Fans honor Michael Jackson at Apollo Theater

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Fans honor Michael Jackson at Apollo Theater

Photos of a public memorial for pop star Michael Jackson June 30 at the Apollo Theater in the Harlem section of New York.

Thousands of people came to Harlem's Apollo Theater on Tuesday to pay their respects to Michael Jackson, who died last week at age 50.

The event began at 2 p.m., but many were already waiting Tuesday morning, dancing as they lined up with T-shirts, posters, album covers and other mementoes.

Film director Spike Lee speaks about Jackson to the Apollo crowd.

Lee danced onstage with the Rev. Al Sharpton.

The King of Pop. The Greatest Ever. R.I.P. The Apollo tribute was festive and upbeat throughout the day but many fans showed more solemn emotions.

Anastisia Ayala of Harlem broke down crying during the tribute.

Jackson's ties to the theater go back to 1967, when The Jackson 5 won the Apollo's Amateur Night contest.

Fans were let in 600 at a time to listen to Jackson's music, watch a video tribute and leave flowers and memorabilia.

A black fedora and a white spangled glove were placed on a stool before a microphone stand during a tribute.

Single white gloves were worn by many to the tribute.

People sing and hold posters as they wait in line for the public memorial for Jackson.

Grace Sewell holds posters as she and others wait at the front of the line for the public memorial.

Michael Townes holds a portrait of a young Michael Jackson as he and other people wait in line.

Outside the theater, fans could write messages on a wall outside on 125th Street in the center of Harlem.

Marc E. Shelton wears a t-shirt and holds a poster as he waits in line.

Fans began converging on the Apollo as soon as Jackson died and it has continued to serve as an impromptu memorial site in the days since.

A moment of silence was planned for 5:26 p.m., the time East Coast fans learned that Jackson had died.

One fan left a bible with an inscription.

Tuesday's salute at the Apollo began with a eulogy by the Rev. Al Sharpton.

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Thousands of people came to Harlem's Apollo Theater on Tuesday to pay their respects to Michael Jackson, who died last week at age 50.

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