancing. So instead of praising Michael Jackson--- we should be praising the Lord for HIS greatness and goodness.

July 7, 2009 at 3:29 PM

Christina F.

MJ was someone's son, brother, father and friend. Many hearts will be broken forever. The world is allowed to be in mourning of this tragic loss. We ALL have skelton's in our closet and do not like to be reminded of our mistakes. The bible states..... "judge not lest you be judged." Please try and remember his children & family love him no matter what he had done in his life-time.

July 7, 2009 at 3:23 PM

tweakit

MJ.. what is there to realy say Does everyone remember when Elvis died it was pretty much like this covrage for MJ Elvis was in his time a man people loved and still to this day people try to be Elvis putting on thier shows to make a buck. Elvis to overdosed but did you hear people downing him for it Elvis cheated on his wife did any one down him for that Elvis was not a perfect person An niether was MJ we all do and say things we reget later in life I dont believe MJ was guilty of pedophile He was just a sweet loving person that tried to enjoy the laughs of others and perform way beyond what people had ever seen as well as Elvis did these two performers was great they had ideas and went with them I to have a son goin over seas to fight what we call a mess I wish MJ's children the best cause i believe he was a great caring father best wishes to all of our men serving our country and my god be on thier shoulders I wish MJ's familey the best and hope MJ's father does what is right.

July 7, 2009 at 3:18 PM

Felix

Our prayers for the family may he finally rest in peace, may we always remember his words for peace.

July 7, 2009 at 2:06 PM

Jaz

MJ will be missed regardless of what his personnel life was about. For all the ones that has something negative about him must not dis like him so bad because you took the time out to jot down your distasteful words about him. Don't hate because there is no other man can do the things he has done and no other man can get so much love all over the world. Give him his props.

July 7, 2009 at 1:55 PM

Des

Such a tragic loss to the music industry and his family. Prayers for his children that they be raised the way Michael would have approved of.

July 7, 2009 at 1:11 PM

JCU

It is starting to become much more clear why our country is in the outhouse. We have a country filled with idiots who take a musical performer and elevate him to a god-like status while disregarding people who truely matter. Can you guys break from this "historic" event and maybe talk about important matters? We have men and women in the Middle East fighting for freedom. We have people losing the shirts on their backs. While our nation deals with serious issues, what do we hear: Michael Jackson. People say CNN and Fox News are on opposite ends of the spectrum. These two channels are looking more alike than ever. Please get back to the coverage which truely seperates you from the likes of CNN, NBC, MSNBC, etc..,

July 7, 2009 at 1:06 PM

Sugarspice

To the family of MJ he will truly be missed and I pray that you will find comfort in the love he gave you when he was alive! MJ-RIP!

July 7, 2009 at 12:42 PM

Dr. Frank

One drop of sweat from a soldiers head in Afganistan is more important that Michael Jackson.

July 7, 2009 at 12:24 PM

Joe

As a society, we have our priorities so misplaced. MJ is still dead---MOVE ON!!!!!

July 7, 2009 at 12:19 PM

1NaMillion

Let the family grieve in private, don't flash lights/cameras during their mourning/private time with their beloved Michael. They had him first, so let them have their time. Afterwards, the world will get to have they share their memories/time with MJ.

July 7, 2009 at 11:48 AM

Madelyn

Your music brought people together. Your message for peace and love will always live in our hearts. May you rest in place. We are going to miss you. Maddy

July 7, 2009 at 11:47 AM

Monica Smith

MJ was a great performer and coverage should happen. But do we did to know the movement of each black car? Each note or Geraldo's narrative of the crowd? MJ did embace both light skinned and darked skinned people-yet what has Rev. Jackson and Sharpden done? Make it all racial. That is where they make their money. Face it-it is their "gig". Our generation is losing respect for them when they do such things. They have been important in the past-some-but why not try to be MORE like MJ? thERE IS ALWAYS HATE. I wish that FOX and CNN would cover the ceremony and move on to other world and US news.

July 7, 2009 at 11:43 AM

jay rock

r.i.p. mike love the steet heat team!!

July 7, 2009 at 11:35 AM

BobSWFL

To the MJ supporters who continue their rant about "he was never convicted, so he must be innocent": Did you see MJ dangle the baby off a balcony? This is child abuse. You are worshippping a child abuser. Don't need a court to prove it. Now some Dem wants to honor him as a hero. This is why much of the world dislikes the U.S. - we appear shallow when we worship our silly little false showbiz gods. I'm embarassed for our country.

July 7, 2009 at 11:33 AM

«12 »