Michael Jackson's Thriller jacket sells for £1.1million at auction

By Daily Mail Reporter


Iconic: The jacket Michael Jackson wore in his classic Thriller video has sold at auction for $1.8million USD (£1.1m)


The famed black-and-red calfskin jacket that Michael Jackson wore in the classic Thriller video was sold at auction for $1.8 million USD (£1.1m).

Darren Julien, president and chief executive of Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills, said the jacket was bought by Milton Verret, a commodities trader from Austin, Texas, yesterday.

The jacket is one of two Jackson wore during the filming of the 1983 Thriller video.


The singer wears the jacket in a scene with a troupe of zombies who rise from their graves and break into a dance routine.

Mr Verret said the jacket would be sent on tour and used as a fund-raising tool for children's charities.

A portion of the sale price will go to the Shambala Preserve, a big cat sanctuary caring for two tigers Jackson once owned.

Classic: Jackson wore the red leather jacket in the 1982 music video


Jackson, 50, died of an overdose of sedatives on June 25 2009 as he prepared for a series of comeback concerts in London.

Hundreds of fans marked the two-year anniversary of the singer's death by gathering for a memorial outside the Gary, Indiana, home where Jackson grew up.

The Times of Munster said revellers swayed to Jackson's songs during Saturday night's tribute. Poets, local singers and dancers also entertained the crowd.

Anniversary: This weekend marked two years since the singer's death on June 25, 2009


Mayor Rudy Clay welcomed visitors to the event and said the city would not stop celebrating Jackson's memory.

Marshall Bingaman, 30, of Kansas City, Missouri, said he made a nine-hour drive to Gary to pay tribute to Jackson's life and events like the memorial helped keep the star's memory alive.


source:dailymail

Michael Jackson getting Vegas attraction

Michael Jackson is getting his own tribute attraction in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay hotel and casino, which will include a recreation of his Neverland Ranch.

Cirque du Soleil are to recreate Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch in Las Vegas.

The Canadian entertainment company plan to turn the Mandalay Bay resort into a tribute attraction to the late 'King of Pop' which will include a lounge inspired by the singer, a museum of memorabilia and a theatre which will be a replicate of the pop legend's famous home.

In an announcement made at the hotel and casino on Wednesday (28.04.11) - which was attended by Michael's brother Jackie - Cirque du Soleil President Daniel Lamarre said: "This place, Mandalay Bay, is going to become the home of Michael Jackson in many, many ways."

John Branca, co-executor of the Jackson estate, has also revealed the attraction will contain items from the star's home.

He said: "Very few fans would ever get to visit Michael's Neverland Ranch because of its remote location. Now they can."

The Las Vegas tribute to the 'Billie Jean' hitmaker is set to open in 2013, and is the latest collaboration between the circus troupe and the Jackson estate.

Cirque du Soleil's new show, 'Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour' - which cost $57 million to create - is set to open in Montreal, Canada, in October and will then tour 30 cities across North America, including New York, Miami, Denver, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

When the show hits the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas in December it will coincide with a fan convention which will launch the permanent tribute to Michael.

'Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour' contains many of Michael's greatest hits, clips of his iconic music videos and several as-yet-unreleased songs.

Tags: Michael Jackson, Theatre, Famous home, Tribute

Jackson's spirit seeks apology from ex-wife

Late pop legend Michael Jackson's "unsettled" spirit has apparently begged ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley to forgive him at a seance, her friend Karen Fayehas revealed.

Faye, who was Jackson's make-up artist, said she and Marie Presley, 42, contacted the King of Pop using a psychic last week where he asked for forgiveness for his wrongs to her, reports thesun.co.uk.

"He seemed to be on a mission to reach out to people in his life and be forgiven. Michael spent his time explaining his faults and wanting us to forgive him. He seemed unsettled," said Faye.

Faye insisted the medium had "no idea" of their link to Jackson, who died aged 50 last June.

"There were definite, deep insights that would have been difficult to make up. It was detailed on the inner dynamics of his family and his levels of pain and emotional inability," she said.

She further informed Jackson would not discuss manslaughter charges faced by his doctor Conrad Murray in Los Angeles.

"He said he was detached from things," he said.

Jackson married Marie Presley in 1994 before splitting after 18 months.

Actors Urged To Avoid Michael Jackson Movie

Union bosses at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) have warned members not to take part in the documentary about Michael Jackson's doomed This Is It tour.

Sony Pictures have purchased rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage from concert promoters AEG Live, filmed at Los Angeles' Staples Center, as Jackson prepared for his residency at London's o2 Arena.

Sony has planned a two-week run for the film beginning 28 October (09); however, SAG bosses have announced that the film's producers have not agreed to the minimum basic terms and conditions for performers and background actors employed on the project.

A statement from the union reads: "Guild members are reminded of their obligation not to accept employment on any non-signatory project, as well as their obligation to confirm with the guild that a project is signatory.

"Employment on any non-signatory project within the guild's jurisdiction may subject a member to a Rule One violation."

