Photographer 'Jackson Looked Great in Rehearsals'

4 months ago 04th Jul 04:34

Michael Jackson's official photographer Kevin Mazur has dismissed reports the King of Pop was frail and struggling in the days before his death, insisting the singer was "full of energy" during dress rehearsals he shot at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Mazur was hired by the promoters behind Jackson's planned This Is It comeback shows in London to document the rehearsals, and the snapper claimshis old friend was in fine form.

He was going toe-to-toe with 20-year-old dancers

The celebrity photographer says, "He looked like the same old Michael Jackson I'd photographed through the years. He was full of energy, having fun, very upbeat, totally into it. He was going toe-to-toe with 20-year-old dancers.

"He ran through 12 songs (and) the only time he stopped... was to tweakthe music or work on the choreography.

"I was so excited and I couldn't wait to see this full production in the 02 Arena (in London) with the fans".

Mazur left the rehearsals two days before Jackson's death last week (25Jun09) so he could cover Sir Elton John's White Tie and Tiara Charity Ball in England.

It was while he was there that Elton told him the King of Pop had died.

The snapper adds, "I was shocked... I just got done telling Elton how great he (Jackson) was".

A minute's worth of footage from the rehearsals has been released to news agencies by promoters Aeg Live.

The video shows Jackson performing with his dancers and singing They Don't Care About Us live. He appears thin but in fine form and good voice.