Tributes paid to 'King of Pop'
WHERE fans of the self-styled King of Pop are concerned, there can not be many people more passionate about Michael Jackson than a woman from Woodbury Salterton. Marilyn Frankum, of Roymar Farm, watched the 50-year-old in concert at Wembley in 1988, once
WHERE fans of the self-styled King of Pop are concerned, there can not be many people more passionate about Michael Jackson than a woman from Woodbury Salterton.
Marilyn Frankum, of Roymar Farm, watched the 50-year-old in concert at Wembley in 1988, once in Cardiff, and saw the Beat It and Thriller star when he visited Exeter seven years ago.
Michael Jackson died last Thursday after suffering a suspected heart attack at his Los Angeles home. Marilyn, a lifelong admirer of the musical superstar, said: "It was very sad to have heard of his death. He was a world-class entertainer."
Jackson was due to embark on a 50-date tour at London's O2 Arena to start later this month.
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Staff at a number of Exmouth shops said fans, saddened by his passing, had been buying CDs and DVDs belonging to the entertainer during the weekend.
Richard Horrell, 48, who works at Martian Records in the indoor market, said: "We have had quite a lot of people snapping up his music."
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Marilyn said there would not be another Michael Jackson. She added: "He was a musical genius.
"I have seen people like Bryan Adams, and groups such as Bon Jovi in the past, but nobody compared to Michael.
"His songs are still very contemporary - they haven't dated and I'm sure he will live on through his music after his death. I would have loved to have seen him perform again.
"When I went to see him at Wembley I had a VIP ticket and was sat near Status Quo and Paula Yates who were all big stars at the time.
"These kind of people he drew to his concerts was a testament to his ability."
Steve Knightley, from Topsham-based band Show of Hands, said his children, Billy and Jack, worshipped Michael Jackson.
The 55-year-old said: "We are buying a zombie toy for Billy today because he loves the thriller video.
"Michael was an absolute phenomenon. His music, no doubt about it, will live on for years and for now at least, I'm sure there will be a massive revival in his tracks."
Steve, whose band has started work on their new album, said: "I was around Elvis Pressley died and the impact Michael's death has had across the world has surpassed that.
