A single, rhinestone-covered sock, purportedly worn by the late Michael Jackson during his 1997 "HIStory World Tour," was sold at auction in Nîmes, France, on Wednesday for a staggering €7,688, approximately $8,822. The unexpected sale price far exceeded the initial estimate of €3,000 to €4,000 ($3,400–$4,500).
The sock, an off-white athletic sock adorned with rhinestones, was reportedly discovered by a technician backstage after Jackson's sold-out performance in Nîmes in July 1997. Auctioneer Aurore Illy told AFP that the sock was found discarded near Jackson's dressing room. The technician then kept the sock and framed it with his backstage pass.
Despite its age, with yellowed rhinestones and visible stains, the sock was considered a "cult object" and a tangible connection to the King of Pop by enthusiastic bidders. Bidders from Europe and the United States competed via phone and internet, driving the price far beyond expectations. The auction house, Interencheres, specializes in these types of auctions.
Jackson was known for wearing white athletic socks embellished with rhinestones during his "HIStory World Tour" in 1997, and footage exists of him wearing similar socks while performing "Billie Jean". The sock's authenticity and connection to the tour elevated its appeal, despite its worn condition.
This isn't the first time Michael Jackson memorabilia has fetched exorbitant prices. A glittery glove worn during his first moonwalk in 1983 was purchased by a Macau gaming resort for $350,000 in 2009. Furthermore, a hat he wore just before that iconic performance sold for over $80,000 in Paris in 2023. Since his death in 2009, items tied to Jackson have brought in more than $2 million. In 2011, the red and black leather jacket from the "Thriller" music video was auctioned off for over $1.8 million. Also, a portrait of Jackson by Andy Warhol, commissioned in 1984 to commemorate the sales of "Thriller", sold for around a quarter of a million dollars in 2009, later selling at a private auction for over a million dollars months after Jackson's death.
The enduring appeal of Michael Jackson's memorabilia highlights his lasting impact on pop culture. Despite controversies during his lifetime, including allegations of child molestation, Jackson remains a beloved and globally recognized figure. His fans are eager to acquire even the most unexpected souvenirs. As auctioneer Illy stated, these items represent "tangible connections to an artist who impacted their lives".
