MJ fact set

Bad era: 3 facts

Leather, buckles, and a record-shattering world tour.

• Bad: five #1 singles from one album

  'Bad' (1987) became the first album in history to produce five Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles: 'I Just Can't Stop Loving You,' 'Bad,' 'The Way You Make Me Feel,' 'Man in the Mirror' and 'Dirty Diana.'

• The Bad World Tour played to 4.4 million fans

  Michael's first solo tour (1987–89) sold out 123 shows across 15 countries, grossing over $125 million and entering Guinness World Records as the largest-grossing and most-attended tour at the time.

• He patented anti-gravity shoes

  U.S. Patent #5,255,452, granted on October 26, 1993 to Michael Jackson and two co-inventors, covers the special shoe — with a slot that hooks onto a stage peg — that lets dancers lean impossibly forward, as seen in the 'Smooth Criminal' performance.

Facts compiled from publicly available sources including Billboard, the RIAA, Guinness World Records, the US Patent Office and reputable music publications. This is an independent fan publication and is not affiliated with the Estate of Michael Jackson. All trademarks and song titles belong to their respective owners.