Most unforgettable celebrity funerals time won't forget – from Michael Jackson to Elvis

The death of a celebrity can often be a landmark moment in history.

For fans of that personality, it can feel like the death of a close relative or dear friend.

It’s at this moment when people take a look back at the star’s career and achievements as they mourn his passing.

Whether you’re a fan or not, a celebrity funeral tends to be memorable. Whether it’s because of the sheer size of the funeral, or some personalised touch that makes it stand apart, it’s hard to miss a celebrity’s funeral.

The Mirror takes a look at some of the most unforgettable funerals in history. From the sheer crowd at Elvis’ procession to Michael Jackson’s 14-karat coffin, these funerals make iconic events in history themselves.

Elvis Presley

Even though the funeral was closed to the public, that didn’t stop 25,000 fans swarming to his Graceland mansion to pay their respects.

The funeral of Elvis Presley took place on August 18 1977, and was most definitely ‘fit for a king’, with thousands of fans in Memphis on the days following his death.

30,000 fans were let in for a public viewing of the casket and 80,000 people came to watch the funeral procession, lining the streets with handmade signs expressing their sadness and mourning.

John Lennon

The shocking assassination of John Lennon rocked fans, as news spread, vigils took place in cities around the world to pay respect to the singer.

Around 30,000 fans flocked to his hometown of Liverpool and 50,000 headed to Central Park to mourn.

Lennon was cremated shortly after his death, but perhaps the most poignant moment was when fans around the world had a 10-minute long silent vigil on December 14, 1980.

Michael Jackson

A public memorial service was held for the King of Pop on July 7, 2009 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, twelve days after his death.

Michael Jackson’s closed, solid-bronze casket plated with 14-karat gold and lined with blue velvet was placed in front of the stage.

The service began with Smokey Robinson, who read messages of condolences from Diana Ross and former South African president Nelson Mandela.

Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer and Kobe Bryant were just some of the names who contributed to the service – now that’s a guest list.

Hunter. S. Thompson

American journalist and author Hunter. S. Thompson truly went out with a bang, thanks to Johnny Depp, who was rumoured to have spent $3 million on firing Thompson’s ashes from a cannon.

Big names like Jack Nicholson, John Cusack, Bill Murray, and Sean Penn attended the funeral, where Thompson’s ashes were fired from a cannon on a 153-foot tower shaped like a double-thumbed fist clutching a peyote button.

If that doesn’t highlight Hunter S Thompson’s unique personality, we’re not sure what will.

Muhammad Ali

Although Ali was buried in a private ceremony attended by friends and family, thousands still said goodbye as his coffin passed the streets of his home city of Louisville, Kentucky.

His service was attended by dignitaries and thousands who had acquired free tickets at the KFC Yum! Centre.

Former US president Bill Clinton said a few words, along with comedian Billy Crystal and Valerie Jarett, an aide to President Obama.

Onlookers on the roadside waved and chanted his name as the coffin passed them, and fans threw flowers at the hearse with rose petals scattered along the route.

Aretha Franklin

On 31 August 2018, there was an epic eight-hour service for the death of Aretha Franklin, now that’s pretty impressive.

Fans queued up overnight in hope to get a spot at the service, which took place at the Greater Grace Temple. For those who didn’t make it, the service was shown on a big screen in a petrol station forecourt.

Stevie Wonder, Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Hudson were just some of the artists that performed at this incredible funeral, which seemed more like a celebration than a time of sadness.

Amy Winehouse

Kelly Osbourne and Mark Ronson were just some of the famous faces that attended Amy Winehouse’s intimate funeral at London’s Edgwarebury Cemetery.

Rabbi Frank Hellner officiated the Jewish service where her family and friends sang her favourite song Carole King’s “So Far Away.”

Winehouse’s body was then taken to Golders Green Crematorium, where her grandmother was cremated.

Although all very different, these celebrity funerals will be remembered, that’s for sure.

Speaking about the events, Sarah Jones of Full Circle Funerals said: “High profile funerals are a great way for people to see that there are many funeral choices and ways to personalise a funeral.

“More public funerals also give people the opportunity to engage in the funeral ritual in their own way – which might be very important for people who felt a connection to the person who has died.”

Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk