When Michael Jackson died, I wondered how it would affect the musicians in his employ, such as Orianthi Panagaris, his latest guitarist (a post previously held by guitar-great Jennifer Batten).

Turns out, Orianthi is as disturbed by the whole thing as the rest of us:

“Seeing how happy he was, excited, singing and dancing, it’s shocking. But I’m so grateful for the time I had working with him.”

For Orianthi, the chance to play with one of the world’s greatest entertainers was a major coup. “I’m a big fan,” she said.

“He had this wonderful aura about him, a beautiful spirit.

“It’s been a surreal time working with him and what’s happened is devastating.”

Orianthi had been rehearsing with Jackson six days a week for the past three months.

She said: “We knew the songs so well.”

Her mother Sue said her daughter was very upset but was trying to keep herself focused for Tuesday.

“She’s very sad at the moment,” she said.

Hopefully, the “guitar babe” (ugh, did they really write that?! ) has a bright future ahead of her. She’s really good: