Lebanon's Teens Mourn Michael Jackson

posted on: Jun 26, 2009

Teenagers in Lebanon expressed shock and sadness as news spread Friday about the premature death of Michael Jackson, describing him as legend of pop music. “I cannot believe the King of Pop is dead. I was hoping I would see him performing in London this summer,” Tara Attaya, a fifteen- year-old Lebanese told the German Press Agency, dpa.

“I was woken up early today by a text message from my friend who told me: turn on the news, Michael Jackson died of a heart attack today,” Attaya said.

“I simply could not believe that he is gone,” Christina Dao, a fifteen year-old Lebanese teen told dpa, as she was still glued to the TV stations watching the latest news on Jackson’s death and hearing his famous songs.

Radio One, Lebanon’s number one music radio along with other stations, was playing Jackson’s songs throughout the day.

“I still could not believe that the King of Pop had died. I, like so many people around the world, grew up listening to Jackson, and here in Lebanon, he was just as massive a star,” said Lara Dao, 35.

The sadness on Jackson’s also touched older people in Lebanon who also liked his music.

“His songs always remind me of the various kids in Beirut who used to stand on the sidewalk attempting to do “his moonwalk,” Joy bou Nassif, 45, said.

Zahi Akkar, a DJ in one of Lebanon’s famous nigtclubs said Jackson’s songs are still a big hit in Beirut especially “Billie Jean.”

The 50-year old singer was preparing for a comeback tour in the United Kingdom in July.

“We have lost an icon in the music industry,”Akkar said.

“It is not often that a star like Michael Jackson comes along,” Akkar added.

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earthtimes.com