New York- Fans from all walks of life gather at the Harlem’s Apollo Theater to pay tribute to the late icon’s life and music, by means of a raucous, yet heartwarming send off public memorial service which lasted for almost six hours.

The crowd of around 600 fans lined up outside the theater for the public memorial, which began at 2 PM Tuesday, none of them complaining of the heavy rain that poured down the streets.

They were welcomed by Apollo historian Billy Mitchell. Throughout the service, fans waved white flags that bore Jackson’s printed image, as well as photographs of the late singer. They also danced and cheered to his hits, such as “Billie Jean” and “Thriller.”

A video tribute was also aired in the theater, while disco light patterns grazed over the chandelier at the center of the ceiling. The late icon was represented by means of a black fedora with a white glove on its brim placed on a stool at the center of the theater’s stage, surrounded by white lilies.

At 5:26 PM, Rev. Al Sharpton led the fans in a moment of silence to commemorate Jackson’s death, the time when the East Coast learned about his death.

Director Spike Lee then spoke and urged the crowd not to wallow in despair for the loss of the icon, but rather remember his accomplishments which touched their hearts.

“It’s all about the love,” Lee said.

Fans placed various gifts and letters on stage after each tribute. Among the presents were teddy bears, posters and hand-knitted baby blanket and letters, with one addressed to “The Man who moved like no other.”

Jackson, who first made a mark at the Apollo Theater in 1967, last stepped inside in 2002, during former President Bill Clinton’s Democratic National Committee fundraiser.