Today, millions will mourn as they watch a public memorial that will be televised around the world from the staples center in Los Angeles.

A security lockdown of the around surrounding the staple center is in effect: no further access without a pass. Security officials are prepared for an onslaught of tens of thousands of people as the world says goodbye to a pop legend.

There was activity at forest lawn cemetery in the Hollywood Hills Monday night. As police surrounded the area, there were reports, but no official word that it was a private service and viewing of the body of Michael Jackson. Tuesday morning, a private funeral for Jackson is expected to be held before his family and friends, along with close to 18,000 others will make the pilgrimage to the staples center in downtown Los Angeles. The star-studded event will be anything but private.

The lineup of Jackson's musical peers include Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Usher, Lionel Ritchie and John Mayer, just to name a few. 1.6 million people applied online for a chance at free tickets. Close to 18,000 won. Those who won’t be seated in the indoor area will watch a closed circuit broadcast in the Nokia Theater next door. For some of the winners, it’s the chance of a lifetime. Outside the staples center, panels are filled with hand written condolences.

In the courtyard, filled with broadcast crews, widescreens will not show the memorial, part of a crowd control strategy to keep the public away. Some local council members expressed concerns about projected costs to the city now approaching four million dollars, even if some of the cost can be recouped. It's an extraordinary event and a final farewell for a pop legend.

Meanwhile, the investigation into Jackson's death continues to focus on the possible role of prescription drugs. NBC news has learned that Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson's personal physician, was not licensed to prescript medications in the state of California, where Jackson died.