New video of Michael Jackson surfaces as fans grasp for more

Photo credit: Urbanite

(Associated Press)

By Marlene Naanes

Fans craving a glimpse of Michael Jackson’s last day might have a chance to purchase a recording of the pop icon’s thrilling final rehearsal before what was to be his comeback concert tour.

The Wrap, a Hollywood blog, reported the practice was recorded in high-definition the night before Jackson died, potentially opening up an avenue for the concert promoter to more than recoup losses from the London tour, which was to begin next month. The DVD and album release would showcase Jackson performing his top hits.

The revelation comes as Joe Jackson, the superstar’s father, said he does not believe tour-buildup stress killed him, according to a TV interview aired last night.

The family was also granted a few specks of relief after Debbie Rowe, the mother of Jackson’s two oldest children, reportedly said she wouldn’t seek custody. The Jacksons also have taken solace in the global outpouring of love.

“Michael was the biggest superstar in the world and in history,” Joe Jackson told Fox News Channel’s “Geraldo at Large.” “He was loved by everybody, whether poor or wealthy or whatever may be.”Michael Jackson fans continued making pilgrimages to the Apollo Theater yesterday, writing messages of mourning on a nearby wall and dancing to the pop star’s music before an ever-growing shrine.

Glynis Joseph, 51, came from Brooklyn to sign her name to a tribute wall so thick in signatures that a second — in some places a third — sheet of paper or plastic was put up.

“Wow, look at this—there’s nowhere to put your name,” said the longtime fan. “I just had to be here…to connect. This is going on all over the world. ”

The King of Pop’s career was launched 40 years ago at the Apollo. Devotees said Jackson’s life and prolific cache of songs enraptured all people.

“Regardless of the personal problems they say he had, you can’t deny the music he made,” said Theresea Burgin, 49, of Brooklyn, who spent more than an hour yesterday singing Jackson songs with her daughters, grandson and neighbor under the Apollo’s marquee.

“I just wish he could see how much he was loved and how many people came out.”

Jackson’s death also yielded profits for many of the sidewalk vendors on 125th Street, hawking T-shirts, DVDs, buttons and posters graced with the Gloved One’s likeness.

“Mike has revived the economy,” vendor Paul Moreland said. “You would never know we were in a recession on 125th Street.”

(With AP)

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