Disbelief before London 'curtain call'

LONDON: Excitement turned to mourning on Friday as fans worldwide digested the news of Michael Jackson's death just weeks from epic comeback shows in London the singer had termed the "final curtain call."

The British press paid tribute. Under the headline "Jacko Dead", The Sun said: "Not since the death of Princess Diana or the day John Lennon was shot has a story shocked the world like this."

Australian Eliza Ocana said: "I was planning on traveling half way around the world to see Michael Jackson... From Sydney to London. I am in shock."