Fans gather to honour Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson fans around the world began marking the first anniversary of the music icon's death, with events from candlelight vigils to slumber parties in honour of the tragic superstar.

Michael Jackson, 50, died from a drug overdose at a rented Los Angeles mansion on June 25 last year, a seismic celebrity death that triggered a global outpouring of tributes for the eccentric genius known as The King of Pop.

Flowers piled up in Tokyo where 50 die-hard fans paid more than $1,000 each to attend a sleepover inside an exhibition space showcasing some of the singer's belongings.

The participants were chosen from some 10,000 applicants who wanted to spend the night in the Neverland Collection at Tokyo Tower, surrounded by Jackson artefacts that included his music awards, Rolls Royce and crystal-studded gloves.

Outside Los Angeles meanwhile, thousands of Jackson fans were expected to descend on the picturesque Forest Lawn Memorial Park, a star-studded cemetery where the singer's golden casket was entombed last September.

Park authorities planned to keep a tight grip on the proceedings, saying visitors are only allowed to walk past the elaborate neo-classical mausoleum that houses Michael Jackson's final resting place.

Fans had already begun arriving at the cemetery late on Thursday according to local media reports, ignoring warnings from police that overnight camping at the location would be banned, along with parking and street vending.

Michael Jackson fans are also expected to pay tribute at the singer's family compound in Encino, scene of mass floral tributes for days after the star's death last year.

In the only official memorial event planned yesterday, family matriarch Katherine Jackson, 80, was slated to unveil a monument at the home where she raised her famous son and eight other children in Gary, Indiana.

The two-bedroom, one-story home has become a magnet for tourists from all over the world since Michael Jackson's death.

Meanwhile, a Jackson tribute event -Forever Michael - will be held at a Beverly Hills hotel today, with tickets priced at between $150 and $500. Members of the singer's family are expected to attend the event.

"The vision is to bring together Michael Jackson family members, celebrities, fans, supporters and the community to celebrate and honour his legacy," a statement from the organisers said.

Michael Jackson's death sent shockwaves around the world last year, while family and fans were outraged after it emerged he had been given a cocktail of powerful prescription drugs including the anesthetic propofol.

Propofol is used to induce unconsciousness in patients undergoing major surgery in hospital. Medical professionals say it should never be used by private individuals at home.

Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray, the last person to see the singer alive, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the case and is expected to stand trial next year. Dr Murray denies the charges.

While the immediate aftermath of Michael Jackson's death saw intense speculation about court-room wrangling for control of the singer's affairs, expected legal battles over his children and vast musical empire failed to materialise.

Katherine Jackson was granted custody of the children Prince, 13, Paris, 12, and Blanket, eight, who are slowly adjusting to life without their father.