Michael Jackson enthusiasts ensured that his hat and shoes almost doubled their expected estimate at Bonhams Entertainment sale, today in Knightsbridge. They made £22,800 against a pre-sale estimate of £10,000-12,000.
The hat and shoes were originally worn for the TV special, Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, in 2001.
Marking Michael's 30th anniversary as a solo performer, the event was staged at Madison Square Garden on September 7-10, 2001, and broadcast by CBS on November 13.
The show was watched by a record-breaking audience of 44m. David Gest was the event's producer.
 Michael Jackson's iconic fedora and loafers from 2001 (£10k-12k) |
However, perhaps a surprise to some, the top lot in the sale was the original album cover artwork by Ray Lowry for London Calling by 1970s punk band The Clash. Estimated to sell for £50,000-70,000, it went for £72,000.
The "mixed media" front cover is mounted and framed with two sheets of pen and ink sketches, each signed and inscribed by the artist. One reads: "Preliminary Ideas - Title As Yet Undecided".
December 2009 also marks the 30th anniversary of The Clash's iconic album.
Released in the UK on December 14, 1979, the band's third album was both a critical and commercial success at the time. It has subsequently featured in many "Best..." and "Greatest..." lists and polls.
Elsewhere in the sale, an autographed issue of The Beatles Book fan club monthly magazine, No 5, Xmas Edition, December 1963, went for £12,000.
The front cover is signed in blue ballpoint by the Beatles. It sold together with issue No. 36, July 1966, and five 8x10 black and white press photographs, nearly tripling its £3,500-4,500 estimate.
See our Memorabilia for Sale section for our selection of legendary rock autographs, including Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin and others - each of which can be yours to own.
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