Paul McCartney has posted a heartfelt tribute on his website to Michael Jackson following his death.

"It's so sad and shocking. I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones.

"I send my deepest sympathy to his mother and the whole family and to his countless fans all around the world."

McCartney and Jackson worked together several times, first on the former Beatles' solo album Pipes of Peace, and then on Jackson's Thriller album.

It was widely reported the duo had a falling out after Jackson outbid McCartney and Yoko Ono for the rights to the Beatles catalog. Financial hardships forced Jackson to sell half his stake to Sony. Reports now say Michael left the rights to the catalog to Paul in his will, although this hasn't been confirmed.

- See Paul's tribute here