That depends on one's definition of peak:
- As an artist, he was at his peak in the '90s.
- As a dancer, he was at his peak in the '90s (HIStory Tour).
- As a vocalist, he was at his peak in the '80s ('BAD' album sessions).
- In terms of commercial success, he was at his peak in the '80s.
- In terms of touring, he was at his peak in the '80s (BAD Tour).
Some people say that in terms of touring, he was at his peak in the '90s because the demise of the Cold War (in 1991) gave him the chance to gain new, additional audience from the Eastern European countries when he performed there during the Dangerous Tour and the HIStory Tour.