A young fan dances to the music of Michael Jackson during a tribute to the late singer at Harlem’s Apollo Theater Tuesday in New York. Jackson died Thursday in Los Angeles at age 50.

New York City ? Thousands of Michael Jackson fans gave the late pop star a raucous yet respectful send-off during six hours of public memorial services celebrating his life and music at Harlem’s Apollo Theater.

Some 600 fans crowded into the Apollo Theater for each of the services that began shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday. The last crowd of fans were in high spirits despite standing in line for hours in the rain.

Apollo historian Billy Mitchell welcomed them by asking, “Who are we here for, family?” The response was a deafening roar: “Michael!”

At the final tribute service, Mitchell told fans: “I don’t think we’re ever going to get Michael Jackson out of our system. And we shouldn’t.”

The crowd of fans waved white flags with Jackson’s image printed on them, held up photographs of the star at different stages of his career and cheered and danced to his many hits, including “Thriller,” and “Billie Jean.”

Jackson last appeared at the Apollo in 2002, invited by former President Bill Clinton for a Democratic National Committee fundraiser.