MiG Ayesa

Winning multiple awards and gaining recognition world-wide, Thriller Live has entered into the record books as the longest running show in the Lyric Theatres 125 year history. Starting out in 2009, the show was a tribute to Michael Jackson. Today, the show pays homage to the King of Pop.

Back on Australian shores for the Australian leg of the tour, MiG Ayesa, has a long list of achievements to his name including global hit TV show Rock Star: INXS, We Will Rock You, Rent, Burn The Floor and Rock of Ages.

I recently had the pleasure to chat with the multi-talented MiG Ayesa about Thriller Live, the Jackson family and what he does in his spare time.


Music News - Congratulations on Thriller Live, I understand it was entered into the record books as the 20th longest running musical in West End History. How does it feel to be a part of a show that will live on in the record books?
 
It's been a big honour to be representing Michael, his music and his legacy, but it also comes with a great responsibility. There are so many fans out there that love Michael's music and we have to do it right. It's an honour to be in show that’s been so successful and has so many accolades. I think its gone passed the top 20 and is now the top18th.
 
Music News - It's great to hear that the show has surpassed its records. What do you think Michael would say about the show?
 
He'd probably want to be in it. (Laughs).
 
Music News - How did the Jackson's respond to the show?
 
They are actually very supportive of the show and us. They love the show and in fact have all come to see it at different times……. Michael also had plans to come and see the show but unfortunately he passed away before he made it. They (the Jackson's) are all behind it and we are very respectful of Michael and his legacy…….we have to pass everything we do through them and get there okay.
 
Music News - What can you tell me about Thriller Live and what can the audience expect to see?
 
It's more a concert than it is a musical. It's probably the closest thing you will get to a Michael Jackson concert. Everything is done live, that's why the name "live" is in the title…. We have 5 singers, 14 dancers, 8 piece live band, pyrotechnics, videos, lights and lasers. It's extravaganza - a celebration, so people should come with their dancing shoes and expect to have a good time because it is an uplifting celebration of Michael. We do touch on the fact that he is gone, but only very briefly. We focus on celebrating his life and the impact he has made on us and to popular culture.
 
 
Music News - Going back a little, I want to ask you about Rockstar:INXS. How did your experience on the show change the shape of your career?
 
Exponentially, it was a life-changing situation I must say. Being the only Australian in the mix, I felt like l needed to do really well, but not just for me, but for every Aussie out there (laughs). There was a lot of pressure and I felt like I buckled under pressure quite a bit and wish I could do it all again as I’d be wiser about the realities of reality TV, which is a monster in itself. It (the experience) definitely opened doors for me and changed my life - I moved to the states, got a recording deal and won a car. I live in New York City now and have been working on Broadway and around the United States and all over the world. Up until this day, people still talk to me about the show and it's actually our tenth year anniversary. It's worth celebrating the milestone of ten years. 
 
 
Music News - Music aside, what do you like doing in your spare time?
 
At the moment, well actually I've got a very boring life. (laughs) I’m not doing anything other than working at the moment. I’ve also been working on a travel television show, that we filmed in the Philippines called, "Phil It Up" with co-host, Sophie Sumner. We are now in the post-production stages and I’m actually scoring the whole series. So I'll do Thriller Live at night and in the day l'll be in my hotel room with a keyboard and my computer scoring the series. So at the moment I’m not getting much free time.


Music News - Before I let you go, is there anything else you would like to share? 

My second album is currently out and it's called, "More Than Ever". It's available on iTunes as well as on my website which is www.MiG-music.com. I'm also working on some new stuff and there are a few projects that are not confirmed yet,but if they do come to fruition, it will be very exciting and could be the biggest thing I ever did, so we will see.



Thriller Live is at the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, January 28-February 8, and the Sydney Lyric, February 26-March 15.