Jackson’s socks for sale – and they ain’t cheap

MICHAEL Jackson’s socks are expected to sell for more than R14.7 million at auction when they go under the hammer later this month.

The Thriller hitmaker, who died in 2009 aged 50, donned the custom crystal stockings the first time he showed off his famous moonwalk during a performance of Billie Jean in 1983 TV special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today,

Forever. They are going under the hammer over the next few weeks.

Auction site Gottahaverockandroll.com is offering the socks as part of the Frank DiLeo collection. They come with a signed letter from Jackson to the late music executive, who signed the singer to Epic Records and managed him from 1984 to 1989, presenting the gift to him as a token of appreciation for keeping the star on his “toes” throughout his Victory Tour.

The package also comes with a certificate of authenticity and a letter from DiLeo’s wife confirming Jackson wore them for his moonwalk debut is expected to fetch up to R29.5m.

Fans who don’t have the cash to splash on the socks can look to other lots for a rare piece of Jackson memorabilia. Also up for sale will be original gold and platinum awards for Thriller, Dangerous, Bad, This Is It and Off the Wall, and a prop sign used in the 1988 film Moonwalker. The auction runs from Wednesday until November 22.

Meanwhile, Jackson’s eldest son, 22-yearold Prince, recently reflected on his dad’s legendary music career.

He said that in spite of finding it difficult to chose a standout track, he has his favourites.

“One of my favourite songs... is Man in the Mirror because it’s such a great call to action; everybody can get behind. It is like, ‘If you really want to make a change for the world, you need to change yourself first and you need to really look within and see yourself for who you actually are.’”