Footage of Jacko’s rehearsals released

FOOTAGE of Michael Jackson performing some of his most famous hits for the final time was released last night.

The King of Pop looked well and his voice sounded strong as he danced around the stage in typical fashion during rehearsals at the Staples Centre, in Los Angeles.

The star was preparing for his 50-night residency at London’s O2 arena, set to begin later this month.

Jackson died on June 25 after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest.

Jackson’s friend, Uri Geller, said last night the footage raised a “big question” about what prompted the star’s dramatic demise.

“The question is: What happened from that point to the day that he died?” said Geller. “In the photographs I’ve seen, he looked in shape, he was smiling, he was happy.

“What happened? That’s the big question.”

Kevin Mazur, 48, the photographer who captured some of Jackson’s final moments at the rehearsals.

Mr Mazur told the Daily Mirror: “When he hit that stage, everyone was just mesmerised.”

“You would never suspect this would have ever happened – especially after his performance on stage.”

Meanwhile, it emerged yesterday that America’s anti-drugs agency had launched an investigation into Jackson’s death.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was called in by Los Angeles police to assist as they probe allegations the star was on powerful painkillers, sedatives and antidepressants, sources close to the investigation said.

The agency has vast experience in dealing with drug abuse and could evaluate the potential role of illegal drug manufacturers known as pill mills.

Jermaine Jackson said he would be “hurt” if toxicology reports showed his brother had abused prescription drugs.

He told NBC he did not know of any drug abuse by the 50-year-old.

But he added: “In this business, the pressure and things that you go through, you never know what one turns to.”

Plans for Jackson’s funeral were still being worked on yesterday.

Brother Jermaine said he believed Neverland – the singer’s estate in California – should be Jackson’s final resting place.

Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff has called for a speedy compromise between attorneys for Mrs Jackson and the two co-executors of Michael Jackson’s will – lawyer John Branca and John McClain, a music executive and a family friend.