A single glittering sock worn by Michael Jackson during a 1997 concert in France has moonwalked its way into the hands of a collector for more than $8,000.
The off-white, rhinestone-studded sock, once worn by the King of Pop during his History World Tour, was sold on Wednesday at an auction in Nîmes, France, for €7,688 (approximately $8,822 USD). Initially estimated to sell between €3,000 and €4,000, the sock exceeded expectations thanks to its unique pop culture legacy.
Described by auctioneer Aurore Illy as a “cult object,” the sock was found by a technician near Jackson’s dressing room after a July 1997 performance in the southern city of Nîmes. Although time has taken its toll the fabric is stained and the rhinestones have yellowed, it remains a rare and iconic piece of music history.
“Even in its aged condition, it really is an exceptional item almost sacred for Michael Jackson fans,” Illy told AFP.
Jackson famously wore white athletic socks adorned with sparkling rhinestones during performances of his hit Billie Jean, and the accessory became part of his signature stage look. Video clips from the HIStory tour clearly show the pop icon gliding across the stage in the very style of sock sold this week.
The sock was part of a broader music memorabilia auction, where rare pieces connected to iconic musicians often command hefty sums. For comparison, a single sequined glove Jackson wore during his first moonwalk in 1983 was sold to a Macau gaming resort for $350,000 in 2009. More recently, a hat he wore moments before that legendary performance fetched over $80,000 at a Paris auction in 2023.
Michael Jackson died in 2009 at the age of 50 following a fatal overdose, but his influence endures. Despite longstanding controversies and allegations, which both Jackson and his estate have consistently denied, his fan base remains one of the most devoted in pop music history.
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