Michael Learns To Rock are finally coming to Australia — and after more than 30 years of global success, the excitement is real. In this, Jascha Richter’s first ever Australian interview for Noise11.com, Paul Cashmere speaks with the MLTR frontman and songwriter about the band’s long-awaited first Australian shows and the remarkable journey that brought them here.
Jascha reflects on the band’s humble beginnings in Denmark in 1988, when choosing to perform clean, melodic pop set them apart in a rock-dominated local scene. Singing in English was considered unusual at the time, but the decision proved critical — paving the way for The Actor to become their first big hit and launching a career that exploded across Asia before spreading worldwide.
Jascha shares the unlikely story of The Actor finding success in Jakarta, leading to the band’s huge popularity in Southeast Asia and India, where they once performed to over 100,000 fans. He also discusses iconic MLTR classics like 25 Minutes, Sleeping Child, Paint My Love, and Take Me To Your Heart — the latter adapted from an original Chinese song and now one of Asia’s most-streamed English-language tracks.
With humour and warmth, Jascha opens up about songwriting inspiration, the differences between Asian and European audiences, and the creative freedom of releasing solo music under My Name Jascha. He also talks about his bandmates’ outside projects — including a drummer who doubles as a lawyer — and his admiration for artists like INXS, Bee Gees, Savage Garden and Olivia Newton-John.
This conversation marks MLTR’s first ever Australian media tour — and a special moment for fans who have waited decades. Watch the full interview and get ready to welcome MLTR to Australia in 2026.
Michael Learns To Rock – Australian Tour Dates 2026
Friday 13 February – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
Saturday 14 February – Darling Harbour Theatre, Sydney
Sunday 15 February – Star Theatre, Gold Coast
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