Jackson fans gather at London's O2

LONDON, July 13 (UPI) -- Michael Jackson's fans gathered Monday outside London's O2 arena where the late U.S. pop star was set to begin his series of comeback concerts.

The BBC said about 600 people, including some King of Pop impersonators, are sitting vigil at the arena, while others are being encouraged via Jackson fan Web sites and Facebook to bring flowers and candles to the informal tribute.

Jackson was scheduled to perform 50 concerts during a sold-out residency at the arena, starting Monday. He died June 25 of a cardiac arrest after a suspected prescription drug overdose. He was 50.

Copenhagen resident Jasper Haughton said he had been planning to watch Jackson perform during what was to be his opening night gig Monday.

"We should have been going to the concert but we're standing here instead," Haughton, who had tickets to the first five nights of Jackson's slated run at the O2, told the BBC. "It doesn't make any sense. ... We're here for grieving, but the main thing is a celebration of Michael."