Breaking: Michael Jackson dead

Fans gathered to pay tribute to the most influential all-round performer of his generation and world leaders, including President Barack Obama, were expected to recognise his contribution to popular culture.

The recluse had finally overcome the trauma of a child abuse trial in 2005 to sell out a triumphant tour at The O2.

Such was the stampede for tickets that the original 10-night stint was extended to 50, stretching from July to March 2010.

Only this week, AEG Europe chief executive David Campbell had told The Wharf that securing the residency was the crowning achievement of The O2's short existence.

Asked about fears for Michael's well-being, Mr Campbell referred back to the press conference that saw the iconic singer announce his return to the limelight: "Michael was totally lucid, totally together, very focused. We didn't ask him to do 10 press ups but he also looked very fit. I had a chat with him and he was great. He was nervous like anyone else."

However, rumours from LA suggested all was not well in the Jackson camp. Reports suggested that Jackson felt railroaded into the residency and the initial dates were postponed till 2010 to allow for more preparation.

Meanwhile, a stand-in was used during rehearsals and he is reported to have declared he needed to be much stronger to tackle such a marathon.

Nevertheless, he was elated that the fans that had been so loyal during his 1980s heyday had stuck with the troubled singer and tickets for the gigs had sold out quickly.

Mr Campbell told The Wharf earlier this week: "Jackson will be big beyond big. We could have sold 120 shows if we had been able to fulfil every ticket request."

Known as the King of Pop, for hit albums that included Thriller and Billie Jean, Jackson's stage presence and dance moves created an enduring legacy that will be difficult to surpass. His childlike, little boy lost demeanour only added to the appeal of the dancer who created the Moonwalk and who virtually re-wrote the video rule book with the epic Thriller.

In many respects, he was the first tabloid icon who combined a genius talent for showmanship and catchy tunes with an eccentric private life involving chimps, wealth, poor health and the bizarre Neverland ranch, the home he chose to recreate his own troubled childhood.

However, after persistent rumours about his relationships with children, his career and fortunes declined to the point where he became a recluse, exiled from Neverland which was about to go under the auctioneer's hammer to salvage his fortune.

Uri Gellar, a close friend of the star, told BBC News: "I'm devastated - it's very, very sad.

"I'm still trying to hold on to the glimmer that it's not true. It's too surreal for me to absorb that Michael is no longer with us."