http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5347972.stm "Fans of Australian TV naturalist Steve Irwin have taken up the 3,000 free tickets to his memorial service, within just 15 minutes of them being offered. Hundreds of grieving admirers camped overnight outside three locations in his home state of Queensland for a chance to attend next week's farewell. The televised service will be held in the "Crocoseum" of Australia Zoo. Irwin, known as the Crocodile Hunter, died last week when a stingray's barb stabbed him in the chest as he dived. His death prompted outpourings of grief, with millions of well-wishers around the world sending tributes. Many fans wept for joy on receiving their tickets, while others danced and waved them in the air. "It's indescribable," said beauty consultant Melissa Power, who got her tickets in the city of Brisbane. "I've haven't slept and am so over-emotional. I'm looking so forward to it ... to honour such a great Australian." But many others were turned away. Just 1,000 were distributed at each location - the Australia Zoo on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the nearby town of Maroochydore. The Crocoseum only seats 5,500 people, but large television screens will be set up in other areas, and the event will be broadcast live in Australia, the US and Asia." The bloke's a legend over there. It appears the tickets are harder to get hold of than Robbie Williams tickets! I gaurantee we'll see some on e-bay!
I dont think a lot of people over here know him for anything other than the TV & film work he did. Behind the scenes he ran Australia Zoo which was set up by his folks and focussed on endanged species & education. Although I do think the reported hype about his death, although very sad, is a bit over the top. More on Steve here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_irwin
Steve was a legend worldwide, the most impressive thing i noticed was the Muslim channel Al-Jazeera even covered his death, and werent claiming responsibility either!!!
He was such a great man, and a 1st class legend. Shame the "pussycat of the sea" had to bring an end to his short life. Did you see the boy who was crying because he didnt get tickets but this man who did get tickets gave him his, how sweet. RIP Steve, crikey mate!
