Behind the Mask (Michael Jackson song) Behind the Mask (Michael Jackson song) "Behind the Mask" is a song written and originally recorded by Japanese electronic band Yellow Magic Orchestra in 1978 and 1979 in Japan. In 1982, a cover version was recorded by American singer Michael Jackson for his album "Thriller", but managerial disputes prevented its release. His version has been recorded by Greg Phillinganes (1985) and Eric Clapton (1986). On February 21, 2010, the song was released by Epic Records as the third single from the posthumous album "Michael". The singer Shanice provides background vocals on the song. Quincy Jones heard Yellow Magic Orchestra's version
Thriller (song) as Jackson prepared for his next song as part of a stage illusion. Despite Jackson performing multiple songs from his "Thriller" album, "Thriller" was not included on the Jacksons set list during their Victory Tour in 1984, as Michael Jackson was not satisfied with the way the song sounded live. Jackson performed "Thriller" during his first world tour as a solo artist, the Bad world tour, lasting sixteen months, from 1987 to 1989, for a total of 123 shows. During the Bad tour, in both legs, the jacket had flashing lights in the middle of the song and at the