Never can say goodbye

A year after Michael Jackson's death caused a worldwide outpouring of tears and tributes, the anniversary of his passing was being marked quietly as fans remembered their fallen King of Pop with vigils, prayer and, of course, music.

At Jackson's final resting place at Forest Lawn in Glendale, California, about 500 fans filed past barricades on Friday to get close to the mausoleum where Jackson is interred. Some wept, while some carried bouquets.

Across the country in Harlem, pictures of Jackson hung on a wall outside New York's Apollo Theatre, where Jackson and his brothers won amateur night in the late 1960s. It was a low-key scene on Friday morning, as Jackson's music blared from boom boxes and passing cars.

In Japan, hundreds of fans met at Tokyo Tower to honour Jackson with a candlelight vigil, a gospel concert and more. Some got a chance to see a collection of his possessions. About 50 guests paid $1,100 (about Dh4,000) each to sleep overnight at the Tokyo landmark.

But not all memorials were to be sombre. In France, Jackson weekend commemoration plans included a concert and tribute show. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland planned parties for the man who embodied dance music.

On Twitter, "RIPMJ" was one of the most popular topics. Mariah Carey said she was marking the day by watching the video to You Are Not Alone.

"Love and prayers to MJ ‘King of Pop'," Carey tweeted. "You will be remembered forever. We miss you."