Michael Jackson died from a drug overdose just weeks before his comeback concerts in 2009

A GUITARIST who shared the stage with Michael Jackson for a decade says his status as the King of Pop made the icon’s life like a prison.

Jennifer Batten said the superstar’s life was full of pain before he died 15 years ago today – just weeks before his sold-out London residency.

Jennifer Batten performs with Michael Jackson at the Super Bowl XXVII Halftime show at the Rose Bowl on January 31, 1993 in Pasadena, California Credit: Getty

Michael Jackson and Jennifer Batten perform on stage on Jackson’s HIStory tour in 1996 Credit: Getty

Batten has opened up about her time as Jackson’s guitarist Credit: Getty

Jackson rehearsing at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on June 23, 2009 – two days before he died Credit: Reuters

Talented musician Batten played on all three of Jackson’s world tours – performing by his side between 1987 and 1997.

She was handpicked out of more than 100 guitarists who desperately wanted to play in Jackson’s band.

Now on the 15th anniversary of his death, Batten has opened up about the Thriller hitmaker.

She told The Sun that despite vast fortune and legion of loyal fans, he struggled with the perils fame brought him.

Jennifer, from New York, said: “I think people on the outside think that somebody that has that much fame must be happy.

“But it was a prison because anytime he wanted to go out to a bookstore or a movie there had to be six security guards that had to arrange it.

“He didn’t have the freedom just to leave when he felt like it.

“It was 50-50 fame and pain. He was a creative tornado.”

Jackson spent four decades at the centre of the world’s stage, with the limelight thrust on him wherever he went.

He built up an army of fans around the globe and picked up 13 Grammys, six Brit awards, five Billboard Music Awards and a Golden Globe – as well as 500 million record sales.

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But he became embroiled in controversy when in 1993 he was accused of sexually abusing a child.

It was settled out of civil court – however, in 2005 dad-of-three Jackson was tried over further damaging allegations of child sexual abuse.

The FBI failed to find any evidence of criminal conduct, and Jackson was acquitted.

Shaken by the four-month trial, the Man in the Mirror singer became reclusive and decided not to return to his beloved ranch, Neverland.

Batten said: “I think it was all b******t. That was on the cover of every magazine for a long, long time.

“It was all very dark and unfortunate. And ultimately Michael was proven innocent.”

In March 2009, Jackson stunned fans by announcing he would once again return to the stage after a ten-year absence from touring.

But less than three weeks before the mega 50-date eight-month residency at London’s O2 was due to kick off, Jackson died from an overdose.

Jackson and Batten perform on stage on his Bad tour at Wembley Stadium on July 23, 1988 Credit: Getty

Batten described Jackson as ‘radiant’ Credit: Getty

Jackson pictured during a break in testimony at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse in May 2005 Credit: AFP

Batten was driving through Los Angeles when a friend phoned her to break the news that went on to send shockwaves across the world.

She said: “At first I didn’t believe it because I had heard many, many rumours over the years that weren’t true.

“But obviously, I found out it was true.

“My first thought was extreme sadness for his children, because that’s devastating, especially when you’re that young.”

Reflecting on what Jackson was like away from the public eye, Batten said he was “very radiant” and “super friendly”.

It was 50-50 fame and pain. He was a creative tornado

Jennifer Batten

After being selected to play with Jackson, it wasn’t until a month into rehearsals that Batten got to meet the legend.

She said: “We had heard he was coming in one day and if he was happy with what he was hearing he would start dancing and he did start dancing immediately.

“And the people that had not met him before, including myself, were introduced to him one-by-one and I just remember he just looked gorgeous.

“He was super friendly and it was just a very exciting moment.”

Thrilled Batten then embarked on a huge 123-show world tour with Jackson, starting in Japan in September 1987 and finishing up in January 1989 in the US.

My first thought was extreme sadness for his children, because that’s devastating, especially when you’re that young

She said the pop icon shut down Tokyo’s Disneyland for his crew to enjoy.

Batten added: “Sheryl Crow and I were at Disneyland Tokyo in a gift shop and I remember I was looking at a Daisy Duck toothbrush holder.

“It was this silly thing where you push down on the head and Daisy’s eyes would go back and forth for as long as you were supposed to brush your teeth.

“I was fascinated by it and Sheryl and I were both looking at it and Michael came up behind me and tapped me on the shoulder and said ‘I really like how you’re playing the Beat it solo’.

“That’s the first time I really felt validation from him because I wasn’t getting much feedback before that.”

Batten, pictured on stage with Jackson at the Met Center in 1988 in Minneapolis, performed with Jackson for a decade Credit: Getty

She reflected on Jackson on the 15th anniversary of his death