Michael Jackson was "so happy" as he rehearsed for his comeback tour, says the photographer who took pictures of him just 48 hours before his death.

According to Kevin Mazur, a friend of the late singer's, Jackson exclaimed: "This is where I belong! Why oh why have I left it so long?" as he practised for his This Is It tour.

The photographer's claims - which contrast with reports earlier this year that Jackson had been suffering from stage fright - make for tragic reading in the wake of Jackson's death at the age of 50 last week.

In what could be seen as Jackson's final interview, the Thriller star reportedly said: "This is what it's all about. Me being on stage."

He added: "The only thing missing is my fans, my people, my family – and they will come.

"I know they will. I am so happy with how things are going. Can you feel it! Can you feel it!"

Following Jackson's death last week, the Los Angeles county coroner's office said there was no evidence of foul play but the singer's family are awaiting the results of a second post mortem before finalising plans for his funeral.

But according to Mazur, there was little to verify claims of Jackson suffering from the effects of prescription drugs as he rehearsed.

"He was totally there – 100 per cent there in fact. You would never suspect this would have ever happened – especially after his performance on stage," he added.

Jackson's mother Katherine was yesterday granted temporary guardianship of his children Prince Michael, 12, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, ahead of a full hearing in August.
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