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Introduction
Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana” was a standout track during his iconic Bad World Tour, and its performance in Rome in 1988 was certainly a memorable one for fans.
Jackson played two sold-out nights at Stadio Flaminio in Rome on May 23rd and 24th, 1988, which served as the opening shows of the European leg of the Bad Tour. “Dirty Diana” was a consistent part of the setlist for the second leg of the tour, appearing as the 10th song.
The song itself, a hard rock/pop rock track, was notable for its powerful guitar solo (played by Steve Stevens on the studio recording, and Jennifer Batten on tour) and its themes exploring groupie culture. Live, Jackson delivered a high-energy performance, often engaging with his guitarists. Videos of the Rome performance show his characteristic intense dance moves and powerful vocals, even if he occasionally forgot a lyric or two, as some accounts from the time mention.
While there isn’t one singular, widely acclaimed “speechless” moment explicitly attributed to the Rome “Dirty Diana” performance in historical records, the entire Bad Tour was a spectacle. Jackson’s live shows were known for their elaborate staging, incredible choreography, and his undeniable charisma, leaving audiences enthralled. The raw energy and rock edge of “Dirty Diana” certainly would have contributed to the electrifying atmosphere in Rome.
It’s also worth noting that “Dirty Diana” gained further notoriety when Princess Diana, after whom the song was initially rumored to be about (a claim Jackson denied), revealed it was one of her favorite songs. This led to Jackson re-adding it to the setlist for his Wembley Stadium show, which Princess Diana attended.
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