This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/11/2010
This black spandex shirt was worn by legendary performer Michael Jackson on stage during the opening night performance of the “Bad” World Tour. The opening performance was the first of fourteen sold out shows held at the Korakuen Stadium in Tokyo, Japan and began what later became the most successful tour of all time. The tour was the first for Mr. Jackson as a solo artist, and ran from September 12, 1987 to January 27, 1989. One hundred and twenty three concerts were performed in fifteen different countries on four continents, and featured guest performances by celebrity entertainers ranging from Stevie Wonder to Sheryl Crow. After its conclusion, the “Bad” World Tour became the largest, best attended, and highest grossing tour of all time, viewed by over 4.4 million fans worldwide and earning over 125 million dollars. This shirt, along with Jackson’s overall look during the “Bad” Tour, including darker colors, multiple buckles, straps and metal hardware attached to his clothing, marked a distinct departure from his performance persona during the “Jacksons” years. During this first solo venture, Jackson’s look veered abruptly away from the previous softer, brightly colored, almost feminine silhouette, and switched to a much more constructed, industrial and masculine look. The black collarless shirt is constructed of a shiny spandex fabric, with a high round neckline, a diagonal closure across the front of the chest. The neckline and front closure are both embellished by a row of large round silver rimmed black cabochons. The shirt is constructed to be worn like a bodysuit, with a piece of fabric attached to the lower back of the shirt that snaps to the lower front between the legs, to keep the shirt in place during Mr. Jackson’s dance movements while he was performing. The shirt was custom tailored for Mr. Jackson for his use on stage and is complete with the original Bill Whitten label sewn inside the neckline. Whitten designed much of Jackson’s show clothing from the Jackson 5 era through the Bad tour and, along with designer Ted Shell, assisted in creating some of Jackson’s signature looks, including the iconic “one white glove." Mr. Jackson can also be seen wearing this garment in a live concert photo of the performance that was used for the cover of his compilation album “The 12 Inch Mixes," which was released on June 30, 1998 (pictured below, the cd is included with the lot). This stage worn piece is one of Jackson's signature looks from the “Bad” era, and will make an impressive addition to any collection of high profile music memorabilia. Presented by The Golden Closet, your premier source for screen used wardrobe, props, and music entertainment memorabilia. Photos and descriptions are the sole property of The Golden Closet. All references are the property of their respective owners.
Estimate: 10000-12000