We are an independent show guide. Resale ticket prices may be above face value.

Michael Jackson vs. Neil Armstrong: Who Had The Best Moonwalk

Author KevinKevin, July 11th, 2024

One for the scientists, artists, engineers and dreamers!

July 20th, 1969, the world watched through their retro TVs as Neil Armstrong made history by setting foot on the Moon, a moment immortalized by his words: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.".

Over a decade later, in 1983, pop king Michael Jackson exploded onto the stage of a Motown 25th anniversary special and introduced another kind of moonwalk that was out-of-this-world.

As the 55th anniversary of the moon landing heads into orbit, let's compare the two most infamous moonwalks in history!

Neil Armstrong V MJ

The sight of Armstrong descending the ladder of the lunar module, the Eagle, and stepping onto the powdery surface of the Moon was broadcast live to millions of awe-struck viewers around the world. It was a triumph of human invention, an event that marked a significant milestone in the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, and showed us humans that science could achieve just about anything if it wanted to.

Dressed in a sequined jacket, a single rhinestone glove, and black fedora, Jackson appeared to glide backward effortlessly as if defying the laws of physics. This dance move, although previously seen in different forms by street dancers, was perfected and popularized by Jackson. Now we see it at parties, on television, and even performed in the streets. It was a viral hit long before the age of TikTok and Insta.

Both moonwalks shook the world to its core - one through technological achievement and the other through cultural impact, but which one are you more obsessed with?

Did You Know?

  • - Armstrong insisted that he said, "for a man," which would technically make more grammatical sense.

  • - The lunar surface was covered in a cloud of fine dust and it clung to everything, including the astronauts' suits. This made getting back inside of the base pretty tricky.

  • - They had to use a horizontal rod to give the flag the appearance of fluttering. Now we know where all the conspiracy theories come from!

  • - While Michael Jackson is credited with popularizing the moonwalk, it was inspired by street dancers like Jeffrey Daniel from the group Shalamar, who performed similar moves in the 1970s.

  • - Variants of Jackson's moonwalk date back to as early as the 1930's.

  • - Fans of Jason Derulo can spot him using the moonwalk in his song Swalla.

NEWS, TICKETS, THEATRE & MORE

"Broadway and show news straight to your inbox!"

MORE from hq

A Perfect Pop Playlist - Here Are The Songs That Are In & Juliet

A Perfect Pop Playlist - Here Are The Songs That Are In & Juliet

Kevin, October 4th, 2024
Watching Romeo descend on a giant disco ball, hearing all your favorite noughties songs, and witnessing girl power at its finest - honestly, sacrificing yourself for love is so 15th century. Teenage Dream, Since U Been Gone, Roar, Confident...
Read more
It’s October 3rd!

It’s October 3rd!

Kevin, October 3rd, 2024
Did Amber D'Alessio really only make out with a hotdog one time? Will Gretchen ever make fetch happen, and did Damian get his pink shirt back? Mean Girls is on it's twentieth October 3rd, and like, totally, never gets old! Get in losers....
Read more
San Francisco Fall Preview

San Francisco Fall Preview

Kitty, September 24th, 2024
Whether you're in the mood for the return of landmark musical Hamilton, an operatic masterpiece, or an evening of laughs, the city has something for everyone this fall. Discover our highlights of the season in our handy fall preview below!...
Read more
Stage Royalty - Kings and Queens of Theatre

Stage Royalty - Kings and Queens of Theatre

Kevin, September 11th, 2024
Most of today's monarchs on stage are swapping Shakespearean monologues for electric guitars, stunning dance numbers and even a fierce pair of stilettos. Ladies and gentlemen, please bow for the kings and queens of modern theatre!...
Read more
All You Need to Know About Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

All You Need to Know About Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Kevin, August 30th, 2024
Tim Burton's 1988 cult classic is finally getting a well-deserved sequel. Beetlejuice x2 is coming to haunt theaters worldwide following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Trust us, it's going to be a scream!...
Read more
What to see in San Francisco this September!

What to see in San Francisco this September!

Kitty, August 29th, 2024
Wicked casts its spell over the Orpheum and the San Francisco Opera begins its 2024/25 season with Verdi's Un Ballo in Mascherea before bringing the company premiere of Poul Ruder's adaptation of The Handmaid's Tale to......
Read more
Shrek 5 Is Coming In July 2026 - Here’s What We Know

Shrek 5 Is Coming In July 2026 - Here’s What We Know

Kevin, August 21st, 2024
From the Fairy Godmother slaying her rendition of "I Need A Hero" (some may say it was better than the original) to a donkey and dragon love affair (with the cutest babies), Shrek has given adults and kids alike some of the funniest......
Read more