Is Mumbai ready to rock with MLTR?

A trio of balladeers who sold over eight million records worldwide, Michael Learns To Rock stormed Bangalore on Sunday, September 25.

The Danish band arrived in Mumbai on Monday, a couple of days ahead of a concert in the city's MMRDA grounds on September 28.

At the press conference, KÃ¥re Wanscher, the group's drummer (extreme left) grinned to the assembled journalists and answered most questions.

Most people are curious about the name. The band features drummer KÃ¥re, with founding vocalist and keyboard player Jascha Richter (right) and guitarist Mikkel Lentz (centre).

So, why are they called Michael Learns To Rock?

KÃ¥re began, wearily, to embark on an often-given answer, but Jascha cut in: "We just couldn't come up with a better name," he laughed, adding, "And we all really like Michael Jackson!" The rest nodded in agreement.

When asked to compare their show last night with their 1996 performance in Bangalore, KÃ¥re said, "It's good to be back, after nine long years. Bangalore (in 1996) was one of the best audiences we've ever had. Last night was even better. And from Mumbai, we expect even more!"

While KÃ¥re hinted at "a planned collaboration with an Indian artist in the near future," Jascha smiled broadly and revealed, "Actually, there will be a little surprise for fans at the Mumbai concert."

MLTR is huge in South East Asia, to the extent that their maximum sales of 3.4 million were reached by Paint My Love, an album released exclusively in this region. Talking about their popularity in Asia, Jascha explained that "this is because we have a lot of ballads. Lots of slow, love songs. People in Asia love ballads."

KÃ¥re waxed eloquent about the "exotic" differences between India and Europe, summing Indian music up in three words: "Energetic. Emotional. Inspiring."

The band has been together since 1987, and tasted success from its first self-titled album in 1991. Now, almost 20 years later, they're still at it. As Mikkel put it, "We're very privileged as friends to get the opportunity to travel the world and do what we do."

When asked about the difference between India in 1996 and India today, the trio spoke in unison: "They sing louder now."

Text: Raja Sen | Photograph: Jewella C Miranda