INQUISITR.COM / Entertainment

Remembering Michael Jackson: His Top Five Live Performances

By Patricia Didelot
Published on: 05:21 PST, Jun 25, 2013

Michael Jackson is being remembered as the world marks four years since the King of Pop passed away tragically after suffering cardiac arrest due to an overdose of prescription drugs. His death was ruled a homicide.

Jackson started his legendary career, which spanned five decades, in 1964 as part of the Jackson 5. The band was made up by him and his brothers.

His career went through several highs and lows, and he hit it big as a solo artist in the eighties with songs such as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Thriller,” and many others.

Jackson revolutionized the way in which music videos were made using MTV as a platform. The music channel was the go-to place to showcase music videos in the eighties and nineties.

He was also known for his spectacular concerts complete with special lighting and pyrotechnics, but, more importantly, they were always full of some of the best dance choreographies ever seen.

One of the most notable performances was that which took place at the 25th anniversary of Motown. On this occasion, he did his signature Moonwalk when he sang one of his greatest hits, “Billie Jean,” in front of the spellbound audience.

Many criticized him for his over the top extravaganzas, but Jackson never disappointed the fans who came to watch him perform.

Michael Jackson holds the title of the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time in the Guinness Book of World Records. His album Thriller is the best selling album of all time.

Moreover, he received a record 13 Grammy Awards, a Grammy Legend Award, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. During his iconic career he also won 26 American Music Awards.

As million of fans remember the pop icon on the anniversary of his passing we look back at some of Michael Jackson’s five most memorable live performances.

“Smooth Criminal” Live In Munich (1997)