Michael Jackson Memorial Tickets Selling For Thousands

NEW YORK — Michael Jackson's concerts always were difficult to get tickets to, but that's nothing compared to the pop star's memorial service.

On eBay, bids for tickets for Tuesday's event were reaching as high as $3,000, though it was impossible to verify the seriousness of those bids. On Craigslist, asking prices also were in the thousands. Some unable to attend, though, simply wanted to give away their tickets _ as one post read _ "to only true fans."

Throughout the day, both eBay and Craigslist were taking down postings attempting to sell tickets to the memorial service, which will be held at Los Angeles' Staples Center.

More than 1.6 million fans registered online for a chance to attend, and only 8,750 names were chosen _ each of whom received two free tickets.

Organizers have also made efforts to prevent scalping. Staples Center spokesman Michael Roth said organizers will check IDs to make sure those picking up wristbands are the same people who originally applied online.

Ticket winners also have to present a unique code when picking up tickets, as many did Monday at Dodger Stadium. A bracelet for the event was immediately placed on ticketholders' wrists, though they were permitted to give anyone their second bracelet.

Demand for the tickets was likely to only increase after representatives for Jackson's family released a list of participants Monday. Among those scheduled to attend the ceremony are Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Kobe Bryant, Brooke Shields, Usher and John Mayer.

Even the rejection notices fans received informing them that they had not won tickets to the memorial service were being auctioned. For a dollar or two, some on eBay offered to forward a copy of their rejection e-mail as "a collector's piece for a fan."

Comments

[SpaceboySD]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVACUjHn6yU

[samilli3]

we humans can be so phony....pimping M.J even after death

[RiceStarz]

As the media bangs on about what killed Michael, we all know that a broken heart did.

http://www.thesilencedtruth.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=59

http://www.usnewslink.com/framedjackson.htm

Please spread these links to Kings office, the Media and to every TR@// who dares disparage Michaels image on this very sad day of international mourning.

Thank you

[Seriously Mcmillan]

When a dead celebrity can still fill a stadium...It doesn't mean he was famous. It means, he was beyond famous.

I don't know what's going on with all the MJ mess since Michael Jackson's death, but it's caused more attention than his life.

My goodness...

"Dogs and cats living together...Mass hysteria!"

Seriously McMillan
Yousuckwhe­nyourerude­.com

[hannabanana]

No, it means there are more nutty people running around loose than you can fathom.

[samsnee]

People trying to make money off the death of MJ? I'm shocked I tell you, shocked!

[woodcut]

There are elephants at Staples Center - really.

LILY TOMLIN wants you to know about ELEPHANT SUFFERING: http://www.helpelephants.com/

[wdcvhi]

what the hell does that have to do with Michael Jackson?

[j-me]

I would like to give away my ticket voucher good for two tickets to the MJ Memorial Service. If you are a true fan please reply. I was told by ticketmaster that you can still pick up tickets tomorrow morning at El Rey Theatre. I can't make it to LA in time to attend. Thanks~

[Mandy Jones]

Please, I would love to go so bad! I am such a huge fan...from the age of 5 or 6. Oh my gosh, please email me at mandyjones­music@gmai­l.com

[AERO]

There are very few people who actually won tickets. The people who are selling them are doing a service to those who are willing to pay to go and would otherwise not be able to. So what if they make a few bucks on the deal.

[wdcvhi]

Agreed.

[ozwald888]

Even in death his corpse is being pimped out. I liked his music, and the way he danced, but this is just over the top!!

[belal]

michael jackson memorial tickets for sale in california $10,000 for 2 tickets including rist bands best offers are being takinplease contact me at 951 496 7265serious buyers only thank you

[TanzaniteDiamonds]

You are SERIOUSLY out of your rabbit@$$ mind!!!!

[sneetches]

Maggot

[Yves Papa]

I have no qualms at all in seeing these tickets scalped. I also hope that the cost of this ceremony will not be paid with public money. I think that they should have charged for these tickets, up front, say $1K or even $5K.
People may be indignantly huffing about making money on the dead, but don't they realize that Michael Jackson was himself rolling on money, actually having most of his fortune based on a song catalog from artists who have now passed away, such as for the Beatles, of whom only 2 survive now?

[sony9577]

I am really disappointed because the fans are getting rip off.. while the thousand fans are in staple and at home watching the memorial on tv .. i heard the family will be buried michael ... wasn't the point for this so the fans can say goodbye to him just like they did to princess diana? hope i am wrong ... but if it true.. all this will be one of many tribute shows.

[grailknight]

I didn't like Yoko Ono, but her memorial for John was tastefully understated: she asked fans to gather in public places for ten minutes of silence. Afterwards we linked arms and swayed, and sang a few of his songs, and then we went our separate ways. No hysteria, hyperbole, or profit.

[Solja]

Oh well. That was then, this is now. Totally different people, totally different time.

[alsm9]

Ya, but it's still REALLY tacky.

[hannabanana]

Yeah, the difference between good taste then and ostentatious tackiness now.

[pearlx2]

To each his own. Michael always wanted to put on the biggest show.

[hannabanana]

Um, newsflash for you: MJ is dead!

[TanzaniteDiamonds]

There's an @$$ for every seat, who would pay for this? Ridiculous!!

[bosha]

Just like Americans to make a profit off of someones death. RIP MJ.