These pictures will go down in history as the last and most memorable of the late great Michael Jackson – taken just 48 hours before he died.

These new photographs have newly appeared in the public arena showing the pop legend rehearsing for his comeback tour, looking strong and healthy, performing his heart out.

Jackson appears tall and powerful on stage, sporting a finger point salute to the would-be audience. There were no signs that he would soon and suddenly pass away.

The images prove Michael was fighting fit and fully capable of pulling off the show of a lifetime with his infamously cool moonwalk and stage slides as he led his energy fuelled back-up dancers.

The photos also show a nod towards old school Jackson days with him wearing a trade mark hat complete with ponytail scraped back.

He was seen to be really enjoying the rehearsals, laughing and joking with the crew, bursting with energy – it beggars belief that he would be dead in just 48 hours.

Jackson’s young dancers were no competition for him as the 50 year old led the way with his amazing dance moves.

The impressive background reveals a urban factory structure containing even more lucky dancers, slinking about in window frames. A slogan billowed proudly down reading ‘This Is It’ – the name of Michael’s tour.

More photos show the star smiling away as he rehearses his essential back catalogue.

A member of the final rehearsal told The Sun, ‘Michael was in better former than for years. He was preparing for what would have been an absolutely incredible show.’

‘He was laughing and joking with his dancers. He seemed to have so much energy – it’s hard to believe 48 hours later he was dead.’

Kevin Mazur, the photographer who took the final images of the world’s biggest star, said, “When he hit the stage I was thrilled that the magical Michael Jackson was back.”

There is now discussions over the final footage being edited together to be screened to heartbroken fans who would never get to see that final show.