The union did not have jurisdiction over rehearsals and behind-the-scenes footage during filming, which it expects to be a feature release.

Jackson was set to take the stage in July (09), just weeks after he died from cardiac arrest on 25 June (09).

Michael Jackson Makes $90 Million Since Death

Michael Jackson's estate has raised a staggering $90 million (£60 million) since his death in June (09).

Jackson passed away less than eight weeks ago after suffering a cardiac arrest in Los Angeles, prompting a renewed interest in the singer's music back-catalogue.

The executors of his estate, John Branca and John McClain, have negotiated a number of deals that have helped pull in millions - and, after signing new merchandising and film deals, they expect to earn another $90 million before the end of the year (09).

Branca says, "That is a new record for estates that is unlikely to be broken."

He has also predicted that Jackson's estate will in the future continue to make up to $90 million a year - topping the posthumous profits generated by Elvis Presley's estate, which took in $50 million (£33 million) in 2008.

Branca adds, "When you look at what the Presley estate has done, you see the opportunities here."

But Howard Weitzman, a lawyer for Mr Branca and Mr McClain, points out that much of the money will be used to pay off the star's debts.

He explains, "We are very optimistic about the revenue we will generate. But we also have to be sober about the debt the estate has."

The Thriller legend died with debts amounting to approximately $398 m illion (£265 million).

Michael Jackson Memorabilia Stolen

Police have been called in when millions of pounds of Michael Jackson memorabilia has been stolen from Las Vegas.

Business man Henry Vaccaro was involved in a legal dispute with Jackson in the 1990s and the late singer settled the case by handing over items from his personal collection which he kept locked up in Las Vegas.

The treasure - believed to be worth over $1 million (£625,000) - is said to include lyrics, notebooks and costumes, as well as 60 unreleased master tapes, which contain 26 previously unheard Jackson songs.

Shortly before the music icon's death in June (09), Vaccaro agreed to hand eight items back to Jackson, following a request from the star - and after Jackson's death he offered to return the belongings to the estate.

But when he went back to the storage space in Las Vegas with two of Jackson's lawyers in July (09), he reportedly discovered 114 items missing, including the eight he had agreed to return to Jackson.

Vaccaro alleges the missing items were subsequently sold by Clark County Public Auction owner Mario Trabado, who claims to have acquired the items legally from a private seller.

He sold 277 lots for approximately $37,000 (£23,00) at the end of June (09).

Vaccaro has lodged a complaint with the Las vegas police, who are believed to be investigating his claims.

Michael Jackson's This Is It To Hit Cinemas

Michael Jackson's final ever 'concert' is being released as a "gift to his millions of fans".

Sony Pictures Entertainment has confirmed it will piece together highlights from hours of footage of the late pop legend rehearsing for his sold-out 'This Is It' London concerts.

The hotly-anticipated film - which shares its name with the never-performed shows - will feature 3D segments, behind-the-scenes footage and a host of classic songs Jackson was perfecting leading up to his sudden death on June 25.

Music executive John McClain - who along with Jackson's long-time attorney John Branca was named as an executor of his estate in his will - said: "This film is not only a tribute to an artist who created excitement every moment he was on stage, but also is a fitting gift to the millions of fans worldwide who loved him and who he devoted his professional life to entertaining."

This film is not only a tribute to an artist who created excitement every moment he was on stage, but also is a fitting gift to the millions of fans worldwide who loved him and who he devoted his professional life to entertaining.

Kenny Ortega, who was creative director for the 'This Is It' shows, is delighted the world will get to see Jackson's vision for the residency.

Ortega said: "Everyone will see what our team was so fortunate to experience, which was the full commitment, passion and creativity that Michael put into this project. He was the architect of 'This Is It', and we were his builders. The footage that was captured from the early stages of the production to our technical rehearsals at the Staples Center in Los Angeles will show Michael as he truly was, creatively involved with every aspect of the production.

"It will also show Michael as one of the greatest entertainers in the world. The footage will show that he was on his way to another theatrical triumph."

A percentage of the proceeds will go directly to Jackson's estate for the benefit of the Michael Jackson Family Trust.

Branca said: "Our goal is to work with partners who treat Michael's legacy with dignity and respect, while allowing us to substantially build the value of his estate for the benefit of Mrs. Katherine Jackson, Michael's three children and the charitable causes that meant so much to him during his life."

The 'Billie Jean' singer's mother Katherine has been granted full custody of her son's children - Prince Michael I, 12, and Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, also known as 'Blanket'.

Sony Pictures reportedly paid £36 million for the rights to the exclusive rehearsal footage from AEG Live and the movie will hit cinemas worldwide on October 28.

Michael Jackson's final resting place undetermined

The final resting place of the late U.S. pop singer
Michael Jackson has yet to be determined by his mother Katherine, one of his brothers says.

Jermaine Jackson said in an interview for CNN's "Larry King Live" Friday his mother had not decided where the "Thriller" star's remains will be buried. Jermaine said he would like to see his brother's body buried at Neverland Ranch in California.

