King of Pop had ‘incredible energy’ days before death

Photographs taken by Mr Mazur appeared to show Jackson in full flow as he performed an array of his trademark dance routines.

Behind him, the words “This Is It” were lit up in giant letters.

Mr Mazur, co-founder of WireImage, told the Daily Mirror: “When he hit that stage, everyone was just mesmerised.

“He had this incredible energy. He was happy, laughing and having fun with all the dancers. He looked like the same old Michael to me – the one I’ve known through the years and grown to love.”

He added: “He was like an expectant father, pacing up and down the stage. He was just so focused. Between songs, he burst into laughter and joked around with his dancers and the director. I have never seen him so happy.

“But there was a cool professionalism about him. He was there to do a job and, boy, did he do it well. It was incredible.”

Mr Mazur, a renowned photographer of music stars, told the newspaper that Jackson performed his set at Los Angeles’ Staple Centre for 90 minutes until nearly midnight on June 23.

“He was totally there – 100% there in fact,” said Mr Mazur. “You would never suspect this would have ever happened – especially after his performance on stage.”

Mr Mazur spoke of Jackson’s obvious excitement at performing some of his classic hits, including Thriller, Black or White and Smooth Criminal.

Mr Mazur said that he first heard rumours of Jackson’s death while attending a party hosted by singer Elton John – and then made frantic efforts to find out if they were true.