Some Michael Jackson fans are just plain wacko. How else do you explain someone forking out R14,7 million for a pair of socks.
But that’s the reserve rate when the Thriller hitmaker’s sokkies go under the auction hammer from 13-22 November.
The King of Pop who died in 2009, 50 weeks before the first scheduled This Is It performance wore the custom crystal stockings the first time he showed off his famous moonwalk while performing Billie Jean in the 1983 TV special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever.
The socks are part of the late Frank DiLeo’s collection, and they come with a signed letter from Michael to the music executive who signed the Bad 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 comes with a certificate of authenticity and a letter from Frank’s widow confirming Michael wore them for his moonwalk debut.
If you’re eyeing those sokkies, be warned that they’re expected to fetch up to R29.5m.