Kerre Woodham: Jackson died as he lived

Michael Jackson leaves a significant musical legacy, and a worldwide fanbase. Photo / Getty Images

Let's face it. Michael Jackson was never going to die quietly in his sleep as an old man, surrounded by his doting grandchildren and a loving wife. His whole life has been weird. And his death was no different.

Reports began circulating in the early hours of Friday that the pop superstar was dead and, a few hours later, it was confirmed that one of the most extraordinary talents in music was gone.

His death, apparently of a cardiac arrest, almost crashed the web as the news relayed around the world. This on the eve of his worldwide tour, a tour that was designed to reinvigorate the star's somewhat tarnished image and to reinject some much-needed cash into his depleted coffers.

Seven hundred and fifty thousand fans had bought tickets to his 50 London shows but, even before his death, English bookies had been increasing the odds against him pulling on the old sequinned glove and fedora and making the concert.

If the show had gone on, there's no doubt it would have been a triumph. People still talk about his Mt Smart concert in Auckland as the best they've ever been to, and it will be to my eternal regret that I didn't go.

His musical legacy is significant - 13 number one hits, record-breaking albums and music videos that set a new standard for the industry.

I hope he will be able to rest in peace because he certainly didn't have any in his short, troubled, brilliant life.

* www.kerrewoodham.com