When Michael Jackson was paid US$17 million to perform at the Sultan of Brunei’s 50 birthday party – and Prince Charles was even there
How Hassanal Bolkiah spent US$27 million on the world’s most lavish party – an extravagant 2-week birthday bash including a polo match with Prince Charles, a Michael Jackson concert for 60,000 people in a custom-built stadium and a dinner for 3,000 guests where everyone left with a gold medal
The desire to enjoy a good party or celebration is as universal as the longing to travel. We can all relate. What is less common however is the ability to throw inordinately lavish affairs that cost a fortune, include over-the-top opulence and are attended by the upper echelons of global society. The most extravagant of these events sometimes even achieve their own sort of fame.
One such event, that has gone down as one of the most expensive parties ever, was the 1996 festivities in honour of the 50th birthday of Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. No mere single-day affair, this was a series of parties and ceremonies that lasted two weeks. Reportedly costing the super-rich Sultan some US$27 million, the birthday festivities included a distinguished, high-profile guest list of world leaders, royalty and even the king of pop, Michael Jackson.
The occasion
Known to live one of the most extravagant lives of excess of any individual on the planet, it’s hardly surprising that in 1996, when the Sultan of Brunei turned 50, he threw himself a birthday bash with an astronomical price tag of around US$27 million.
The venue
Essentially the entire nation of Brunei acted as the venue for the sultan’s party. Spanning a fortnight, the celebrations took place at various locations and included an opulent dinner party in his 1,778-room palace and a Michael Jackson concert attended by 60,000 people.
The guest list
In addition to the nation’s population being invited to certain parts of the festivities, the sultan’s private guest list included international dignitaries, members of the royal family (Prince Charles for one) and other members of the world’s elite society.