MiG rocks more than ever

MiG Ayesa, rocker-actor from New York and London and Australia, is back in his country of birth and that is where else but the Philippines. MiG is back in town to once more play the role of the aging rock star Stacee Jaxx in the Atlantis production of the jukebox musical Rock of Ages. The show premiered at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater of the RCBC in Makati last year. It was such a huge success that Atlantis decided to give in to public demand and present it again and MiG, who is always up at bat for Stacee and eager to spend time here with family and friends, agreed to come back.

MiG is now based in New York but he spent the first nine years of his life in the Philippines. His family then moved to Australia where he grew up and where his singing talent was discovered. That was where he made his stage debut in The Richie Valens Story. He came to international prominence as the third placer in the reality talent show, Rock Star INXS, the search for a new lead singer for the famous Aussie rock band INXS. 

MiG has since then divided his time between his solo singing career and the theater, alternating stints in London, New York, Sydney or other countries while on tour. Among his most famous roles are Galileo Figaro in the Queen musical We Will Rock You, one of the leads in Thriller Live that is based on the hit songs of Michael Jackson and of course Stacee in Rock of Ages. He has also appeared as Danny Zuko in Grease and as Angel in Rent. 

MiG has recorded two solo albums. First came the self-titled Mig, which proved to be a great introduction to the vocal prowess of the new artist. It featured some originals like She Loved and You And I and a gorgeous selection of rock classics. Think Who Wants To Live Forever by Queen, Angie by the Rolling Stones, Life On Mars by David Bowie, Wrapped Around Your Finger by Sting and Baby I Love Your Way with the original artist Peter Frampton playing the guitar for MiG.

His latest, which is available online in his website is titled More Than Ever. It is an all-original collection that proves MiG’s versatility as a rock artist. He is singing even better this time around. This must be due to his having to go from Queen to Michael Jackson and other types of music in his stage work. His tones are velvet but with spunk and he transitions smoothly from pop to rock, from make-out musings to fun rock n’ roll.

Dark Dark Night is the piece that holds the album together. It appears front, back and center. I like the aching To Whom It Must Concern (Where Did We Go Wrong) and Summer Feeling, which echoes old-time pop-rock best. Then, there are Nothin’ You Do, High, I Do, I Need You Here, Blown Away, On My Way, Here I Go, Waiting For Your Love, Home In Me, You Bring Me Back and the video of To Whom It Must Concern as a bonus track.

And now back to Rock of Ages. The musical tells the love story of Drew and Sherrie, young hopefuls who are dreaming of success in the music business. At the same time, it is also about the efforts of rock music lovers to save a club on Sunset Strip under threat by realtors and condemned by religious fanatics. The action is set against an enjoyable showcase of some of the best rock tunes from the ’70s era. Among these are We Built This City, Every Rose Has A Thorn, I Wanna Rock, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, I Wanna Know What Love Is, Wanted Dead Or Alive, Any Way You Want It, Can’t Fight This Feeling and Don’t Stop Believing.

 Rock of Ages runs at the CPR Theater at the RCBC Plaza from July 12 to 28. It is directed by Chari Arrespacochaga and stars Nyoy Volante, Vina Morales, Rachel Alejandro, Aiza Seguerra, Jett Pangan, Jamie Wilson, Calvin Millado, Bibo Reyes and MiG. Last year’s show was a big blast of incredible singing and memorable performances. Even Broadway and West End veteran MiG was greatly impressed with the Filipino cast. I’m sure that those who watched that first time would love to have this experience again. Those who did not should make sure they do. Don’t deprive yourselves of such great fun.