This lot will be auctioned on Thursday, April 30th. The auction will begin at 3:00PM (BST) / 10:00 AM (EDT) / 7:00AM (PDT) and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace.
A photo-matched custom "Rockers BSA Revenge" leather jacket worn by singer-songwriter George Michael in the music video for his 1987 worldwide number-one hit single "Faith" and the early leg of his corresponding worldwide tour. The jacket also features prominently in several of the musician's most widely recognised publicity stills of Michael. It represents a defining and instantly recognisable artefact from a pivotal moment in Michael's career and forms part of the visual legacy of one of the most memorable eras in popular music.
Michael first rose to fame as one half of the pop duo Wham!, before embarking on a solo career in 1987 that would propel him to global superstardom. His debut solo album, Faith, reached number one on both the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200, becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time. The record firmly established Michael as one of the most influential and celebrated artists of the period.
Directed by Andy Morahan, the music video for "Faith" marked a rebellious departure from Michael's Wham! image, introducing a tougher, rock-and-roll persona and signalling his determination to forge a distinct solo identity. Michael wears the same outfit throughout the video, performing with high energy and, in several scenes, playing guitar beside a Wurlitzer jukebox. In addition to this jacket, Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses, ripped Levi's jeans and silver-tipped cowboy boots. This bold visual reinvention has since become one of the most memorable looks in music video history.
Michael later reflected on the creation of his new look in a January 2010 People magazine interview, stating: "The whole 'Faith' image was all me. I came up with the leather jacket and everything else. I didn't use a stylist - I don't think I could have afforded one!" This style of jacket also appears in the music video for his song Freedom! '90, where it catches fire, symbolising another new era for his music.
Photo-matching confirms the jacket's use both in the "Faith" music video and during live performances on the accompanying tour. Some shapes and wear patterns on the red "BSA" logo, small holes on the painted leaf detailing, and placement of studs on the reverse correspond to an image from the "Faith" video shoot, taken by Chris Cuffaro. Subsequent paint loss on the red lettering - now visible on the jacket today as larger worn areas - can be matched to a later Cuffaro photograph showing Michael mid-performance during the tour. Creasing on the lapel and distinctive traits in the leather near one of the chest zips align with additional Cuffaro images from the shoot, as well as a photograph taken by Michael Putland of Michael backstage during the Japanese/Australasian leg of the tour in February-March 1988. Two of Cuffaro's prints showing this jacket are also included in this sale (see Lot 127).
Manufactured by La Rocka, the jacket features a white hand-painted "BSA" logo on the front, metal zip fastenings, and buckle detailing at the waist. The reverse is decorated with the words "Rockers" and "Revenge", alongside a larger red "BSA" logo, embellished with faux ruby gems and metal studs. It is marked size "M" and finished with a bright red lining. The pearl strand that once hung from the right epaulette - added by Michael specifically for the music video - is no longer present. The jacket exhibits general wear consistent with use, including minor marks on the front and one sleeve, loose trailing threads to the lining, and several studs that have loosened or are now missing.
Estimate: £60,000 - 120,000 † Δ