Michael Learns To Rock

Michael Learns To Rock (MLTR) was formed in 1988 in Aarhus, Denmark. The band initially comprised Jascha Richter on lead vocals and keyboards, Mikkel Lentz on lead guitar, Kåre Wanscher on drums, and Søren Madsen on bass guitar. Richter and Wanscher initiated the band with the intention of performing Richter’s compositions, later recruiting Lentz and Madsen. Their debut album, “Michael Learns to Rock,” was released in September 1991. The single “The Actor” from this album topped the Danish charts and achieved success in Norway, Sweden, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.

The band’s international breakthrough occurred with their second album, “Colours,” released in October 1993, which sold over 1.1 million records. This album featured popular singles such as “Sleeping Child,” “25 Minutes,” and “Out of the Blue.” MLTR received ‘The Best Performing Act of the Year’ award in 1994 at the SEA Grammy Awards in Singapore for “25 Minutes,” and the ‘Gold Preis’ from German radio station RSH in 1995. Their third album, “Played on Pepper,” released in August 1995, sold over 1.2 million units and expanded their market to Brazil, South Africa, the UAE, and various Far East countries. The greatest hits album “Paint My Love” (1996) further solidified their presence, selling 3.4 million copies, predominantly in Asia, and leading to their headlining the ‘Celebrate Hong Kong’ concert in 1997.

In 2000, Søren Madsen departed, and MLTR continued as a trio. Their album “Blue Night” (2000) achieved platinum status in Denmark and strong sales in Asia. A significant career turning point was the 2004 album, also titled “Michael Learns to Rock” (released as “Take Me to Your Heart” in Asia), which featured a remake of Jacky Cheung’s “Goodbye Kiss.” This single, “Take Me to Your Heart,” became a record-breaking success in China, generating over 6 million paid downloads by 2006. Since 2008, the band has released music independently under their own label, MLTR Music, including albums like “Eternity” (2008) and “Scandinavia” (2012). Their latest studio album, “Still,” was released in March 2018. They have performed over 450 shows across at least 21 countries and territories, including notable tours in Asia and their first North American tour in 2025.