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EPISODE IV – A NEW HOPE

When I look at images of today’s momentous occasion, I do feel like I am watching a movie. This is a fairy tale come true. The heroes are shiny and flawless and the country and the world are rejoicing at the dawn of a new era of hope, prosperity, love, brotherhood, humanity and the promise that finally we will be getting out of this very dark time, that we as a human collective have been suffering for way too long. I will probably again be criticized for saying how wonderful Obama is, that it is ‘none of my business’, that I have no say in it as a non-American, but I speak personally and as a citizen of the Global Village, that today has been one of the most magical days I have ever witnessed, and one that I will tell my children and grand-children that I was here in America, in New York, when Barack Obama became President of the USA, and in effect became the leader of the free world. To hear him speak, to see him with his family, the way he looks at his wife, the way he speaks to his angelic children, the way he danced at the Ball, the way he always takes the high road, with integrity, grace and elegance, I have never been so inspired by one man in my life. He moves me, he inspires me, and he motivates me to be all I can be. But it is not just him. His gorgeous First Lady, his impossibly perfect girls, his charismatic #2 Joe Biden, and his entire team are like stars in a cast of mega-stars. How amazing and exciting to see this all come to fruition. This is a true-life fairy tale, that is greater than any fiction. The optimism of promise at probably the lowest point of despair in living memory can only be one thing: A miracle.

I am not American. I am not pretending to be. I am an Australian – Filipino living in the USA. It’s not my country, but I am so proud to be here at this time. I feel the mood of the people in the streets, in the subway, everywhere has lifted. People are smiling, people are talking to people, people are helping each other cross the street, people are being people again, united in their knowledge that this is the beginning of a truly miraculous time. I have never witnessed anything like this.

Thank you for letting me share this with you. May we all be united with getting the world right, and turning the dark into light.

Always love,

MiG
x

*there's an image too! Go to mig-music.com to check it out now! (:

YAY(:

HEY EVERYONE!
IT'S MiG'S BIRTHDAY TODAYYY!!

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ANOTHER YEAR…

Made it! Another year and still here! I am quietly blowing out the candles on my birthday cake and am grateful for all the blessings that have been given to me.

I am feeling very loved by the incredible messages of love, well-wishes and support. It really helps me not to feel bad about getting older. The number is scaring me, but I feel younger than ever! I sometimes think someone got my birthday wrong somehow…

I have to give a HUGE thank you for all the Christmas gifts I got over the Holiday Season. From incredibly cute home-made cookies, a wonderful composition book with messages of love, to Tim Tams and Vegemite, I am so spoiled to have such wonderful fans who give me so much joy. You are very naughty to send me presents, but your support keeps me going and makes me feel like I am doing something very worthwhile. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!

A very wise person I sat next to on the plane from Florida yesterday reminded me how important it was to live in the moment, to live in ‘NOW’. Right now, I am writing this to you and then going out for dinner with my wife in New York City. How much more can I ask for?

Always love,

MiG
Xxx

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HAPPY 2009

As I watch the snow fall outside my window, I am watching the replay of the New Year’s celebrations in Sydney and Auckland and I am reminded about what an incredible year 2008 was. For many it was the worst, for others the best, but for most of us it had its fair share of ups and downs.

 

A new year brings new hope. A fresh start. A new beginning. Another chance.

 

I hope 2009 brings, above all, peace, love and happiness to all.

 

Happy New Year!

 

Always love,

 

MiG

xx

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December 24th 2008

CHRISTMAS
Dear Everyone,

As I was rushing around yesterday, frantically trying to get everything done for the impending celebrations that is Christmas, I found myself getting flustered and harassed by the hoards of people who themselves were getting flustered and harassed. I thought to myself,"Why do we bother? Why the torture?" Then, as I was walking past my building, I saw a familiar face and was in almost shock when I realised it was John Lithgow (WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP, FOOTLOOSE, SHREK, 3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN, etc, etc.) and he realised that I recognised him as we were crossing paths and he started to smile. As I greeted him with a very loud and unexpectedly enthusiastic "Merry Christmas, Sir!" He turned around and with an equally broad smile replied, "And a Merry Christmas to you!"

