Glastonbury Leads Michael Jackson Tributes

Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis has led the tributes for Michael Jackson, hailed as the 'King of Pop', who has died after a suspected heart attack at the age of 50.

The singer was pronounced dead after being taken to UCLA Medical Centre in Los Angeles from his home. He had been in a deep coma, reports have said.

Emily Eavis, who co-runs the festival with her father, Michael said: "I am shocked. This is such a tragic moment. We haven't got anything official to say yet but what I can say is there are tributes all over the site.

"Everywhere you go you can hear Michael Jackson 's music. I am sure the artists will pay tribute in their own ways. In the coming days everyone wants to pay their respects."

Dave McCabe, singer with The Zutons, told the BBC some cover versions are inevitable: "Hopefully, 'cos he's got good songs and it's always a winner."

The pop icon's brother Jermain said he believed he suffered a cardiac arrest in his home in Holmby Hills.

Jackson was pronounced dead at about 2.26pm local time (10.26pm British time).

He said: "My brother, the legendary King of Pop, passed away on Thursday, June 25, at 2.26pm.

"We believe he suffered a cardiac arrest at his home, however the cause of his death is unknown until the results of the autopsy are known.

"His personal physician, who was with him at the time, attempted to resuscitate my brother, as did the paramedics who transported him to UCLA Medical Centre in Los Angeles.

"On arrival at 1.14pm a team of doctors including emergency physicians and cardiologists attempted to resuscitate him for one hour but they were unsuccessful."

He also asked the media to respect the family's privacy during his "tough time".

"And Allah be with you Michael always. I love you," he added.

The singer, whose 1982 album was the biggest selling record of all time - shifting 57 million copies - also scored seven UK number ones as a solo artist and won a total of 13 Grammy awards.

Jackson sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide.

The King of Pop was dubbed 'Wacko Jacko' for his seemingly eccentric way of life, including his preference for the company of children, his friendship with a chimp, high-pitched voice and numerous plastic surgeries, including unsubstantiated rumours he bleached his skin.

He had lived as a virtual recluse since being cleared in 2005 of charges of child molestation, had been scheduled to launch a comeback tour at London's O2 Arena next month.

The star had three children, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince Michael Jackson II.

(JM/BMcC)