Even before Michael Jackson's shimmering gold casket made it to downtown Los Angeles for his memorial, millions of his fans worldwide were watching and mourning online.
Messages in an array of languages were being fired off to Jackson memorial forums at Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and online haunts where video or news of the event were being shared in an unprecedented global farewell.
Nearly half million Jackson memories were posted at an official Sony Music website in tribute to the King of Pop before the briefly delayed service got underway in the Staples Center.
"Rest in peace now Michael...I'm glad you went out a record breaker, a hero, and a fantastic performer the world will never be the same without," said a message signed with the name James Cleave.
"As a kid I used to dance to your music from your 'Bad' album on my parents' LP player and everyone knew me to be one of your biggest fans on the island of Cyprus."
A posting from Swee Kim recounted being only 10 years old when seeing Jackson perform in Brunei in 1996.
"I will always remember this moment and will always remember you," Kim wrote. "No one else can ever take your place. You're the one and only King of Pop."
Comments, condolences, and memories from Facebook users scrolled rapid-fire in a constantly updated chat box posted next to a CNN Live stream of memorial proceedings.
Some postings complained that the video feed was not available in a sign the service may have been overwhelmed by demand.
"Getting misty-eyed watching the cars make their way to the Staples Center," wrote Facebook user Jemarion Jones of Washington. "It's real now. Wow."
Scant criticism of Jackson or the attention being given his death were quickly shot down by with scolding such as "If you have nothing good to say, stay off the website."
A Carolina Crespo who indicated she was from Malaysia expressed "hopes that those true MJ fans will pay attention to themselves, Man In the Mirror, and make a change...we can get somewhere if we change for the better"
"Man in the Mirror" was one a hit Jackson song with a message of improving the world by starting with improving ourselves.
Jackson news was the lead topic at hot microblogging service Twitter.
"Having our own personal wake at the office," wrote Twitter user Rachael Miller.
On a grander scale, a Twitter user with a screen name "rippleintime17" sent a message that the Jackson service was being shown on a colossal outdoor screen in Times Square in New York City.
"Tourists are plopped on lawn chairs watching it," the message said.