In June 1995, a stunning 32-foot statue of Michael Jackson drifted down the River Thames, captivating London as part of a worldwide campaign for his album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I. This monumental figure was one of ten created to promote the album, which featured both classic hits and new tracks like Earth Song.
Artist Stephen Pyle collaborated with sculptor Derek Howarth to craft these statues, each molded from polystyrene and finished in fibreglass. Despite some differences from the original prototype, they were created with impressive speed and efficiency.
A few of these statues have survived, still proudly displayed in various unexpected locales. One notable example was a statue overlooking a McDonald’s car park in the Netherlands, purchased by owner Peter Van Gelder for a charity event. It became a pilgrimage site for fans, who flocked to pay homage until its controversial removal in 2019 due to renewed allegations against Jackson.
Meanwhile, another statue found a home in Austria, where club owner Franz Josef Zika secured it through a charity auction, adding a quirky touch to his venue. While some statues have faded into obscurity or been stashed away, the legacy of these towering tributes lingers, reflecting the complex legacy of the King of Pop.
Source: www.bbc.com
