Rockers pay tribute to Michael Jackson

Musicians from across the rock world have issued statements about and tributes to Michael Jackson, the legendary pop icon who passed away on Thursday (June 25th) at the age of 50. Since his shocking death in Los Angeles from what early reports say was a heart attack, fans and fellow artists around the world have reacted strongly to the passing of the so-called "King of Pop."

Velvet Revolver/Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, who played on Jackson's "Black or White" and "Give In to Me," commented: "Really sad news about Michael. He was a talent from on high."

Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen, who played a trailblazing guitar solo on Jackson's classic "Beat It," said, "I am really shocked; as I'm sure the world is, to hear the news. I had the pleasure of working with Michael on 'Beat It' back in '83 -- one of my fondest memories in my career. Michael will be missed and may he rest in peace."

Black Sabbath/Heaven & Hell bassist Geezer Butler: "Saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Michael Jackson. He truly was, and always will be, a true icon. 'Thriller' was one of the greatest pop masterpieces of all time. A sad day for our world. R.I.P."

Alice Cooper: "Michael Jackson was easily as influential as James Brown, and that's saying a lot. We had Vincent Price in common. I used him first on 'Welcome To My Nightmare' in 1975, and he later used him on 'Thriller'. Nobody moved like Michael, he was truly the King of Pop."

Poison drummer Rikki Rockett: "The words genius and musical are used in the same sentence too often. Not in the case of Michael Jackson. His musical expression will never be topped and his inspiration will live forever. R.I.P."

Former Soundgarden/Audioslave singer Chris Cornell, who recorded a cover version of "Billie Jean" on his 2007 solo album, Carry On, said: "I remembered being six years old and seeing the Jackson 5 on our black-and-white TV. His brothers were cool but he had a halo around him. Superstar at 12. What promise. He had magic! . . . He was amazingly talented and largely misunderstood. I hope that the media will be kind and celebrate the genius instead of cashing in on the tabloid angles that made him a prisoner. I think he deserves that."
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