For anyone who grew up in the 80s, no tour had a greater impact on music of the 80s than Michael Jackson’s 1984, Thriller Tour.
The Thriller tour of 84 was actually part of Michael Jackson’s Victory Tour. But, it was more than just a series of concerts, it was a cultural phenomenon that revolutionized the music of the 80s. The tour itself followed the release of Jackson’s album, Thriller. And, it was a monumental event in the world of entertainment. There were innovative performances, iconic fashion trends, and record-breaking attendance levels. The Thriller Tour exemplified all of the glitz and glamour that was associated with 80s pop culture. And, it further cemented Michael Jackson’s legacy as the King of Pop.
Michael Jackson’s Rise to Music of the 80s Stardom
The 1980s were full of social and cultural shifts. But perhaps no shift was greater than that which took place in the music and entertainment industry. It was back in 1981 when MTV was officially launched, and the television channel revolutionized how artists would reach their audiences. Music videos completely revolutionized the music of the 80s. And, Michael Jackson was one of the first artists to break racial barriers on the channel with his Thriller video. He would also release a video for Billie Jean that was equally as successful.
The 80s was full of consumerism thanks to disposable income. And, it was during this time that the entertainment industry boomed. People were willing to spend more on experiences such as merchandise and even concerts. And popular artists like Michael Jackson found themselves at the front of not just the music industry, but also fashion in the 80s. The Thriller Tour capitalized on the cultural and economic environment at the time, quickly becoming one of the most high-profile music events of the decade. And soon, everyone wanted their own leather Michael Jackson jacket, suede shoes, and bedazzled gloves.
How Thriller Changed Music of the 80s
The Thriller Tour helped to redefine and reshape music of the 80s. The concerts were more than just music, they were performed like a theatrical experience. The popularity of Michael Jackson at the time resulted in record-breaking attendance levels, and his influence on pop culture and fashion grew with leaps and bounds.
Theatrical Concert Performances
The biggest trend of the Thriller Tour that helped to define it was the use of theatrical concert performances. Prior to this tour, most concerts were simple musical performances. There wasn’t anything entertaining about it beyond the music itself. But Michael Jackson changed all of this because his concerts were more than just a series of songs played, one after another. Instead, he focused on elaborate stage designs, carefully choreographed movements, and visual effects. His use of video projections and pyrotechnics helped to set a new standard for what audiences expected to see during a live music event.
Of course, the Thriller Tour would not have been as successful had it not been for Jackson’s signature dance moves. Everyone expected to see Michael Jackson moonwalk across the stage, and they were not disappointed. Then, there was the choreography in songs like Billie Jean and Beat It that created a visually stunning performance. His stage presence left fans wanting more and the fusion of dance, music, and theatrics influenced future musicians, especially in the pop genre.
Record-Breaking Attendance
The Thriller Tour was a commercial success. It showcased just how popular Michael Jackson was, not just in the United States, but around the world. It became one of the highest-grossing tours of all time. In fact, it was virtually impossible to get tickets because they would often sell out in a matter of minutes. The demand for tickets to the concert was so high that scalping was a major issue. Fans were willing to spend astronomical prices just to see him perform live. While the tour spanned only 55 shows in the US and Canada, more than 2 million fans attended during this period.
But, beyond just ticket sales revenue, the tour generated even more income from merchandising. Everybody wanted posters, T-shirts, and other memorabilia with Jackson’s image on them. They wanted to showcase to the world that they had been to his concert. This marked a beginning for pop stars to capitalize on their likeness and branding on and off the stage. He turned his concerts into a multilayered business venture that extended way beyond just the music itself. In the end, the Thriller Tour was more than just a cultural moment, it was the successful commercialization of music of the 80s.
Jackson’s Influence on Pop Culture and Music of the 80s
Naturally, the Thriller Tour also had a huge impact on the fashion industry. His iconic outfits quickly became in-demand items for people all over the country. From his glittery gloves to his memorable red and black leather jacket, everyone wanted a piece of Michael Jackson fashion in their wardrobe. It was impossible to go into a middle school or high school during the mid to late 80s without seeing at least one kid walking around with a glittery glove, or the signature black and red leather jacket. But, the tour also popularized the wearing of aviator sunglasses and military apparel.
Michael Jackson didn’t just set clothing trends, he also changed the way people did their hair, danced, and even spoke. His signature screech “hee-hee” became an iconic exclamation of the 80s. And, his image on tour posters and merchandise found their way into every single home across the country. By blending fashion, visual entertainment, and carefully choreographed sets, Michael Jackson completely revolutionized music of the 80s.
The Cultural Legacy of the Thriller Tour
The cultural impact of the Thriller Tour was huge. Michael Jackson managed to set a brand-new benchmark for what concerts could be. And, he changed the expectations of live performances forever. After his use of theatrically choreographed sets, everyone wanted to be in on the game. Pop artists from that point forward, used this concert tour as a blueprint to help influence their own music.
The tour also impacted the way that people dressed. Jackson’s style still continues to influence pop stars of today. In fact, Bruno Mars and The Weeknd have also been known to channel Jackson’s signature look into their own performances.
Conclusion
The Michael Jackson Thriller Tour not only defined the music of the 80s, but it also set the stage for future entertainment. His ability to combine music, spectacle, and fashion, introduced the world to concerts that were larger-than-life. He embodied the bold spirit of the decade, and his works continue to remind us of the power of captivating audiences with visually stunning performances. He revolutionized the industry and set standards that every single pop artist since has tried to meet.
