Michael Jackson's Thriller jacket sells for $1.8m at auctionTexas gold trader buys black and red leather jacket worn by Jackson in 1983 Thriller video
A leather jacket worn by Michael Jackson for his Thriller video has sold for $1.8m (£1.1m) at an auction to a Texas gold trader who plans to use it to raise money for children's hospitals worldwide.
The black and red calf leather jacket with winged shoulders was one of two used for the shoot. The other one, in scuffed condition, is owned by the Jackson estate.
The jacket sold by Julien's auction house in Beverly Hills is in better condition and is signed on the sleeve by the late singer. It was designed by Deborah Landis, the wife of the Thriller director, John Landis. Jackson presented it to the vendors, Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, his longtime costume designers.
It sold to Milton Verret of Austin, Texas, who bid in person against about a dozen others from around the world.
"It is one of the most important pieces of rock'n'roll memorabilia in history," Verret said. His collection also includes another Jackson jacket and guitars signed by members of U2.
Plans are under way to show the Thriller jacket at Dell children's hospital in Austin before sending it around the world to display during charity events. A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit an animal reserve where Jackson's two Bengal tigers reside.
Jackson, who died two years ago on Saturday, filmed the video for the title track to his blockbuster album Thriller in 1983. The 14-minute clip, in which Jackson turns into a zombie and dances with the undead, is considered one of the most influential music videos ever made.
[BBvideo 425,350:2l9k5kdv]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tybnNT9Zor0[/BBvideo:2l9k5kdv]
There is a Twitter account for this guy ( Milton Verret ) with one post on June 25 2009 ...You are not allowed to view links.
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