Ok. This may seem sad that I was so star-struck but my point is this: We are all on this earth together. All just trying to make our way through our life. We go through our days so busily, we don't really take time out to celebrate our humanity, our brother/sisterhood. Yet at Christmas, we are all united in our wanting to be with family, to reflect on the year past and the year ahead, to find truth and goodness in everyone. Whether you are John Lithgow or John Doe, Christmas will touch your spirit.

I hope Christmas this year will touch you all in a very special way. It's not about how extravagant the gifts you exchange. These hard economic times just means that we should be more careful yet creative about what we give this year. The spirit of Christmas and the love it generates should be even more evident this year as we concern ourselves more on the real issues, what really matters in this life.

Love.

Merry Christmas to everyone, to you and yours and to all those who aren't. Whatever your religion, whatever your beliefs, whatever your race, whatever you do... Love.

Always love,
MiG
xx

PS: To get you in the mood, click HERE! or even click HERE!
PPS: And Elf Yourself a Merry Little Christmas now...

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19th Nov 08

AUSTRALIA

Greetings from Sydney, Australia! I just got off a 20 hour flight from New York to Sydney via Los Angeles. Am kind of delirious but am home. So great to be at home with the parents. My Mum is the cutest thing on Earth! So crazy to be on the other side of the earth…again! It is so important to touch base with home. It is our touchstone, our grounding force.

I have not been in touch for a while. Since I wrote last I have been to Beijing, China and back to New York. Beijing was an amazing experience. I was involved with a Mont Blanc launch of their new range of chronograph watches. The production was as big as any show you’d see anywhere, if not bigger. Such a wonderful group of people from all over the world. I was very blessed to be joined by Rachael Wooding with whom I did the Queen Symphonic Spectacular concerts in England over the summer. She is a true star, an awesome talent.

Beijing was a very special place to visit. The grandeur of the Olympic stadiums like the Bird’s Nest and the Aquatic Centre and the Indoor Stadium was very impressive. Despite our language barrier, we were able to get around, even visiting the more traditional sites like The Forbidden City, Tianenmen Square and the breathtaking Great Wall of China. I think I overdosed on dumplings though. Need to lay low on the dim sums.

I was lucky to get a chance to see SHREK The Musical last week and as a SHREK fan, I was sceptical to see how they could portray the story on stage. I was so wonderfully surprised to be blown away. It was so much fun. Such an incredible production with amazing performances. Enough said, if you get the chance and you’re in New York, see this show!

On a personal note, PLEASE! Brooke Burke has to win DANCING WITH THE STARS. She is so perfect in every way. She is not only gorgeous, a fantastic mother, she is also one of the most beautiful and warm human beings I’ve ever met. She deserves to win in so many ways! Go Brooke!!!

Also, still in Reality TV Land, McKey has to win AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL! I worked with her when I did those Wella/Sebastian gigs and she is just awesome. Such a down to earth and funny and warm girl who has no idea how beautiful she is. I am so gunning for her anyway,So on that note, I must sleep now. Food coma has hit, and combined with jet-lag and over excitement, I am shagged!

Hope all is well in your world.

Always love,

MiG
xx

*there's pictures as well actually! Head over to http://www.mig-music.com under Diary to check them out! (:

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Latest from the MiG word
5th Nov 08

A NEW HOPE

At last we have a leader we can believe in. At last America can be proud again. This is the dawning of a new era of hope. We need Obama now more than we have ever needed anybody before. He and his team have a hell of a job to do. America needs him. The world needs him. This is such a momentous historical moment that will ring throughout eternity. This is the beginning of a new age of positivity and forward thinking. We are heading in the right direction.

Thank you America. Your decision will bring you so much good will throughout the world.

May we give him all the support and encouragement. With him at the wheel, I now feel again that maybe this world has a chance to survive.

I pray that it is not too late. I do not envy the task ahead of him. He did not inherit a golden world. The mess is huge, the situation is grossly chaotic. Yet I have faith. He gives me faith in America. He gives me faith in the world. He gives me faith in humanity.

