Michael Jackson’s Estate Challenges Auction of Unreleased Cassette Tapes
The estate of Michael Jackson is taking legal issue with an auction house’s plans to sell unreleased music from the legendary pop star. Gotta Have Rock and Roll has announced an auction featuring two cassette tapes containing never-before-heard tracks recorded by Jackson in the late 1980s and early ’90s, prior to his “Dangerous” album.
The auction, which kicks off with a starting bid of $85,000, has set expectations that the final sale price could reach between $150,000 and $200,000. However, Jackson’s estate is pushing back, denouncing the sale as a “sad attempt by an auction site to mislead the public.”
Unreleased Songs, But With Limitations
The tapes, which are said to contain 12 tracks that Jackson recorded with music producer Bryan Loren, are reportedly copies of the original master recordings owned by the singer’s estate. While the cassettes might seem like a rare find, Jackson’s estate is clear: anyone who purchases the tapes will not be allowed to reproduce or publicly play the music, as the estate retains full ownership of the master recordings.
In a statement, the estate also criticized the auction’s use of cassette tapes, calling the format “long-outdated.” This comment seems to reflect a jibe at the medium, which may resonate with older generations but is now a relic in the world of digital music.
A Different Perspective from the Auction House
Despite the estate’s disapproval, Gotta Have Rock and Roll president Dylan Kosinski is standing firm. He argues that the cassettes, as unreleased, non-reproducible recordings, hold significant value precisely because they cannot be shared with the public. Kosinski suggests that the fact the estate is keeping the original master recordings locked away only amplifies the desirability of these auction items.
The tapes, which were recorded in collaboration with producer Bryan Loren, are being sold after Loren provided copies to the consignor, making the rare cassette tapes available to fans and collectors alike.
Auction Set to Proceed
The auction is set to begin on Wednesday at 9 AM ET, and despite the pushback from Michael Jackson’s estate, Gotta Have Rock and Roll is moving forward with the sale. The high-stakes auction offers an exclusive opportunity for those looking to acquire a piece of music history—though with plenty of legal and ethical concerns still hanging in the air.
