Michael Jackson’s live performances are etched into history as unforgettable moments.
Among these, a video capturing Michael’s rendition of his controversial single “They Don’t Care About Us” during the ’97 HIStory World Tour stands out, showcasing his enduring legacy as a global superstar.
Michael wore a striking cyborg bodysuit with silver and gold tin-foil tones, while his dancers, dressed in black, performed precise mechanical movements and military formations to the commanding beat of the drums.
While it’s not clear how long Michael Jackson performed on the stage, the legend looked exhausted. Despite that, he managed to captivate the audience, using his dance moves and stage presence effortlessly.
Check it out in the video below, which has hit 167 million views within over a decade:
His incredible vocals proved himself as a musical legend. However, moments of exhaustion hinted at the immense pressure he faces as a superstar. Yet, he maintained his composure and delivered a flawless performance, complete with a mesmerizing guitar solo and patriotic imagery.
The video of his performance has received an abundance of compliments. A fan wrote, “Years later his songs are still so powerful. He was so ahead of his time. No one will ever top him, such a legend.”
Another continued, “Normally people talk about his performances, his dances but very few people appreciate his voice! For me Michael had a fucking perfect voice. His voice could be very high pitched or very deep, not just anyone can do that. He is the most complete artist ever.”
For those who didn’t know, “They Don’t Care About Us” became one of Michael Jackson’s most controversial songs due to its bold lyrics tackling racism, police brutality, and social injustice.
Despite its impactful message, the song only reached #30 on the US Billboard Hot 100, despite being a Top 10 hit in many other Western countries.