Always,

MiG
xx

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Dated 26th Oct 08

WHEN YOU’RE A JET…

Just came back from watching my first American Football game: New York Jets versus the Kansas City Chiefs. The Jets fans are CRAZY!! It was a real education for me. I actually started to understand what the hoo-has is all about. It’s not rugby, but the basic elements are the same. DOG EAT DOG! 2 TRIBES GO TO WAR!! I’ve got to say I found it quite disconcerting that people would “boo!” their own team if they made a mistake! Wow. What happened to sportsmanship? But I guess I still have much to understand with that kind of thing. I am glad the Jets came through in the end. It would have been a blood-bath if they didn’t!

I have been busy ever since coming back from New Zealand. We are moving apartments again, so as you can imagine, CHAOS! However we are looking forward to a better place. A new beginning, new possibilities, new life.

New Zealand was great. The North Shore of Auckland is beautifully spectacular. Walking on the beach there was so good for the soul. Despite it being cold as, it was sweet as! I loved playing with my little band of amazingly talented musicians. They blew me away. I have to congratulate all those involved with the Health Industry Awards with such a great event.

I have been seeing a lot of Broadway shows, EQUUS (brilliant), MARY POPPINS (my good friend Adam Fiorentino has just taken over the lead of ‘Burt’…onya mate!), ROCK OF AGES (with Constantine Maroulis….awesome fun!) and am seeing WICKED (another friend Kerry Ellis is playing the lead) later next week. It inspires me to see people do their thing and the quality of work on Broadway is incredible. Makes me think that I would like to do that some time…

Just wanted to say hi. Am off to Beijing, China next week. Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Halloween. And for those who are voting in the upcoming US elections, I hope you are at peace with your decision and are well informed about your candidate of choice. The world depends on your decision.

On that note,

Until next time,

MiG
x

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Post from Mig
7th Oct 08

IT’S A LONG WAY TO TAKAPUNA…

IT’S A LONG WAY TO TAKAPUNA…
(sung to the tune of ‘IT’S A LONG WAY TO TIPPERARY’)

About to board yet another flight. This time to Auckland New Zealand, via San Francisco. I must admit, I am not looking forward to the hours in captivity, but am looking forward to the destination. New Zealand, I’m coming over!! Crazy how life gives you these things. Must board the flight soon, so this is just a quickie.

New York is just showing off now. The weather has started to turn and the colours of the leaves are changing. Such an awesome time to be here. I shall be back in a week.

I am still working on the business of putting the new album together. I have been speaking with producers, writers, investors, managers, lawyers and slowly the pieces are coming together. The art of making art is putting it together, as they say. I just am impatient about actually getting creative!

My wife has flown to Abu Dhabi today, and I am going to New Zealand. We are like ships in the night, travelling to furthest corners of the world. Life is like that sometimes. Exciting, daring, scary and unstoppable!

Love to all,

HERE I GO AGAIN!!

Always,

MiG
x

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Sept 23, 2008

ROLL OVER HANDEL

On Sunday, 21 September we premiered the new work JOYFUL NOISE: HANDEL’S MESSIAH ROCKS at Boston’s Cutler Majestic Theatre for a rapturous full house and the cameras of PBS. I believe they are going to air it at Christmas time. It is a wonderful piece of work, and I believe it has a big future. This is only the beginning of the work, and there is so much that can be done with it. I hope it’s full potential will be realised. I am in awe of the talent that I found myself surrounded by. LeChanze has a voice and presence that will continue to ring in my heart and my soul. She is an inspiration to me on and off the stage. I have become her HUGEST fan. J. Robert Spencer is probably one of the funniest guys I have ever met, yet when he goes on stage, his voice sends me whizzing. I am so honoured to be among them, performing this wonderful new work. Let’s not forget the incredible band and this little group called the Boston Pops Orchestra, I am sure Handel would have been proud.

I find myself back in New York, and in Fall (Autumn). This is the best time of the year to be in this city and as the temperature starts to drop, and the colours of the trees start to change, I see a world of possibilities open up. A new beginning, a new start; time to be creative, time to spend with loved ones; a time to look towards the future and to see the beauty in the world and appreciate what is really important in this life.

