ECNS, March 31 -- Tomorrow (April 1) is the fifth anniversary of the death of "elder brother" Leslie Cheung. His former agent, Sally Yeh, has specially arranged two memorial concerts at the Hong Kong Coliseum named "Miss You Much Leslie Continue Spoiling Concert" to honor her good friend. A group of Leslie's friends also strongly support this event and will sing his classic hits in memory of him, including "singing god" Jacky Cheung, "film emperor" Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Karen Mok, Joyce Cheng, Grasshopper, Deanie Ip, Faye Wong, Chin Chil-Lam, Priscilla Chan, and Joey Wong, etc.
According to Ming Pao, Tony Leung, who fears singing in public, frankly said that he would rather die many cells than not exerting any effort to sing a song, "Wind Continues Blowing". Grasshopper has been practicing a series of Leslie's classic fast songs and will bring back his classic dance moves on stage. As for Jacky Cheung, he will sing "Chase" and "Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter", etc. He sighed that many good friends have passed away in recent years, making him become reclusive and not wanting to see people.
According to the report, the "Miss You Much Leslie Continue Spoiling Concert" gathers the strength of many stars to remember the legendary idol Leslie Cheung. Sally Yeh said that due to the enthusiastic response, an additional concert was added tonight. Therefore, Tony Leung and Faye Wong, due to scheduling conflicts, can only perform on April 1st, while Joey Wong will only perform tonight. Sally Yeh especially thanked Tony Leung, "Because he often says that singing makes him very nervous and puts great pressure on him, but after I heard Tony Leung sang 'Old Love' at another memorial concert for Leslie three years ago, I was deeply moved, so I invited him to perform, thank you for putting the pressure on himself."
It is reported that the concert will be held on a three-sided stage, with the stage set up as a bridge. Deanie Ip will start the performance. She will respectively sing "Star" and "Favorite" on these two nights. After she finishes singing, the bridge will break, symbolizing the separation between heaven and earth. Sally Yeh said, "The programs of these two nights are roughly the same. Clips edited by directors from various places will be broadcasted on site. A 7-foot x 7-foot red kite will be placed outside the Hong Kong Coliseum for fans to attach their wishes, and it will be burned for Leslie after the show." Yesterday afternoon, the singers gradually went to the Hong Kong Coliseum for rehearsals. Sally Yeh, Grasshopper, Joyce Cheng, and Karen Mok held a worship ceremony at around 3:30 pm.
Tony Leung hurriedly entered the Hong Kong Coliseum for rehearsals at 4:50 pm yesterday afternoon and left about an hour later, "It's much more nervous than filming, but activities that are meaningful and commemorate friends are well worth it." Tony Leung joked that singing once kills many cells. He usually doesn't sing karaoke, and the last time he sang was three years ago, "I kept listening to songs and practicing during my spare time when I attended an event in Shanghai the other day, but I feel very bad, just try my best to express my heart."
Speaking of why he chose to sing "Wind Continues Blowing", Tony Leung said because he thought it sounded good and was easy to grasp, "This is an opportunity to remember Leslie. We were good friends, and I often recall the scenes of us shooting movies in Argentina and the gatherings of a large group of friends. Leslie liked noise very much, while I am more reclusive."
Asked why he didn't invite his girlfriend Carina Lau to sing together? Tony Leung said, "It's not me calling, Carina rarely sings normally, I will enjoy it well." As for a weekly magazine reporting that Carina is pregnant, Tony Leung said gossip magazines don't need to respond, and there is no such thing.
In addition to singing "Chase" and "Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter", Jacky Cheung will also duet with Cecilia Chan on songs like "Who Made You Heartbroken", etc. He frankly said there is no pressure, but he knows Tony Leung is very nervous and has recently called him frequently, "I think Tony Leung sings pretty well, no problem." Asked if he misses Leslie? Jacky Cheung said, "Previously, James Wong said Leslie was an art piece, not just missing one thing, Leslie was a very good person, it's a pity that he left."
Gigi Leung will sing two heartfelt classic songs, "Tender Affection" and "I Willing", she frankly said there is no pressure, because Leslie always sang with feeling on stage, self-emitting charm, and was a person with style, so we should learn this attitude and not have pressure, "The ending part of the concert is a bit sad, I will use a positive attitude to praise this irreplaceable legendary singer."
Below is the setlist of the concert exposed by Hong Kong media:
Date noted is for only one performance
Jacky Cheung: "Chase", "Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter", duet with Cecilia Chan on 3 songs "Who Made You Heartbroken", "Fate", "Only Afraid Not To Meet Again"
Tony Leung: "Wind Continues Blowing" (1/4)
Deanie Ip: "Star" (31/3), "Favorite" (1/4)
Grasshopper: Medley "Stand Up", "Monica", "Refuse To Play Anymore", "Profile", "Black Midnight", "Unrestrained Wind", etc.
Jackie Tsai: "Devoted To You" (1/4)
Gigi Leung: "I Willing", "Tender Affection"
Chin Chil-Lam: "Someone With Heart", "Who Can Resonate"
Joyce Cheng: "You Are So Sentimental"
Cecilia Chan: "Start From Zero"
Karen Mok: "Red", "Big Heat"
Solomon Tam: "Tsui Nyun Ghost", "This Life This World", "Deep Embrace" (duet with Sandy Lam)
Sandy Lam: "When Love Has Become The Past"
Joey Wong: "So Close Yet So Far", "Devoted To You" (31/3)
Patty Chen: "All Thanks To You", "Together"
Priscilla Chan: "Left Hand Right Hand"
Faye Wong: Deliver mourning speech on stage (1/4)
Maggie Cheung: Recorded mourning video
Ann Hui: Recorded mourning video
Chris Tong: Medley "Old Love", "These Years", "No Need For Too Much"