The world lost a musical icon on June 25, 2009, when Michael Jackson passed away at the age of 50. His legacy, however, lives on through his timeless music, groundbreaking performances, and enduring impact on popular culture. Here are seven unforgettable moments that continue to remind us of his unparalleled artistry and global influence:
**1. The Moonwalk at the 1983 Motown 25th Anniversary Special:**
Jackson's "moonwalk" during his performance of "Billie Jean" at the Motown 25th anniversary special is widely credited as one of the most iconic dance moves of all time. The smooth and effortless glide backwards left the audience in awe and solidified Jackson's status as a dance legend.
**2. The Thriller Music Video:**
Released in 1983, "Thriller" remains the best-selling music video of all time. Its groundbreaking choreography, elaborate costumes, and cinematic storytelling set a new standard for music videos and helped push the boundaries of visual artistry. The werewolf transformation scene, in particular, became an instant classic.
**3. The "Bad" World Tour:**
Spanning 123 concerts over 16 months in 1987 and 1988, the "Bad" World Tour was one of the most successful and groundbreaking tours in history. Jackson's elaborate stage sets, intricate dance routines, and powerful vocals captivated audiences worldwide. The tour grossed over $125 million, making it the highest-grossing tour of all time at the time.
**4. The Super Bowl XXVII Halftime Show:**
Jackson's performance at the 1993 Super Bowl XXVII halftime show is considered one of the greatest halftime shows of all time. His energetic medley of hits, including "Jam," "Heal the World," and "Black or White," captivated an audience of over 133 million viewers and helped make the Super Bowl halftime show the cultural phenomenon it is today.
**5. The "HIStory" World Tour:**
The "HIStory" World Tour from 1996 to 1997 was one of the most ambitious tours in Jackson's career. The tour featured elaborate sets, pyrotechnics, and costume changes, and incorporated themes from both Jackson's personal and musical history. The tour played to over 4.5 million fans worldwide and grossed over $165 million.
**6. The "This Is It" Residency:**
In 2009, Jackson announced a 50-date residency at the O2 Arena in London, titled "This Is It." However, the residency was abruptly cancelled due to Jackson's untimely death. The behind-the-scenes footage of Jackson's preparations for the tour was later released as a documentary film, giving fans a glimpse into his creative process and the immense talent that he possessed.
**7. The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil:**
Following Jackson's death, Cirque du Soleil created the "Immortal World Tour" as a tribute to his legacy. The tour featured acrobatic performances, cutting-edge technology, and a soundtrack of Jackson's greatest hits. The tour ran for over two years and played to over 3 million fans worldwide, cementing Jackson's enduring popularity and influence on popular culture.