Michael Learns To Rock: Our songs rock because they are in simple English
Thankful would be the word to describe Danish pop band Michael Learns To Rock (MLTR).
In the 90s, they became a worldwide phenomenon with their catchy songs like Sleeping Child, 25 Minutes and Out Of The Blue.
Almost three decades later, they are still as popular in Singapore.
Mikkel Lentz, 47, Jascha Richter, 52, and Kare Wanscher, 46, are here once again since their last trip here last year.
Tickets to their concert tomorrow (July 24) at The Star Performing Arts Centre sold out fast, just like their previous one that was held at the Max Pavilion.
Wanscher said that they were very happy to hear that the tickets to their concerts have been snapped up and were thankful that they had such supportive fans.
But what do they think is the secret to their success?
Simplicity.
Lentz said that the lyrics to their songs are in simple English which makes them easier for people to comprehend.
"We don't speak English back home so when we compose the songs, our lyrics are very simple.
"Not only can people understand them, our songs are good for karaoke too.
"This is the reason why we are still here."
From the heart
Richter, on the other hand, felt that the band's success is due to the fact that MLTR's songs "come from the heart and not the brains".
"We draw inspiration from many things.
"Travelling in Asia, we see all these beautiful people.
"But to be honest, my capacity for writing love songs is reaching its limit."
WHO'S 'MICHAEL'?
Lyrics aside, the spotlight was next turned to their rather unique band name.
Lentz admitted that their moniker was confusing on a few levels.
Firstly, they sang pop songs.
Secondly, who's Michael?
He explained that back in the 80s when they first formed their band, they were in a hurry to submit a cassette of their songs for a music competition.
Michael Learns To Rock was a line that was inspired by a sentence that he had read from a book.
And this Michael in question refers to the King Of Pop, Michael Jackson.
He said: "Everyone thought we were a rock band so they got even more confused.
"But since we became successful with this name, it was too late to change it."
On the topic of "confusing" band names, the guys were asked to give examples of their own.
Lentz said that he thought The Beatles was strange especially if they had named themselves after a bug.
Wanscher shared that in Denmark, he once met a band from Myanmar called The Idiots.
"They are good singers but I just didn't understand why.
"Why would they call themselves idiots?"
AIR-CON?
And the jokes kept coming, as the laid back pop stars showed why they continue to thrill fans.
MLTR doesn't get why we have air-conditioning.
Richter appeared bemused when he talked about the cold winters in Denmark and how having the chance to travel to Asia was a wonderful experience for them.
He said: "It's always so nice to get some sunshine.
"I cannot understand air-conditioning and why everyone here just likes to stay in air-conditioned rooms.
"When we come to Asia, all we want is to stay outside in the sun all the time."
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