Michael Jackson recorded 'secret' album

Jun 30, 2009, 9:07 GMT

The \'Thriller\' singer spent nearly a year working on demos for his comeback album with Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am in Ireland before his tragic death last Thursday (25.06.09). EPA/ADAM DAVIS

Michael Jackson had recorded a secret dance music album before his death.

The 'Thriller' singer spent nearly a year working on demos for his comeback album with Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am in Ireland before his tragic death last Thursday (25.06.09).

will.i.am said: "It was going to be out of this world. It's something Michael has never done before - a dance music album. I was very proud of it."

The producer and rapper is not sure whether the last tracks recorded by the King of Pop will be released however, as the final results were locked away at the time of his death.

will.i.am continued: "He was very protective and kept it under lock and key. After we made it I had to hand back every demo. He was a perfectionist and didn't want anyone to hear it until it was ready."

He also remembered the last time he had spoken to Michael, only a week before he died.

will.i.am added to Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "He called me to wish me happy Father's Day even though I don't have any children.

"He said, 'I just wanted to call and say have a good day anyway.' I told him, 'OK, I will grab my crotch and wish myself happy Father's Day for all my unborn children.' He laughed and said, 'You're so funny.'

"He was my friend and the biggest inspiration of my life. I'm going to miss him."

The frontman also said he had heard rumours Michael was planning to ask the Black Eyed Peas to open his comeback shows at London's O2 arena next month.

It has been confirmed over 750,000 fans with tickets for the 50 sold-out London shows will be able to claim a full refund.

They will also be offered the opportunity to donate their ticket money - which ranged between £50 and £150 - to get a holographic souvenir ticket for the show, which shows Michael dancing across it.

Michael passed away aged 50, after ingesting a cocktail of prescription drugs at his rented home in Los Angeles.