Where’s Michael Jackson’s ICONIC Thriller Jacket? Searching ‘Holy Grail’ Memorabilia

In the world of music and fashion, few items have achieved the legendary status of Michael Jackson’s red leather jacket from the “Thriller” music video. This jacket is not just a piece of clothing; it is a symbol of an era, a cultural phenomenon, and a testament to the artistry of one of the greatest entertainers in history. The story of this jacket is as captivating as the man who wore it, filled with creativity, controversy, and a lasting legacy.

The journey of the “Thriller” jacket began in the early 1980s when Michael Jackson was at the peak of his career. After the success of his previous album, “Off the Wall,” Jackson was ready to release his next project, “Thriller.” He wanted to create a music video that would not only showcase his talent but also push the boundaries of what a music video could be. To achieve this, he enlisted the help of director John Landis, known for his work on the horror-comedy film “An American Werewolf in London.”

Landis and Jackson collaborated to create a groundbreaking video that would blend music, dance, and horror elements. The concept was ambitious, and it required a striking visual identity. Enter Deborah Nadulman Landis, the costume designer who would bring Jackson’s look to life. With a background in creating iconic costumes for films like “Indiana Jones” and “The Blues Brothers,” Nadulman Landis was the perfect choice for the task.

The design process for the jacket was meticulous. Nadulman Landis wanted to create a look that embodied power and virility, reflecting Jackson’s status as a rising sex symbol. However, there was a challenge: Jackson’s slender frame. Weighing just 99 pounds with a 26-inch waist, he needed a costume that would enhance his physique and project a more robust image.

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After discussions with Jackson, they settled on a calf leather jacket featuring silver buckles at the cuffs, a red silk lining, and a distinctive V-shaped front panel. The jacket was designed to have angular shoulders and exaggerated shoulder pads, giving Jackson a more imposing presence. The candy apple red color was chosen to make him stand out against the dark backdrop of the video and the horde of zombies he would be dancing with.

The jacket was not just a fashion statement; it was a carefully crafted piece of art that would become synonymous with Jackson’s legacy. When the “Thriller” music video premiered in 1983, it was an instant sensation. The combination of Jackson’s electrifying dance moves, the innovative choreography, and the striking visuals captivated audiences worldwide.

As “Thriller” took the world by storm, so did the jacket. It became a defining look of the 1980s, launching a fashion craze that saw countless replicas being produced. Fans wanted to emulate the King of Pop, and the jacket became a symbol of teen coolness. However, with its popularity came a wave of counterfeit versions flooding the market. In response, Jackson filed a lawsuit in 1984 to protect his image and the integrity of his merchandise.

Despite the legal battles, the allure of the jacket only grew. It was worn by fans, celebrities, and even featured in various pop culture references. The jacket was more than just clothing; it was a piece of history that represented a cultural shift in music and fashion.

As the years went by, the original “Thriller” jacket became a subject of intrigue and speculation. Many replicas were signed by Jackson and sold at auctions, but the whereabouts of the original jacket remained a mystery. In 2019, a shocking revelation came to light during the documentary “Leaving Neverland.” Choreographer Wade Robson, one of the men who accused Jackson of sexual abuse, was seen burning memorabilia, including a “Thriller” jacket.

This act raised questions about the authenticity of the items he burned. The documentary’s director, Dan Reed, confirmed that the items were indeed genuine, leading to further speculation about the fate of the original jacket. Robson later clarified that the jacket he burned was a replica given to him by Jackson, not the original.

So, what happened to the original “Thriller” jacket? It turns out that there were actually two versions used in the music video. One jacket remained in pristine condition, while the other was intentionally distressed for the scenes where Jackson transformed into a zombie. The latter jacket is owned by the Michael Jackson estate, while the unaltered version was given to Jackson’s longtime costume designers, Dennis Tomkins and Michael Bush.

Tomkins and Bush were tasked with creating replicas for Jackson’s concerts over the years. When Jackson first brought the original jacket to them, he humorously asked if they thought he could dance in it, referencing the iconic dance moves from the “Thriller” video. Eventually, Jackson gifted the jacket to the designers, inscribing it with heartfelt messages.

In 2011, the unaltered “Thriller” jacket was auctioned off, fetching an astonishing $1.8 million. The buyer, a Texan gold trader named Milton Barrett, described it as the “greatest piece of rock and roll memorabilia in history.” Barrett planned to display the jacket at Austin’s Dell Children’s Hospital to raise money for children’s charities, embodying Jackson’s philanthropic spirit.

In 2022, the iconic “Thriller” jacket found a new home at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. The museum unveiled a new display dedicated to Michael Jackson, showcasing the jacket as a featured artifact. The arrival of the jacket was met with high security, emphasizing its significance in music history.

Amanda Bashini, the curator of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, expressed excitement about displaying the jacket, stating, “We are thrilled to display Michael Jackson’s jacket from his groundbreaking music video for ‘Thriller,’ one of the greatest videos of all time.” The jacket’s presence in the museum serves as a reminder of Jackson’s monumental impact on music and culture.

The story of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” jacket is a testament to the power of art and its ability to transcend time. It represents not only a fashion statement but also a cultural movement that changed the landscape of music videos forever. The jacket’s journey from the creative minds of Jackson and his collaborators to its current status as a cherished artifact is a reflection of the enduring legacy of the King of Pop.

As fans continue to celebrate Jackson’s music and style, the “Thriller” jacket remains an iconic symbol of his artistry. It serves as a reminder of the magic that can happen when creativity, passion, and innovation come together. The jacket is not just a piece of clothing; it is a piece of history, a representation of a cultural phenomenon that will be remembered for generations to come.

In conclusion, the journey of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” jacket is a fascinating tale of creativity, controversy, and cultural impact. From its inception as a costume designed to enhance Jackson’s performance to its current status as a treasured artifact in a museum, the jacket embodies the spirit of an era and the legacy of a true icon. As we reflect on the significance of this legendary piece of clothing, we are reminded of the power of music and fashion to shape our world and inspire future generations.