Le 21 octobre 2023
Celebrity Hats

Michael Jackson's first moonwalk hat sold at auction

On September 26, 2023, a legendary object of the King of Pop was auctioned for 77,640 euros (including fees) at the Drouot hotel in Paris. It's the wool and silk Fedora hat that Michael Jackson wore during his first public appearance with his revolutionary dance move, the moonwalk. How did this hat become an icon? Who retrieved it during the historic 1983 show? And why did it generate so much excitement during the auction? Here are some answers.

Michael Jackson Hat

An icon for a hat

The Fedora hat is a wide-brimmed hat model with a creased crown, which takes its name from a 19th-century theater play. It is worn by many celebrities, such as Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, or Indiana Jones. But it's Michael Jackson who will give it an iconic dimension, associating it with his style of dress and gestures.

The singer began wearing the Fedora hat in the 1970s, when he was part of the Jackson Five, the group he formed with his brothers. He chose it as an accessory to give himself a more mature and elegant look. He kept it in the 1980s, when he began his solo career and became a global star. He notably wore it in the music video for his hit "Billie Jean", from the album "Thriller", released in 1982.

But it was on March 25, 1983, that the Fedora hat would enter into legend, during the 25th anniversary of the Motown label, broadcast on American television. On the stage of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, in front of more than 50 million viewers, Michael Jackson performs "Billie Jean" solo, with his hat firmly on his head. In the middle of the song, he quickly removes the hat and performs his famous moonwalk for the first time, a dance move that gives the illusion that he's sliding backward on the floor.

The audience was dazzled by this unprecedented performance, which would mark the history of music and dance. The Fedora hat then became the symbol of Michael Jackson's artistic genius and charisma, which he would continue to wear during his concerts and public appearances.

A lucky fan

But what happened to the Fedora hat after the March 25, 1983 show? It wasn't retrieved by the singer's staff, but by a lucky spectator who was in the front row. It was Adam Kelly, a die-hard Michael Jackson fan, who attended the show with a VIP badge. When Michael Jackson threw his hat to the side of the stage, Adam Kelly rushed to catch it and kept it preciously.

Adam Kelly kept the hat for several years, as a personal treasure. He even obtained a certificate of authenticity signed by Michael Jackson himself, confirming that it was indeed the hat worn during the first moonwalk. He also had the initials "M.J." and the date "3-25-83" engraved inside the hat.

Adam Kelly finally parted with the hat in the 2000s, selling it to an American collector. The hat then reappeared in a European collection, before being put up for sale in Paris in 2023.

An auction for 77,640 euros

The Fedora hat was put up for auction on September 26, 2023, at the Drouot hotel in Paris, by the Lemon Auction house. It was part of a sale titled "Rock Memorabilia", which brought together 200 objects related to rock history, such as bluesman T-Bone Walker's guitar or a piece of the wall from the Parisian club "Bus Palladium".

The hat is estimated between 60,000 and 100,000 euros, making it the most expensive lot in the sale. It attracts many fans and curious onlookers, who come to admire this piece of history. It also sparks the interest of several bidders, who compete for the headwear by phone or online.

After a fierce battle, the hat was finally sold for 77,640 euros (including fees), more than 130 times its original price. It was acquired by an anonymous collector, who became the new owner of this icon of the King of Pop.

Conclusion

The Fedora hat that Michael Jackson wore during his first moonwalk is a legendary object, which testifies to the singer's talent and creativity. It was sold at auction for a significant sum, reflecting its unique character and sentimental value. It is part of the cultural and musical heritage, which continues to fascinate and inspire generations of fans.

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