Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was not only known for his groundbreaking music and iconic performances, but also for his eccentric and extravagant lifestyle. His millions were spent on a wide array of items, some practical, others bizarre, and some downright shocking. From exotic animals to custom-made memorabilia, here are 15 random and wonderful things Michael Jackson spent his millions on.
Edward Scissorhands Hands: Michael Jackson once purchased the iconic Edward Scissorhands gloves from the 1990 film. The first-ever collaboration between Tim Burton and Johnny Depp inspired Jackson to add this unique piece to his collection, which was later auctioned for around $3,600 to $5,300.
Bubbles the Chimp: One of Jackson’s most famous companions was Bubbles, a chimpanzee he adopted in the early ’80s. Bubbles lived with Jackson at Neverland Ranch, ate candy, slept in a crib, and even traveled the world with the superstar. Eventually, Bubbles became too aggressive and was sent to a sanctuary.
The Beatles’ Back Catalog: Michael spent $47.5 million in 1984 to purchase the rights to the Beatles’ music catalog. This purchase included the rights to most of John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s songs, which Jackson later claimed was just “business.”
A Michael Jackson Statue Wearing the Bat Suit: Jackson, a huge fan of Batman, had a life-sized statue made of himself dressed as the superhero. It was part of his fascination with the franchise and his involvement with the 1989 Batman film soundtrack.
A Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber: In the mid-1980s, Michael was photographed sleeping in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a device intended to slow down the aging process. He later denied the tabloid reports, but the chamber was eventually donated to a medical center.
Life Masks of His Own Face: Jackson was known for his unusual obsession with his appearance, which led him to commission life masks of his own face. These masks were later sold at auction as part of his personal memorabilia.
Mannequin Children: Among the bizarre discoveries at Neverland Ranch were life-sized mannequins of children. These odd dolls were set up around the property in various poses, adding to the eerie atmosphere of Jackson’s estate.
An Interesting and Vast Car Collection: Michael Jackson had an extensive collection of cars, including several limousines, a 1999 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, and even a custom electric horse-drawn carriage. He also owned a black Dodge Viper with a Simpsons paint job.
A Robotic Head of Himself: In his Moonwalker film, Michael famously transforms into a robotic version of himself. A real-life version of this robotic head was made, complete with lights and mechanical movement, and it was later sold at auction.
The Moonwalker Video Game: Based on the Moonwalker film, Michael created a video game where players controlled him as he danced through levels to save kidnapped children. This game added another layer to Michael’s eccentric persona.
Macaulay Culkin Collectibles: Michael’s close friendship with actor Macaulay Culkin led to Jackson collecting personal items from Culkin, including signed headshots and original paintings by the actor.
A Crown and Throne: After earning the title of “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson believed he was royalty. He once purchased a throne and crown for himself, which later sold for thousands of dollars at auction.
A White Sequin Rhinestone Glove: One of Michael Jackson’s most iconic items was his white sequin rhinestone glove, which became synonymous with his persona. The glove was later auctioned off for around $64,000, a testament to its iconic status.
A Painting of Jackson Leading Children Away: This controversial painting, Field of Dreams, was created by artist David Nordahl, depicting Michael Jackson walking with children following him in adoration. The artwork raised eyebrows, but it was one of many pieces Jackson commissioned for his personal collection.
His Many Mansions: Michael Jackson owned several lavish properties, the most famous being Neverland Ranch, a sprawling estate complete with an amusement park. He also had a luxurious Las Vegas pad, a mansion in Bahrain, and a multimillion-dollar home in Los Angeles where he spent his final days.
Michael Jackson’s extravagant purchases were as legendary as his music. His life was filled with items that reflected his unique personality and the sometimes eccentric nature of his fame. Despite the financial challenges he faced later in life, Michael’s impact on music and pop culture remains immeasurable, and his legacy continues to live on.