Socks worn by Michael Jackson during his first moonwalk expected to fetch $1m at auction

Clémence Michallon
Michael Jackson performs during the Super Bowl Halftime on 31 January, 1993 in Pasadena, California: Mike Powell/Allsport
Michael Jackson performs during the Super Bowl Halftime on 31 January, 1993 in Pasadena, California: Mike Powell/Allsport

A pair of socks worn by Michael Jackson during his first public moonwalk is expected to fetch at least $1m at auction.

Jackson performed the famed dance move for the first time on 25 March, 1983 while taping the TV special “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever”, which celebrated Motown’s 25th anniversary.

The custom socks he wore on the occasion, white and encrusted with crystals, will go up for auction on 13 November.

According to GottaHaveRockandRoll.com, which is organising the online sale, the socks are expected to fetch between $1m (£776,585) and $2m (£1.5m).

Jackson reportedly gave the socks to Frank DiLeo, his manager, during The Jacksons’ 1984 Victory Tour, along with a signed letter that is also part of the auction lot.

The socks are described as being “in very good, stage-worn condition”.

The auction will begin on 13 November at 9am ET/2pm in the UK.

Other items include Beyoncé’s white lace ensemble from her On The Run Tour II with Jay-Z, a guitar formerly owned by Eric Clapton, and a dress worn by Katy Perry in the video for her song “Never Really Over”.