Rocker MiG Ayesa holds 'despedida' concert in New York before world tour

Fil-Aussie rocker MiG Ayesa staged his last North America performance on Dec. 15 at Perlas International Cuisine in Queens, N.Y., before leaving for Europe to reprise the lead role of Galileo Figaro for the first ever world arena tour of the 10th anniversary of the smash hit “We Will Rock You” beginning early 2013.

“We Will Rock You,” a Lawrence Olivier-winning musical based on 24 of the biggest hit songs of Queen, is still on a record-breaking run at London’s Dominion Theatre.

The eight-month world tour will kick off Feb. 15 in Finland, before heading to nine other European countries.

It will also tour Japan, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, where MiG grew up after being born in Manila.

MiG’s two-hour intimate show at Perlas (produced by Castellvi Productions) served as a despedida attended by friends and supporters, as well as non-Filipino fans who flew all the way from Canada and Ohio.

They enjoyed not just the show but also the food at the spruced up Perlas, still home of the best crispy pata based on Roosevelt Avenue in Woodside, Queens.

As always, the mega talented Broadway and West End star didn’t disappoint.

He dished one rousing number after another — mostly from his sophomore album “More Than Ever” — accompanied by international guitarist Jon Skibic, a bassist on Broadway’s “Rock of Ages,” which previously featured MiG as Stacee Jaxx to rave reviews.

The night was made more memorable by the spectacular Kayumanggi Band, one of the best Fil-Am bands today, which took the stage midway the show and played a medley of Queen songs as a tribute to MiG’s upcoming world tour.

“You guys killed it!” an impressed MiG told the seasoned band.

“Awesome! Awesome!”

Kayumanggi, likewise, stunned the crowd with its spirited rock versions of “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko,” “Wonderful Tonight” and “Bulag Pipi At Bingi” before MiG join them on stage and pumped up the crowd even more.

They belted “Come Together,” “You Really Got It,” “Open Arms,” “With Or Without You,” “Hey Soul Sister,” and the Filipino rock “Salamat” by The Dawn, which MiG nailed with perfect Pinoy accent.

Together they also sang “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Play That Funky Music” and “Last Christmas.”

MiG gave it all like there’s no more tomorrow until his distinct voice showed signs of strain past midnight with the crowd still begging for more.

Already tired but still bouncy and loving the crowd’s adoration, MiG promised to mount another New York show before the end of 2013 when the world tour of “We Will Rock You” is completed. - Filipino Reporter