36 Years Since Michael Jackson’s Last Performance in Michigan
On October 24, 1988, Michael Jackson electrified fans in Michigan during a memorable stop on his iconic Bad World Tour. The concert, held at The Palace of Auburn Hills, drew a sold-out crowd of over 50,000 enthusiastic fans, marking a significant moment in music history.
Here is the setlist per Setlist FM:
- Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
- This Place Hotel
- Another Part of Me
- I Just Can't Stop Loving You
- She's Out of My Life
- I Want You Back/ The Love You Save/ I'll Be There
- Rock With You
- Human Nature
- Smooth Criminal
- Dirty Diana
- Thriller
- Bad Groove
- Working Day and Night
- Beat It
- Billie Jean
- Bad
- The Way You Make Me Feel (Encore)
- Man in the Mirror (Encore)
The Bad World Tour
The Bad World Tour, which kicked off in 1987, was Jackson’s first solo concert tour following the massive success of Thriller. It was a monumental production, featuring elaborate stage designs, impressive choreography, and a full band. The tour included over 100 shows in 15 countries, solidifying Jackson's reputation as the "King of Pop."
Despite how big of a star MJ was, he only headlined a total of four tours, just two making stops in North America.
Michael Jackson’s touring schedule was relatively limited for several reasons:
- Health Issues: Throughout his career, Jackson faced various health challenges, including physical ailments and stress, which made extensive touring difficult.
- Production Quality: Jackson was known for his elaborate and high-production concerts. Creating the kind of shows he envisioned required significant time for planning and rehearsal, limiting the frequency of tours.
- Creative Focus: After the massive success of albums like Thriller and Bad, Jackson often took time between projects to focus on new music, videos, and other creative endeavors, which delayed subsequent tours.
- Personal Life: His personal life, including legal issues and family matters, also played a role in his touring decisions. These factors often took precedence over live performances.
- Legacy Consideration: Jackson aimed to maintain a level of mystique around his performances. By not touring frequently, he could keep his appearances special and memorable, making each concert an event rather than a routine.
Despite everything, he will always be the King of Pop.