Michael Jackson stressed by tour, according to Uri Geller

Jun 26, 2009, 12:05 GMT

(FILE) US singer Michael Jackson. Uri told Sky News: "He was in good shape. I\'m not a doctor, but I can only assume he was under immense stresses and pressures, and you can ask any doctor, stress is a killer. EPA/KARL MITTENZWEI

Michael Jackson's friend Uri Geller fears the stress of preparing for his comeback tour became too much.

Uri is "devastated" by the death of the 50-year-old pop icon - who passed away after suffering a reported cardiac arrest in his Los Angeles home yesterday (25.06.09) - and blames the pressure of his upcoming London residency, which was due to start on July 13.

Uri told Sky News: "He was in good shape. I'm not a doctor, but I can only assume he was under immense stresses and pressures, and you can ask any doctor, stress is a killer.

"The pressure of these concerts, putting under huge pressures, he was a perfectionist. That could have been what did it. But that's just my opinion."

Michael's 'This It It' tour was billed as his final London performances. All 50 dates were sold out, locking him into shows until March 2010.

Uri added: "I think it was a mistake to target 50 shows. Three, four, five, maybe 10 shows is enough. He was healthy, aerobically fit. I remember him here in my house, and he wouldn't touch junk food.

"To confront this devastating reality that Michael is dead is just... I want to wake up and think this is a dream and that he is not dead."

Michael's former attorney Brian Oxman agrees the singer was under too much pressure, claiming he had resorted to taking a cocktail of prescription drugs to ensure he was fit enough to perform.

He said: "Michael had appeared at the rehearsals a couple of times. He was very seriously trying to be able to do these rehearsals. But his use of medications had become in the way and injuries he had sustained performing had got in the way.

"He had broken a vertebrae performing and he had broken his leg in a fall from the stage. I don't know the extent of the medications he was using but the reports that we have been receiving in the family were that it was extensive."

Michael is survived by three children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11 and seven-year-old Prince Michael II.

They were driven to Los Angeles' UCLA Medical Center after their father was pronounced dead yesterday to say goodbye.

They are believed to have remained by his bedside for an hour, before returning home, where they will be cared for by Michael's mother Katherine.

Meanwhile, Justin Timberlake is reportedly rallying other stars to save Michael's tour dates.

The 'Sexyback' singer was a huge fan of Jackson, and is said to be planning a tribute concert at London's O2 arena next month.