Birmingham fans choked with emotion at Michael Jackson memorial

Jul 7 2009 by Jasbir Authi, Birmingham Mail

MANY fans were choked with emotion when they spoke about how Michael Jackson’s death had affected them.

Kevin Buck, aged 24, from Erdington, came with cousin Scott Jones, 20.

He said: “Doing the moon walk is a daily routine for me. I’ve come to pay my respects.”

Shop worker Lisa Clucas, 23, from Rubery, who came with friend Tanya Davis, 23, said: “I’ve been a fan since I was ten. I had booked tickets before he died so it’s more of a memorial. I was going to the O2 Arena.”

Accounts assistant Anita Mistry, 32, and husband Bhav, 35, from Walsall, had a double celebration.

Mrs Mistry said: “It’s our second wedding anniversary and we thought we would celebrate his life and our anniversary as we were so saddened and shocked.”

Moona Butt, 40, a teacher from Kings Heath, was with nieces Aimal Butt, 12, and Seerat Ghoru Shoaib, 14, and nephew Abdullah Shoaib, 13.

Mrs Butt said: “My niece and nephew are holidaying from the Sudan and are big fans. It’s a chance to celebrate his life because we still can’t believe he died. We stayed up all night when he died.”

Mohammed Sahid, 18, a student at Smethwick College, and his cousin Mohammed Abid 16, wore black hats.

Mr Sahid said: “I’ve performed his dances like Billie Jean on stage in Victoria Park in Smethwick. It’s been so emotional since he died. Words cannot express how I feel. If I get a chance to dance on stage I will.”

Housewife Angela Khan, 46, from Walsall, was dressed in a Michael Jackson outfit and was with daughters Shabana, 25, and Sofina, 14. She said: “We’ve been devastated as we were planning to go to the O2 Arena. Tonight will be a celebration.”