Roy Horn, half of the famed Las Vegas magic and entertainment duo Siegfried & Roy, has died of complications related to the coronavirus, partner Siegfried Fischbacher said in a statement Friday. He was 75.
“Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend,” Fischbacher said. “From the moment we met, I knew Roy and I, together, would change the world. There could be no Siegfried without Roy, and no Roy without Siegfried.”
Illusionists Siegfried and Roy recalled a special bond they had with superstar entertainer Michael Jackson.
In 1989, when the illusionists were preparing their Mirage performances that ran for 13 years, Michael Jackson loved to watch the rehearsals.
Siegfried asked Michael if he would come up with a theme song to be used for the show.
“As I was talking to him, I noticed he was tapping out a tune with his fingers,” Siegfried said.
Michael Jackson often attended their shows at The Mirage. Siegfried would introduce him to the audience.
“People would applaud and he would stand up and wave,” Siegfried said.
It was in Japan, where Siegfried and Roy performed for a year while The Mirage was being built, that the introduction of Michael caused a near riot.
“I introduced Michael and the fans went crazy,” Siegfried said. “People were jumping over barriers. We had to stop the show.”
Michael wrote a song for their show in 1989 called “Mind Is The Magic”
Rest in Peace Roy! The Magic never dies!
