Michael’s disenchanted kingdom

Michael Jackson feared the ravages of old age and appeared to be abusing prescription drugs nearly a decade before his death, according to a new book by a former adviser.

“The Michael Jackson Tapes” by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach is based on 30 hours of taped interviews in 2000 and 2001.

“I don’t want to be seen now,” Jackson confessed at one point. “Because I am like a lizard. It is horrible.”

Another time, he said: “I would like some way to disappear where people don’t see me anymore … I don’t want to grow old. I never want to look in the mirror and see that.”

“He lost the will to live,” Boteach said Friday on NBC’s “Today” show. “I think he was just going through the motions of life toward the end.”

The orthodox Jewish rabbi said he abandoned the book, originally scheduled for release in 2003, after Jackson failed to follow recovery programs they had worked out, including waking up at a decent hour and not being alone with children other than his own.

Boteach said he resurrected the project after Jackson died in June because attitudes toward him had softened.

On the tapes, Jackson says he had sexually charged phone conversations with Madonna.

Once, “Madonna laid down the law to me before we went out,” saying, “I am not going to Disneyland, OK? That’s out.”

‘It’ is far from over

The posthumous release of a new Michael Jackson song, “This Is It,” is scheduled for Oct. 12.

Sony offered few details other than it includes backing vocals by Jackson’s brothers.

Two weeks later, Sony is releasing a two-disc set to coincide with the movie of the same name, which shows Jackson rehearsing for a planned series of London concerts.

The birthday bunch

Actress Donna Douglas (“The Beverly Hillbillies”) is 77. Singer Olivia Newton-John is 61. Actress Linda Hamilton is 53. Actress Melissa Sue Anderson is 47. Actor Jim Caviezel is 41. Singer Christina Milian is 28.