"I'm just concerned about security and being secure in a peaceful setting," he said of his preference of a burial at Michael Jackson's former home.

Jermaine also downplayed suspicions his brother was addicted to drugs prior to his June 25 death at age 50.

"I have never seen him act abnormal around me or never known anything like that," Jermaine told King.

Jermaine also voiced support for John Branca and John McClain, the two individuals who have control of his late brother's estate holdings.

"These are people we have known for many, many years," he said. "They are doing an incredible job. They have raised a lot of money, close to $100 million for the estate. They are following out Michael's wishes accordingly."

Michael Jackson & Farrah Fawcett Vanity Fair September 2009 Issue

Vanity Fair will be publishing two covers for its September issue: one featuring Michael Jackson and another featuring Farrah Fawcett, the two pop culture icons who both died on June 25.

Michael Jackson Mad With Bad

Michael Jackson thought 'Bad' was a flop.

The pop icon - who died of a suspected cardiac arrest last month - was unhappy the album failed to match the success of its predecessor, 'Thriller', despite selling over 25 million copies.

His friend and collaborator Quincy Jones - who produced Michael's biggest three LPs, 'Off the Wall', 'Thriller' and 'Bad' - said: "He sold 25 million copies of 'Bad'. That's a lot of records. But Michael wanted to sell 100 million. In his bathroom he had written '100 million' on the mirror in lipstick.

Every city I go to, at midnight, I hear 'Billie Jean', I hear 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough', I hear 'Wanna Be Starting Something'

"I said, 'Michael, nobody's going to convince me that 25 million is a bomb."

Although Michael is classed as one of the greatest musicians of all time by critics, Quincy admits he is still amazed by the enduring popularity of the 'Smooth Criminal' hitmaker.

He added: "He was inventive and experimental. He'd try anything.

"Every city I go to, at midnight, I hear 'Billie Jean', I hear 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough', I hear 'Wanna Be Starting Something'. His music is still dominant. It's astounding."

Incredible pics of Michael Jakson’s first Moonwalk emerge

According to a report accompanying the pictures, Jackson spent hours studying the ankle, heel, and toes to "glide like he was on ice" across the stage.

His friend Dr. Steven Hoefflin has revealed that the late ‘Thriller’ hitmaker had once seen some children doing an unusual "walking forward while moving backwards" dance in 1982.

He says that he even took the star to a dissection at UCLA Hospital so that he could gain some understanding about the anatomy of the feet.

"When you think of Michael Jackson, you think of the Moonwalk. That dance was Michael’s obsession and passion, we spent weeks practising in my living room," British tabloid The Sun quoted Dr. Hoefflin as saying.

Michael finally unveiled his Moonwalk dancing to hit Billie Jean at the 25th Anniversary of Motown concert in Pasadena in May 1983.

Dr. Hoefflin admitted he was "overcome with pride", saying: "Michael wanted to blow the world away with his dance. He achieved that."

Sexy Spooks Descend Upon Hollywood Hills

Credit: ARH / Splash News
The Great Pumkin and Bunnies Christine Smith and Alison Waite

From cemeteries to crypts, a lot of ghosts, goblins, spooks, specters, spirits will soon be descending upon those Hollywood hills.

But fear not, a bedeviling group of sexy, hot cheerleaders, nurses, schools girls, French Maids, bunnies, belly dancers, pirates will be on hand to defend the gates of Hollywood.

For once again, that spooky, sexy night known as Halloween will be descending upon Hollywood.

Already at the Playboy mansion, the mighty giant pumpkin stands guard against the ensuing tide of Halloween guests.

Credit: ARH / Splash News
Cheerleader Kendra Wilkinson and Green Eyed Lady

Of course, this mightly giant pumpkin is not alone in its defense of the Playboy mansion, for two very sexy, bunnies Christine Smith and Alison Waite are there to back him up.

These two beautiful bunnies reminder us more of cheese cake rather than pumpkin pie, but that is a different story.

Meanwhile, sexy cheerleader Kendra Wilkinson and a long haired, green eyes lady from the low lands, will be protecting the forward gate.

In the meantime, zombies invaded a shopping center at Hollywood and Highland.

Credit: Splash News
Sexy Dancing Zombie

The foot stomping and dancing zombies were there to help smash last years record for the most people dancing simultaneously to Michael Jackson "Thriller" pop hit.

Their performance help smash last year's record of 1,772 dancers who strutted their stuff to Thriller in 52 cities.

By nightfall, the tally of dancers was over 4,000 globally.

Setting a new record for dancing zombies on the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson cult classic hit "Thriller".

Thriller Zombie Dance Steps

With Halloween fast approaching, maybe it's time to brush up on your Zombie Dance Steps.

Yes, it is time to put some sexy moves in your Zombie booty groove.

So take a look back at the Michael Jackson's cult classic hit "Thriller" and a look at the Zombie dance steps.

Watch the video clip for some sexy Thriller like dance steps.

If you cannot see the video or photos in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Sexy Zombies Invade Hollywood.