July 7, 2009 17:52
Michael Jackson's memorial service kicks off in LA
Smokey Robinson greets massive crowd and gospel choir performs
Photo Gallery: Michael Jackson
Photo: Pa Photos
Smokey Robinson kicked off the memorial service for Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles today (July 7).
The legendary singer greeted the crowd at 10:15am (PST), saying that the pop star would be greatly missed - he also quoted Nelson Mandela, who said "be strong". There was a long pause in the ceremony following Robinson's remarks while Jackson's family members took their seats.
The thousands of fans and celebrities attending the ceremony remained reverentially quiet during the break. A gospel choir then sang a traditional hymn before Pastor Lucious Smith, a friend of the Jackson family, took the stage.
"As long as we remember him, he will be there forever to comfort us," Smith said. "Michael Jackson wanted nothing more than to give love to the world... he was an idol, a hero and even a king."
Stay tuned to NME.COM for live updates throughout Jackson's memorial ceremony.
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Click to see a gallery of images from the memorial here.
--By our Los Angeles staff.
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