I have all I need and am truly blessed.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who sent me well wishes for my Tito Ramon's recovery after his massive operation. He is recovering quickly and remarkably and I am sure he will be 110% in no time at all. Thank you for your emails, cards, prayers and thoughts. You have forever been so thoughtful and kind to me. Thank you, thank you.

I am looking forward to seeing the MiG AMP Feature on Channel V Asia that will air on 28 September. I will be able to guide you on how you can see it, no matter where in the world you are. Just stay tuned to mig-music.com.

Love to you and yours,

Always,

MiG
xx

MiG's Post

SEPTEMBER 11, 2008

Yet again I find myself flying into (or out of) New York on September 11. Last year on this day I flew out of NY to Johannesburg to start rehearsals for WE WILL ROCK YOU. Can’t believe it’s already a year since then. So much has happened in that time. But again, on September 11, I find myself en route to New York, sitting on the floor of the departure transit lounge of some airport. In fact I have been flying in or out of NY on this day for the last 4 years! I cannot help but to think about how it must have been to lose someone on this day, seven years ago. It was a day that will always live in infamy and a day that will echo through the halls of history.

Today holds a heavy weight for me, for not only do I remember those who lost their lives on that fateful day, but we buried our good friend Georges today in a beautiful service in Minneapolis. Surrounded by his beloved family and a zillion friends, it became so apparent that this man was universally loved by everyone. He was an expert on how to succeed with financial wealth, but his true lesson to us all was the way he valued his family above all and how every day was a beautiful day for him. He saw the beauty in every thing he saw. He has been an inspiration to me and those who had the honour to meet him. His children (Ally and Joey) and his step-children (Stephanie, Matt and Ryan) vowed that their family would be ok. They all stepped up to the plate and took on the responsibility of continuing Georges’ legacy, with Joey promising her Mum Cindy, “Don’t worry Mom. I got your back!”

Also today, my dear dear sweet Uncle Dr. Ramon Legarda underwent open heart surgery today in New York. The operation was a success, and I know he will be ok. I just wish that if you read this you can just send your prayers and thoughts to him and his family as they are all quite in a state at the moment. I trust my Tito Ramon will be fine in no time, but this day has been very strange. This whole week has been strange.

Wake me up when September ends…

MiG
x

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New blogpost, from MiG!

Sep 7, 2008

Georges Yared

It is with a very heavy heart that I must write about the loss of my very, very dear and wonderful friend, Georges Yared, who passed away very suddenly this morning at his home in Minneapolis. Very seldom do you find someone that is so full of love and warmth that every meeting with that person is an experience you will never forget. I have so many fond and vivid memories of Georges, that I am finding myself so totally in shock and disbelief that someone who shone so bright is no longer with us. From the moment we became friends in London so many years ago, Georges never stopped expressing his love for life, his family and for the endless possibilities that life presents us. He always found the beauty in everyone and everything and his enthusiasm was contagious.

Thousands would seek his financial wisdom by logging on to his website, hearing him on the radio and reading his books. His magnetic personality was heading towards a career in front of the cameras. You couldn’t escape the feeling that we still had not seen the best of Georges.

He leaves behind his wife Cindy and his two beautiful children Ally and Joey. My thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time. May the love from those around you comfort you, and know that in many ways he will always be with you.

Georges was my friend. His generosity and love inspires me to live my life as he lived it. Every day was the best day of his life, and his family was his life.

I will always hold you in my heart Georges. I love you and will miss you terribly.

Always,

MiG
x

*There's a picture attached, visit www.mig-music.com > diary to see the pic! :)

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Another MiG entry! (:

ACROSS THE POND, AROUND THE WORLD
Wow. So much has happened since I last wrote. Please forgive me for being so absent. I have been jet-setting around the globe again, but am writing this from the solitude of my NY apartment, I am home. Finally. Well, at least for now.

So the Hong Kong trip was a great success. Had a ball meeting old friends at the Elements gig. Got a chance to even hang out in that fabulous city for a few days. The Grand Hyatt came through again with providing me my HK home away from home. It was like visiting my family. The fans that turned up at Elements truly made me feel so welcome. I must return to HK as often as I can. One can never eat too much dim sum!

