Michael Jackson’s Thriller contract, MTV Video Music Award up for auction
By Ryan Cracknell | Hobby Editor
A couple of major pieces of Michael Jackson memorabilia are being sold by Goldin Auctions.
A contract for the classic album “Thriller” and the Moonman trophy the King of Pop won at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards for the titular video headline their October Legends and Americana sale.
The contract is a five-page document that lays out an agreement between the Jackson 5 and CBS Records. Part of the deal included a solo Michael Jackson project. That would go on to become Thriller. That album would go on to sell more than 60 million copies, good enough for the top-selling album of all-time.
The record includes several classic songs like “Beat It,” “Billie Jean” and “Human Nature.”
The contract has Jackson’s signature twice. It also includes autographs of the other members of the Jackson 5: Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson and Jackie Jackson. It is verified by PSA/DNA.
Of course, there’s the title song, which came with a landmark music video that helped shape what the industry would become. Rather than showing a simple live performance like most music videos at the time, “Thriller” took a cinematic approach. It told a story and used some impressive special effects.
The Moonman Trophy is for Best Choreography. “Thriller” also won awards for Best Overall Performance and Viewer’s Choice at the 1984 show.
Goldin Auctions also has a fedora worn by Jackson during rehearsals for the 1984 Personal Victory tour.
Bidding for both the contract and the Moonman opened at $5,000. The sale closes on November 14.
