NEWSRemembering Michael Jackson: A Look Back at the Tributes Following His Death
Dec. 29 2009, Published 12:45 p.m. ET
There is no question Michael Jackson has a global fan base. Unfortunately, the extent of his status was only fully measured after his death, through the tributes and actions of his beloved fans and all those he left a lasting impression on. As part of OK!'s Year in Review, here is the last installment of Remembering Michael Jackson as we look back at some of the many fan tributes honoring the King of Pop after his death.
JUNE 27, 2009: Prisoners in the Philippines Honor MJ
Original Video: Back in the summer of 2007, the inmates of Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), a maximum security prison in the Philippines, imitated the zombie dance featured in the music video of MJ's "Thriller" video. The uploaded performance, which was first introduced to prisoners as an enjoyable way to stay fit, has reached almost 40 million views. Here is a look at the original video.
JULY 28, 2009: Massive Sand Monument in Berlin
A colossal sand sculpture constructed in Berlin, which required over 200 tons of sand by the time it was finished on July 30. The MJ memorial was a joint effort of the various stores at the Borsighallen shopping mall in Berlin. Construction on the monument highlights various stages of MJ’s career — from the Jackson 5 to Thriller to History.
AUG. 29: The King of Pop's 51st Birthday Tributes
- Michael Jackson's Children Look Somber While Paying Respects at Uncle Tito's Funeral After His Fatal Heart Attack: See Photos
- Lisa Marie Presley Reveals Michael Jackson Was 'Still a Virgin' at 35 Years Old When They Started Dating: 'I Was Terrified'
- 8 Things to Know About the Jackson 5: Members, Unofficial Breakup and More
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Brooklyn, NY: Director Spike Lee helps organize an MJ birthday celebration in Prospect Park, Brooklyn celebrating Michael's life. Spike honored Michael by putting his Oscar-nominated directing talents to use, directing a video for Michael’s song “This Is It.” The video features footage of Michael’s performances throughout his career as well as images from his hometown of Gary, Ind..
Mexico City, Mexico: Over 13,000 Michael Jackson fans in danced in a mass "Thriller" Tribute for the King of Pop's birthday. This performance breaks the Guinness World Record for the number of people doing the "Thriller" dance at one time. MJ impersonator, Hector Jackson, led the crowd replicating the King of Pop's iconic dance moves.
SEPT. 24: This Is It Tribute
The Michael Jackson "This Is It" tribute wall is revealed at the L.A. Live Theater. Fans from all over the globe traveled to L.A. to sign the wall and wait in line for This is It exclusive showing.
OCT. 24: "Thrill" The World: A Global Tribute to Michael Jackson
MJ fans from across the globe gathered together to honor the late great King of Pop by performing his iconic Thriller dance at the same time.
In NYC, fans dressed as zombies before dancing to there big performance in Astoria Park, Queens.
Across the country in L.A., thousands of participants performed MJ's moves outside the Staples Center, where Michael had been rehearsing for his 50-date This Is It Tour.
Across the globe in Australia, Luna Park in Sydney joined in on the "Thriller" dance action.
