The Patented Smooth Criminal Effect

Do you remember the "Smooth Criminal" video?

Of course you do. It rocked your balls off, and when you think of it today, you still think of that dance move in the saloon. And you always remember that part where MJ and cohorts stood still, yet defied gravity by leaning all the way forward:
















Obviously this effect was achieved by using all sorts of nifty harnesses and cables for the video shoot. But when Michael performed the song live, cables wouldn't do. So a patent was actually issued for an invention that allowed Michael to pull off the trick in concert.

All the details. Other tricks of Michael's stage show can be found here (click on "The Professor"). I gotta tell ya - MJ's a weird guy, but if he toured again, I'd be there in a heartbeat. With earplugs.