What Happened to the Giant Michael Jackson Statues from 30 Years Ago?

The Legacy of Michael Jackson's Monumental Statues: A Journey Through Time and Controversy

In June 1995, a remarkable spectacle unfolded in London as a giant statue of Michael Jackson floated gracefully on a barge down the River Thames. Standing at an impressive 32 feet (10 meters), this pop culture colossus was one of ten statues created to promote Jackson's groundbreaking album, *HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I*. These fibreglass behemoths followed the King of Pop on his global tour, and while Jackson's life has been marred by controversy, the statues continue to stand in unexpected corners of the world, serving as a testament to his enduring legacy.

As we delve into the fascinating story of these statues, we will explore their creation, their journey across the globe, and their current fates. From shrines in the Netherlands to forgotten relics in abandoned venues, the journey of these statues is a reflection of Jackson's complex legacy, which continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

The Creation of Michael Jackson's Statues

The monumental task of creating these statues was entrusted to Hertfordshire-based artist Stephen Pyle, who had previously worked on grand productions like *The Phantom of the Opera*. Commissioned by a Sony employee named Robbie Williams (not to be confused with the famous singer), Pyle enlisted the help of sculptor Derek Howarth to craft the statues.

From Concept to Reality

The process began with a collaboration between Jackson and artist Diana Walczak, who created a clay sculpture that would serve as the basis for the album cover. The Jackson team then digitally scanned this prototype, which was pivotal in the statues' design. However, Pyle and his team worked without direct access to Walczak's prototype, which naturally led to some discrepancies in the final product.

Using polystyrene sections, Howarth crafted the statues, which Pyle then molded and cast in fibreglass. The team worked tirelessly at Chris and Liz Clark's workshop at Elstree Studios, aiming to produce all ten statues within a tight four-month deadline. Pyle recalls the experience fondly: "Making 10 statues in four months was quite the challenge, but thanks to Derek, Chris, Liz, and the rest of my workshop team at the time, we became quite the efficient factory for Michael Jackson monoliths!"

The Global Tour and the Statues' Journey

Once completed, the statues embarked on a journey that would see them displayed in various locations around the world. Each statue served as a focal point during Jackson's tour, attracting fans and media attention alike. Their sheer size and striking design made them impossible to ignore, and they quickly became a part of the narrative surrounding Jackson's era-defining career.

Current Fates of the Statues: From Shrines to Storage

While the fates of some of the statues remain uncertain, others have taken on lives of their own in unexpected corners of the globe. Let’s explore some notable locations where these statues can be found today.

The Netherlands: A Statue Becomes a Shrine

One of the most iconic locations for a Jackson statue was in the village of Best, Netherlands. Restaurant owner Peter Van Gelder purchased the statue at a 1996 charity gala for the Ronald McDonald Children's Fund. Initially intended to be an eye-catching centerpiece for his McDonald's restaurant, the statue quickly became a shrine for Jackson fans.

• Fans gathered to take photos and play his music.
• Crowds became so frequent that Van Gelder had to put up a fence to prevent people from climbing on the statue.
• Each year on Jackson's birthday and the anniversary of his death, fans would gather to celebrate his life.

However, the statue's fate changed dramatically in 2019 after the release of HBO's *Leaving Neverland*, which reignited allegations of child abuse against Jackson. Despite the statue's popularity, pressure from McDonald's U.S. headquarters led to its removal and storage in a "secret location." Van Gelder hopes to donate the statue to a fan club, but obtaining a building permit has proven challenging, leading to a decline in interest over the years.

A Surprising Find in Austria

Another intriguing location is the courtyard of an abandoned club in Judenau-Baumgarten, Austria. Owner Franz Josef Zika won a Jackson statue in a 1998 radio charity auction, spending 150,000 Austrian Schillings (approximately £9,300). Initially embraced as a promotional tool for his club, the statue's presence became an unexpected talking point among visitors.

However, the club closed last year due to nearby construction, and Zika is now eager to find a new home for the statue. He has been attempting to sell it for two years, with offers coming in from as far away as Sweden and Hungary, but none have materialized into a sale. "I would be happy if I get €25,000 (£21,000) for it," he expressed, revealing the statue's uncertain future.

The Annual Fair in Switzerland

In Lausanne, Switzerland, a Jackson statue has been a fixture at the annual Luna Park fairground for over 50 years. Although it has undergone slight refurbishments, including the addition of gold paint to its faux military uniform, the organizers have opted not to display it in recent years. Despite the statue not being for sale, its presence at the fair remains a curious part of its history.

Abandoned Attractions in South Africa

In Johannesburg, the Santarama Miniland, a miniature park that has seen better days, still houses one of the original Jackson statues. Although the park has fallen into disrepair, the statue remains a curious sight, attracting visitors looking for nostalgia. Blogger Heather Mason noted the irony of encountering a giant Jackson statue in a place meant to showcase smaller attractions, calling it "the best photo op in the park."

Restoration Efforts in Milan

In June 2019, the Europark Idroscalo Milano unveiled a "restored" Jackson statue after a Jackson-themed flash mob. The statue had been abandoned for years before ending up in the park, and its face had been covered following the allegations of child abuse. Despite the restoration, the park's owners have recently put it up for sale, leaving its fate once again uncertain.

The Enduring Legacy of Michael Jackson

The journey of Michael Jackson's monumental statues reflects not only the complexity of his legacy but also the impact he had on pop culture. While controversies surrounding his life and career continue to spark debate, these statues stand as a testament to his enduring influence. They serve as reminders of the joy, artistry, and connection that Jackson brought to millions of fans around the world.

As we reflect on the life and legacy of the King of Pop, it is essential to consider the various narratives that surround him. The statues that once celebrated his achievements now evoke mixed emotions, illustrating the multifaceted nature of fame and the passage of time. While some statues have found permanent homes, others lie in storage or abandoned spaces, waiting for a new chapter in their story.

Conclusion

Michael Jackson's monumental statues are more than just fibreglass figures; they symbolize a complex legacy intertwined with both adoration and controversy. As we continue to navigate the discussions surrounding his life, these statues serve as focal points for reflection, nostalgia, and ongoing conversations about art, fame, and accountability in the music industry.

As the years pass, will these statues find new homes and renewed appreciation, or will they remain forgotten relics of a bygone era? The story of Michael Jackson and his monumental statues is far from over, and their future remains as intriguing as the King of Pop himself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the Michael Jackson statues after their initial display?

The fates of the Michael Jackson statues vary widely. Some have been placed in storage, while others have become tourist attractions or shrines for fans. A few are still in public display, albeit in different conditions and locations.

Why was the statue in the Netherlands removed?

The statue in the Netherlands was removed following the release of HBO's *Leaving Neverland*, which led to renewed scrutiny and controversy surrounding Michael Jackson. Pressure from McDonald's U.S. headquarters resulted in its removal, despite its popularity among fans.

Are any of the Michael Jackson statues still on display?

Yes, some statues are still on display, including one in Switzerland at the Luna Park fairground and another in Johannesburg, South Africa, within the abandoned Santarama Miniland. However, their future remains uncertain.

As we ponder the fate of these statues and the legacy of Michael Jackson, we can only wonder: What stories will continue to emerge as time goes on? #MichaelJackson #Legacy #Statues