New footage of Michael Jackson’s last rehearsal just two days before his death has now been made public.

With funeral plans emerging and court battles planned for his children, the Jackson family limelight is far from over.

The last footage of Michael Jackson alive was filmed when he was rehearsing just 36 hours before his death.

He created history as one of the world’s best entertainers – even President Obama was happy to vouch for the late musician’s influence on his life.

“I grew up on his music,” he says.

“Still have all his stuff on my iPod.”

But the planned comeback was not to be, and a week after Jackson’s death, his brother Jermaine is still clearly affected.

“I know he’s very much alive in his spirit, and that was just a shell, but I kissed him on his forehead and I hugged him, I touched him, and I said ‘Michael, I’ll never leave you,’” he says.

While Jackson grew up in public, the spotlight has now turned to his three children.

Former wife Debbie Rowe – who signed her parental rights away – is reported to be challenging the Jackson family for custody of the two elder children, including a restraining order against Michael’s father Joe.

Whether or not Ms Rowe is the biological mother, Lawyers say is irrelevant.

“As a matter of law, it is too late to make any legal challenge,” says Celebrity Lawyer Gloria Allred.

“They are legally the children of Debbie Rowe and Michael Jackson.”

Plans for Jackson’s funeral finally emerged today, and while the gates of Neverland opened, Jackson’s family have closed off the idea of using the theme park as a venue because of its links to Jackson’s sordid past with children.

Instead they have opted for the Los Angeles Staples Centre, where a memorial will be held on Wednesday morning – 11,000 tickets will be made available to fans.

For those who can not make it, the final footage is proof of the talent that saw Michael Jackson crowned the King of Pop.

3 News