The fedora worn by Michael Jackson just before he introduced his iconic moonwalk dance for the first time was auctioned in Paris on Tuesday for 77,640 euros (equivalent to Ksh.12.14 million). The estimated value of this black hat was initially set at a range of 60,000 to 100,000 euros by the Hotel Drouot auction house.

 

This hat became the centerpiece of approximately 200 pieces of rock memorabilia at the auction, even though the highest bid was placed on a guitar once owned by the renowned blues musician T-Bone Walker, fetching 129,400 euros. In 1983, during a televised Motown concert at the peak of his fame, Michael Jackson dramatically removed this hat while performing “Billie Jean” and went on to showcase his now-famous moonwalk, an apparently effortless backward glide that creates the illusion of walking forward.

The market for music memorabilia has grown significantly in recent times. Last year, Lemon Auction, co-organizers of this event, gained attention by selling the guitar Noel Gallagher smashed on the night Oasis disbanded in Paris following a dispute with his brother Liam. This guitar sold for 385,500 euros.

Additionally, this month witnessed a series of auctions featuring items once owned by Freddie Mercury, including the piano he used to compose “Bohemian Rhapsody.” These auctions collectively generated a remarkable total of 46.5 million euros for Sotheby’s, attracting participants from 76 different countries.