Originally released by Yellow Magic Orchestra a Japanese electronic synthpop group for a 1978 Seiko qwartz watch commercial. A year later the track was then re-released with lyrics performed by Ryuichi Sakamoto and appeared on YEO’s record State Survivor in Japan, US and Europe.
https://youtu.be/mEm8_Xzwlvs
https://youtu.be/u4VMLYnH_Dc
In the early 80s Quincy Jones discovered the song and felt that it would work well for Michael and agreed to record he’s own version during the Thriller sessions. With Satamoto’s permission additional lyrics and extra melody line was added to Michael’s final version.
Behind the Mask was anticipated to be a smash hit and made the final cut for Thriller, but due to a royalities disbute involving YEO management and Sakamoto, Michael ended up preventing the track from being released.
It wasn’t for another 28 year that the reworked Behind the Mask was released on Micheal‘s Posthumous album. Two videos were released, one created by fan submitted videos and an alternative version by directing duo Aggressive.
https://g.co/kgs/34AvKq
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