Nothing compares to a live performance by the King of Pop. Michael Jackson was not only a hit-making machine but also a master of the stage, where his charisma, dance moves, and vocals dazzled audiences. Fans witnessed his unparalleled talent during his performance of “Smooth Criminal” on July 6, 1997, at the Olympiastadion in Munich, Germany. In front of a sold-out crowd of 150,000 screaming fans, Jackson delivered one of the finest performances of his career.
The video of this performance has garnered 139 million views on YouTube, making it the most popular live version of “Smooth Criminal.” Jackson spared no effort for this show, starting with a dramatic mobster-style intro complete with a Tommy gun and fireworks. When the iconic synth riff kicked in, he launched into a flawless dance routine. Watching him perform intricate dance moves while singing perfectly is a testament to why he’s called the King of Pop.
Michael Jackson’s legendary forward-leaning dance move during the guitar break at 4:18 in the video is a highlight not to be missed. Fans online have raved about this performance, leaving comments like, “Every time I see a Michael Jackson performance, I am reminded how talented he was. Such a great singer, dancer, performer, entertainer,” and “To this day, there’s no artist who generates as much anticipation, energy, and electricity in an audience. Jackson is sorely missed.”
This incredible performance was part of Jackson’s HIStory tour, his third and final solo world tour. Over the course of the tour, Jackson performed to 4.5 million fans across 82 concerts spanning five continents. The Munich concerts were recorded for a planned DVD release, which was later shelved as Jackson was recovering from laryngitis. Despite this, his vocals were outstanding. Another standout performance from the Munich shows is “Billie Jean.”
It’s surprising that Jackson only completed three solo world tours in his long career. After the HIStory tour ended on October 15, 1997, Jackson took an extended break from touring. He planned to return to the stage with a 50-concert residency at the O2 Arena in London in 2009. Sadly, Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009, just 18 days before the residency was to begin. This makes the HIStory tour his final legacy of live performances, leaving an indelible mark on music history.