A rather unusual piece of Michael Jackson memorabilia has hit the auction block—a dirty sock worn by the King of Pop during his legendary 1987 'Bad' tour. The garment, described as "yellowed with sweat and grime," has sparked both fascination and revulsion among fans and collectors alike.
The sock was reportedly given to a young fan by Jackson himself after a concert in Brisbane, Australia. Now, nearly four decades later, it's being offered for sale with an estimated price tag of £3,000.
The Story Behind the Sock
According to the auction house, the then-12-year-old fan waited outside Jackson's hotel after the concert, hoping for an autograph. Instead of signing something, the superstar allegedly removed his sweaty sock and handed it to the starstruck boy.
"Michael was known for his generosity with fans, but this takes it to another level," said a memorabilia expert. "It's certainly one of the more... aromatic pieces of Jackson history to surface."
Collectors Divided
The auction has divided Michael Jackson enthusiasts. Some see it as a priceless artifact from music history, while others question the tastefulness of selling used personal items.
"This isn't just any sock—it's a piece of pop culture history," argued one collector. "That sweat represents hours of Michael's incredible performances."
Others were less enthusiastic. "There's memorabilia, and then there's just... laundry," commented a skeptical fan on social media.
Not the First Strange Auction
This isn't the first time unusual Jackson items have gone under the hammer. Previous auctions have featured:
- A lock of his hair
- Chewed gum (preserved in acrylic)
- Handwritten notes on hotel stationery
The sock currently joins other eccentric celebrity memorabilia on the market, including Elvis Presley's hair clippings and a half-eaten sandwich once owned by Justin Bieber.
Whether the sock finds a buyer remains to be seen, but one thing's certain—Michael Jackson's legacy continues to fascinate, even in the most unexpected ways.