Then I flew back to London for 2 more QUEEN SYMPHONIC gigs, one at Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire (in the Sherwood Forest!), and the last one at the spectacular Arundel Castle. These concerts have been truly such amazing experiences. To see such wonderful places in England, and playing to literally thousands of Queen fans who love the concerts has been incredible. I will never forget them, and I hope we can do more of these. Such awesome fun!

I have been so involved with watching as much of the Olympics as I could, and was so moved by such striving for perfection. The triumph of the human spirit above all adversity will always be my greatest inspiration. To see people at the climax of their careers is such awe inspiring stuff. Also, watching the closing ceremony brought me back 8 years ago when I was a volunteer at the closing ceremony of the Sydney Games in 2000. I was on the Elle Macpherson float at the Aussie Icons parade, dancing around with an 8 foot camera. The best things was just running around and dancing with all the athletes. It was truly like a huge International party. The whole world uniting under the banner of love and friendly competition. I was so moved by the spirit of the athletes and the perfection and precision of the Chinese performers. It truly is the greatest show on Earth. To be In London as they did the ‘hand-over’ ceremony was kinda cool too, The 2012 London games will be so cool and awesome. I’m sure very different to the Beijing games, but just as spectacular, in a very British way!

But I am home. I have just under a week’s break before starting rehearsals here in New York for HANDEL’S MESSIAH ROCKS. I am very excited about this new project. This is a new take on George Frederic Handel’s MESSIAH, first performed in 1742. The new arrangements for orchestra, rock band, choir and soloists are nothing short of breath-taking. The single performance is scheduled for 21 September, 2008 in Boston, but they plan to film the concert and televise it on PBS, and if all goes well, there might even be more concerts like this later on.

Have I mentioned I’m home? Almost unbelieveable. I have been travelling now for 11 months, and am so excited about finally unpacking my bags and being with my girls. New York is my home now. I feel it and love it.

I am home.

Always love,

MiG
x

Interview By BkMagazine.com

BkMagazine.com interviewed MiG! Do check out the article! :)

BkMagazine.com Interview

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New blog post, from MiG!

10th August 2008

LET THEM EAT CALKE…

I am writing this aboard yet another flight. This time with Cathay Pacific on my way to Hong Kong from London. I can’t sleep. I had planned to sleep the whole way, but my body clock is having other thoughts. I’m usually good at telling my body what time it is, despite the truth, but today it ain’t listening. I’ve got to go straight to sound check for this Elements gig from the airport. I think it’s going to be a long day…

It’s been a couple of weeks since I last finished touring with WE WILL ROCK YOU, but the QUEEN connection just keeps me going. I spent a week in Ibiza, Spain to witness the original ‘Scaramouche’ (Hannah Jane Fox) marry the head sound engineer at the Dominion Theatre (Simon Sayer), surrounded by my old mates from the London show. The wedding was sublime. A match made in heaven, on a heavenly island. Ibiza is more beautiful than I had ever imagined! I am definitely going back one day.

And then yesterday I found myself in front of thousands of people singing QUEEN songs with the English National Orchestra, an 8 piece rock band, and a few other WWRY West End stars (Mazz Murray, Ricardo Afonso and Rachael Wooding) at Calke Abbey in Derbyshire. I am yet to find a day when I will say I am tired of Queen. The music is so brilliant and rich, there is so much still to explore within these songs that have been my constant companion for such a time now. The crowd seemed to really go ballistic over the show, complete with fireworks. The potential to take this show everywhere is enormous. The marriage of Queen rock with the orchestra is perfect. Another match made in heaven.

Well, I will be landing soon. No sleep. Maybe I am too excited to be in Hong Kong again. I hope to catch up with some old friends and take in some sights I failed to do the last time I was there.

Hope all is great in your world. I can see it from up here…

Always,

MiG
x

Derbyshire.co.uk Article on The Music Of Queen:Calke Abbey

This is derbyshire.co.uk wrote an article on The Music Of Queen performance comming up this month which MiG is in, do check it out! (:


Thisisderbyshire.co.uk Article on The Music Of Queen:Calke Abbey

MiG Fans Forum!

