TRIBUTES poured in today after music legend Michael Jackson died of a massive heart attack last night.

The King of Pop suddenly collapsed and stopped breathing at his Los Angeles home.

The 50-year-old singer was rushed to hospital where doctors desperately tried to resuscitate him but he died at 2.26pm local time.

Liverpool Unites fundraiser David Gest, who was a close friend of Michael, was among those who led the stunned tributes.

The I’m A Celebrity star said: “I lost my closest childhood friend and no amount of tears will ever fill the void of this incredible friend and talent.

“We grew up together and created the highest rated television musical special in TV history, Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Celebration.

“It was his last concert in 2001 and the last time the Jackson Five were reunited. That will always live on as our greatest achievement together.

“I will always remember the joy we had putting that incredible evening together. I am devastated.”

Millions of shocked fans around the world were today holding vigils as fans in Liverpool began to mourn a legend.

Michael, who was due to start a series of comeback concerts in London next month, was the first pop star to play Aintree racecourse in 1988.

Some 125,000 fans flocked to Aintree when the Thriller star played the biggest concert ever seen in Liverpool.

Vicky Collins, 33, from West Derby said: “I was there at his concert in Aintree in 1988, the word amazing is overused, but it really was electrifying.

“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when he sang Man in the Mirror.

“I was so young at the time and it was like nothing I had ever experienced before. You felt the surge when he came on stage, and the concert was non-stop after that.