I know people said he has been in ill health of late... I never really believed it, as when I met him and spent a few minutes in his company in 97 he did seem very fragile, and I could not believe he could perform live the next day. But he did.

Very sad and shocked to hear about Michael's death. I wasn't a die-hard Jacko fan, but still love his music and feel that he brought great joy to millions. I'm glad that we have a respectfull post on this site, rather than talking about financial implications.

It seems strange that a relatively young man of 50, with no history of heart trouble in his family and seemingly living a healthy life style should pass away at 50. Maybe it was the tremendous amount of stress about performing 50 dates at the 02 and the enormous expectations that carries with it. Apparently he only wanted to do 10 shows. God bless you Michael.

Michael is believed to have died of a cardiac arrest. An expert on CNN explained that any one of us could have heart problems which we know nothing about until a cardiac arrest. Very compforting (not).

Michael never properly grew up and so approached life in a different way to most adults, and he was often misunderstood because of that, but his music rose above all else and he became a legend in his own time. His planned tour of the UK was to be his last, but those around him believe that, while looking forward to it, he was also suffering a lot of stress over the preparation, as well as being on medication.

Michael Jackson helped shape and change the world. His music will live on, and I'm sure he'll continue to inspire.

Throughout the night I ony heard one commentator mention Michael Jackson's three children and how he was very sad for them at this time.

On BBC Breakfast they frequently mentioned Michael's children, particularly when talking to Mark Lester who was their godfather, and also to Jk's friend Paul Gambacini, who always seems to be brought out on these occasions, probably because of his great knowledge and excellent communication.

Awfully sad news. I was in a London music venue when the news broke - and it was mayhem with everyone getting phones out etc. to check on what was happening.

I had tickets for the O2 shows - and very sad that we will never see MJ again.

A wonderful musician and a unique person who spread love around through his music.

Love is what makes us different and special as a species. MJ brought alot of love into people's lives and his music will live on bringing that love.

Sympathies to his family and of course his young children. I cant imagine how they will be feeling today - devastated is often an over used word but I am sure it applies in this case.

At least he is now free of the pain whether physical or emotional that he has undoubtedly suffered in recent years. RIP Michael Jackson King of Pop.

JK did you meet Michael?

they're wheeling f*cking waxie maxie out now... what does he know about music?

The circumstances surrounding his death as I write still appear to be pretty vague. An overdose of prescribed painkillers? I just hope he didn't kill himself.

He was the biggest star on the planet. Would I want to be the biggest star on the planet? No.

Could anyone cope with that? Elvis couldn't.

I wonder how long it's going to be before someone on here starts a conspiracy thread surrounding his death?

Angel wrote:
I wonder how long it's going to be before someone on here starts a conspiracy thread surrounding his death?

I'm sure BR will have his say lol