Hey Guys!
We have just officially launched the MiG Fans Forum created for MiG Fans! We've been wanting to do this, but have been busy with the WWRY Forum and other stuff hence the delay.

We also have with us our two appointed mods to work with us on the forum. They are Pam and Steph, who have both helped us many times in different ways.

We hope you all will go check it out and join in the fun with us!

http://migfans.proboards104.com/

Thanks alot!(:

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New blog, from MiG!

26th July 2008

THOSE WERE THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES
I can’t believe I have come to the last day of the tour. Tomorrow will be the final 2 shows of this journey which started in September last year. I have had such an incredible adventure. It has been a voyage of discovery in so many ways. I am filled with so many mixed emotions, but the overpowering one at the moment is sadness. I have made so many beautiful new friends on this tour. Our touring company has been such a joy to be a part of. I am so proud of all of them. In many ways I feel like their big brother, leading them on this magical journey, through strange and exotic lands and witnessing the wonderment in their eyes. From Johannesburg to Auckland to Seoul to Singapore to Hong Kong to Bangkok, this has been an extraordinary tour that has changed my life. I have learned so much and grown so much and I hope I leave this tour a better man than when I started. There are so many roads ahead, and exciting journeys await me, and I am so keen to get going on them. But for the moment, I am just going to miss my new family, as most of them I will probably not see again for a very long time. I have grown to love them all. They have been my little world for such a long time, and saying goodbye is breaking my heart. I send them my love and wish them well, and I hope they know how they have moved me, and touched my soul.

I am hanging up my ‘Galileo’ boots tomorrow and will miss him greatly too. He has been a dear old friend who never fails to bring me joy.

I leave Bangkok tomorrow night for London, and I say thank you to the Land of Smiles. You have definitely smiled on me.

Goodbye everybody, I‘ve got to go
Got leave you all behind and face the truth

Always love,

MiG
x

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14th July 08

ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK
We have opened here in Bangkok and all is going well. We were not sure how the audiences would react with the language barrier and other factors, but we were relieved to see the delight and enthusiasm of the Thai people for our little show. I think we are going to be ok here in this crazy, amazing place for the short time we are here.

Have not have a chance to do much sightseeing as we have been busy with tech rehearsals all week, but I did manage to go to an island beach off the coast of Pattaya, just 2 hours out of Bangkok. Despite having engine trouble on the boat on the way back to the mainland, it was such a magnificent way to spend a day of your life.

The people of Thailand have been so kind, warm and welcoming. I am infatuated with the whole country.

I had neglected to tell you about something from my recent trip to London. I saw the English National Opera’s production of CANDIDE. Totally incredible! I must say, I am quite ignorant when it comes to opera, but the direction, design and choreography of this production was a visual spectacular: so clever, so moving, so powerful. I truly felt I was having a magical theatrical experience… it didn’t hurt that my wife Simone was on stage again, even more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.

Thank you to all those who sent their sympathy wishes about Stu Sobol. I am sure his family will be thankful for your thoughts and prayers. I have dedicated my performance in WE WILL ROCK YOU in Thailand in honour of his memory. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ was one of his favourite songs of all time. Stu, this one’s for you.

Always love,

MiG
X

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11th July 2008

STU SOBOL

It is with a heavy heart that I bring you the news that my ex-manager Stu Sobol, passed away in his home a few days ago from complications with pneumonia.  He leaves behind his wife and two children and a legacy in the music business, whose absence will surely be felt. At THE FIRM, Stu was instrumental in kicking off my career, as well as those of A Perfect Circle, Seether, Three Days Grace, Vanessa Carlton, Yellowcard, Hawthorne Heights, Ryan Star and Zach de la Rocha, among others. He was a very gentle and kind man with a larger than life heart who truly cared for his artists and treated me with love and respect. He took me under his wing and taught me many things about what it truly meant to be an artist.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his freinds and to those closest to him at The Firm. He will be very sadly missed.

It was an honour and a privilege to know and work with him.

Always love,

MiG
x