Karaoke Rage

The “My Way” killings in the Philippines are a bizarre and tragic social phenomenon associated with the singing of the song “My Way,” popularized by Frank Sinatra, in karaoke bars, locally known as “videoke” in the Philippines. This trend has resulted in several fatal disputes and even deaths. The New York Times estimated approximately six killings related to the song up to 2010.

Karaoke singing is a widespread and popular pastime in the Philippines, enjoyed by people of different socioeconomic backgrounds. Even individuals earning as little as $2 a day in 2007 could afford to spend time on a “videoke” machine for 5 pesos. Those who could afford it would often rent private rooms at karaoke bars for a more exclusive experience.

The “‘My Way’ killings” phenomenon gained attention since January 16, 1998, with several incidents arising from complaints over the singing of the song. The attention peaked on May 29, 2007, when a 29-year-old karaoke singer was shot dead by a security guard at a bar in San Mateo, Rizal. The guard had complained about the singer’s off-key rendition of “My Way,” and when the man refused to stop singing, the guard resorted to fatal violence.

Some explanations for these incidents suggest that they might be a byproduct of the country’s culture of violence, drinking, and machismo. Violent altercations in karaoke bars are not uncommon, with fights sparked by breaches of karaoke etiquette, such as laughing at other performers, performing the same song twice, or hogging the microphone.

According to experts, the killings may be linked to the song’s popularity in a violent environment and its “triumphalist” theme, which could aggravate singers and listeners. Some argue that the lyrics of “My Way” contribute to an environment of pride and arrogance, covering up personal failures and leading to conflicts.

Similar cases of “karaoke rage” have been reported in other countries, including the United States, Thailand, Malaysia, and China. These incidents involve harassment, assault, or even death occurring mid-performance due to disputes over karaoke performances, suggesting that this strange phenomenon extends beyond the borders of the Philippines.