A meaningful show by Michael Learns To Rock

SGGP 17/09/2023 05:58

For Singaporeans who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, Michael Learns To Rock has become a part of their youthful musical memories. The band's return to the charity fundraising concert has once again sent many fans across the island nation into a frenzy.

The band Michael Learns To Rock

Tickets for the performance at Our Tampines Hub sold out in just one hour. The show was a resounding success. The Singaporean audience was captivated by the sweet, romantic melodies and unanimously raised their hands to show their affection for the band. As soon as the first notes rang out, the audience began humming along to the band that once dominated Asian music. This Danish band performed many songs associated with their musical career, including classics like "25 Minutes," "Paint My Love," "Out of the Blue," "The Actor," and "Breaking My Heart."

In an interview with Channel News Asia, the three members Mikkel Lentz, Jascha Richter, and Kare Wanscher were surprised by the warm reception from the Singaporean audience. Referring to songs from years ago, Jascha Richter, the band's lead singer, said: “It’s surprising that we’re still popular here. It’s unbelievable that you want to hear us sing our old songs. We’re very happy about that.” The three members affirmed that Singapore holds a special place in their hearts. “When we first came to Singapore in 1994, it was a wonderful experience in Asia. Returning to perform at The Star Theater in October 2022 was an amazing night. The atmosphere that night was very special,” Jascha Richter said.

According to drummer Kare Wanscher, music is an effective healing tool and can have a positive impact on people with dementia because, although they may not remember many songs, they can still recall old songs, especially those they heard years ago. For this reason, Michael Learns To Rock decided to return to Singapore with a concert to raise public awareness about dementia. All profits from the performance will go to Dementia Singapore – a social service agency dedicated to caring for people with dementia, supporting caregivers, providing training and counseling, and fundraising.

Initially, Michael Learns To Rock was a four-member band. They named the band with inspiration from the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, and 1980s bands like Johnny Hates Jazz and Frankie Goes To Hollywood. The guys had a promising start after winning a talent competition in Denmark in 1988, and their English-language songs landed them a recording contract in the US.

However, the Danish band has made a strong impression in Asia for decades thanks to countless catchy and charming hit songs like "Sleeping Child," "That's Why You Go Away," and "The Actor ." Since its formation in 1988, the band has sold over 10 million records, performed in packed stadiums, and released a string of hit ballads that fans still know by heart and sing along to today. Even with only three members remaining, Michael Learns To Rock continues to perform in several Asian countries and is warmly received by audiences.

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