On Saturday, October 25, 2025, Kingvention made its long-awaited U.S. debut in New York City with KV NYC: HIStory Begins, an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime event held at the legendary Fount Studios, formerly known as The Hit Factory, where Michael Jackson recorded much of his HIStory: Past, Present and Future – Book I album.
Fans from around the world gathered for a day filled with emotional memories, never-before-seen material, and conversations with the very people who helped bring Michael’s vision to life.
The HIStory Statue Comes to Life
The event opened with an extraordinary moment: Diana Walczak, the sculptor behind the iconic HIStory album statue, appeared live on stage for an exclusive interview. For the first time in 30 years, Diana brought the original mold of the HIStory statue, placing it on stage for fans to see in person, a breathtaking sight that brought goosebumps to many in the room.
Adding to the magic, Diana surprised everyone with an unseen archival video from her private collection, showing an early test sequence of the gold HIStory statue jumping from its base and dancing. It was a captivating look into the creative process behind one of Michael Jackson’s most powerful visual symbols.
Behind the Lens with Steven Whitsitt
Photographer Steven Paul Whitsitt took to the stage to share his memories from working with Michael during the HIStory era, including rare insights into the photoshoots that defined that period. Fans were treated to never-before-seen photographs, including intimate moments from the Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley wedding announcement.
Steven also recreated a piece of pop culture history: he brought the original backdrop used in the famous engagement photoshoot, giving fans the unforgettable opportunity to stand in the same spot where Michael and Lisa Marie once stood, a touching and personal highlight of the day.
Stories from the HIStory Campaign
Music executive and author Dan Beck followed with an engaging discussion about his newly released book, offering rare stories from his time working closely with Michael at Epic Records. Fans were treated to a special surprise, the never-before-seen “They Don’t Care About Us” rebuttal video, showing Michael in the studio re-recording the track after the controversy surrounding its lyrics. The raw footage of Michael’s frustration and determination left a deep impression on everyone in the room.
The Epic Panel: Inside HIStory’s Marketing Machine
A major highlight of the afternoon was the Panel Discussion featuring four of the key Sony executives who helped market HIStory worldwide:
Dan Beck, Linda Ury Greenberg, La’Verne Perry-Kennedy, Lisa Kramer, and Lori Lambert.
Together, they shared fascinating behind-the-scenes details of Michael’s global marketing campaigns, including the strategic challenges of promoting such an ambitious project. Fans learned why “Earth Song”, one of Michael’s most powerful works, was never released as a single in the U.S., and heard about the plans behind Michael’s canceled “One Night Only” performance at the Beacon Theatre. It was an honest, emotional, and deeply insightful discussion that offered new perspective on Michael’s artistry and the industry around him.
HIStory at The Hit Factory
The atmosphere inside Fount Studios was electric. Fans not only experienced sessions in Studio 6, but also had access to Studio 4, where Michael recorded vocals during the HIStory sessions, walking the same halls and breathing the same creative energy that shaped his 1995 masterpiece.
The day wrapped up at 6 p.m., but the celebration was far from over. Attendees then moved to Club 30’s, an exclusive after-party inspired by Michael’s short film Smooth Criminal. Surrounded by MJ’s music, fans danced the night away, celebrating friendship, creativity, and the enduring legacy of the King of Pop.
A HIStoric Day to Remember
Kingvention NYC 2025 was more than just an event, it was a celebration of Michael’s enduring artistry, innovation, and humanity. For many fans, being in the very building where HIStory was created was nothing short of a spiritual experience.
From unseen footage and artifacts to personal stories told by those who worked closest to Michael, the day captured the essence of what Kingvention has always been about: bringing fans closer to the HIStory.
Photo Credits: Steven Paul Whitsitt
