A single rhinestone-covered sock belonging to legendary pop star Michael Jackson has sold for €7,688 (approximately US$8,000 or £6,600/N15m).
The sock was sold at an auction in Nîmes, France, on July 30.
The iconic piece of memorabilia, believed to have been worn during Jackson’s 1997 HIStory World Tour, was discovered backstage by a technician after the show
The sock had been carefully preserved in a frame for 28 years and was initially expected to sell for between €3,000 and €4,000.
Now faded to an off-white color with aging rhinestones, the sock is thought to have been worn during his famous “Billie Jean” performancea song synonymous with his legendary moonwalk. It was auctioned alongside a backstage pass, kept by the technician who found the item while dismantling stage equipment after the concert in Nice.
Auctioneer Aurore Illy described the sock as a “cult object” for Michael Jackson enthusiasts, emphasizing its rarity and connection to an unforgettable moment in pop music history. Despite visible signs of wear and age, its cultural significance made it highly desirable to collectors.
Michael Jackson’s memorabilia continues to command impressive prices worldwide. A glittering glove he wore during his first televised moonwalk in 1983 once sold for US$350,000 to a Macau gaming resort. In 2023, a fedora he tossed just before performing the iconic dance move sold in Paris for more than US$80,000, while a black-and-white leather jacket from a 1980s Pepsi commercial went for £250,000.
Even after his death in 2009 at the age of 50, Michael Jackson’s influence endures, with fans and collectors keeping his legacy alive through rare and iconic items like this rhinestone sock.
