This Michael Jackson Jacket From ’84 Pepsi Ad Sells For $300,000
Michael Jackson once wore a black-and-white leather jacket in a 1984 Pepsi commercial, which was part of a series of Pepsi's New Generation advertisements.
According to the New York Post, the jacket was displayed at Propstore in Chenies, Britain, in September. But on Friday, it was sold via auction for $306,000. It was previously expected to sell for as much as $488,000.
The "King of Pop's" Pepsi commercial jacket was among the items listed by auctioneers Propstore from many music icons, including Amy Winehouse, George Michael, The Beatles, David Bowie and Elvis Presley.
Other details about the jacket's sale were not disclosed.
Michael Jackson’s photo matched, used jacket from his Pepsi, A New Generation spot (1984) sold today at @propstore_com for $305,000. pic.twitter.com/SA91L0BSOe
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) November 10, 2023
Giraldi Media uploaded Jackson's Pepsi commercial on YouTube in June 2009. In the commercial, where Jackson donned the black-and-white leather jacket, the tune of his song "Billie Jean" was used to make a song for Pepsi.
In the "Billie Jean" (Pepsi Version), Jackson altered the song's original chorus to "You're the Pepsi generation. Guzzle down and taste the thrill of the day and feel the Pepsi way."
In the pre-chorus, he switched the lyrics to "You're a whole new generation, you're dancin' through the day. You're grabbin' for the magic on the run."
"You're a whole new generation, you're lovin' what you do. Put a Pepsi in the motion, the choice is up to you," the late singer sang in the ad.
In January 1994, the "Billie Jean" hitmaker filmed another iconic Pepsi commercial at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium in front of 3,000 fans, per US Weekly.
On the first take, the pyrotechnics exploded as planned after Jackson descended the stairs. However, during the sixth take, the explosion reportedly went off too early, setting the singer's hair on fire.
Because of this unfortunate incident, the pop star reportedly suffered second and third-degree burns to his face and scalp.
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, California, because of an overdose of propofol. He was 50.
Jackson, regarded as one of the most significant figures of the 20th century, was laid to rest in a star-studded memorial at Staples Center on July 7, 2009.
Authorities later declared his death a homicide and charged the physician who administered the powerful drugs to him.
