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| www.goodbyeleslie.com |
| www.goodbyeleslie.com |
| Distraught fans of Leslie Cheung pay their last respect Channel News Asia April 7th By Amy Or In Hong Kong, hundreds of distraught fans paid their last respect towards Cantopop star, Leslie Cheung. The acclaimed singer and actor leapt to his death a week ago and his funeral will be held Tuesday. Paper cranes are among the last few things that fans are doing for their late idol, singer actor Leslie Cheung. They believe the cranes will free him of worldly sorrows and frustrations - which the star claimed in his suicide note - was the cause of his death. "I like his daring moves, he played both a homosexual and a bisexual on stage," said one fan. "So many people still support him. I used to feel excited while waiting for his concerts in the past," said another. Some fans who had personal contact with the singer were especially saddened by the news of his untimely death. "I think he had really lived his life with all his heart. We'll continue to support and love him," said one emotional fan. In view of the large number of fans turning up, Cheung's family had hired private security guards in addition to the policemen around. The hall where Cheung's funeral will be held is neatly decorated with white flowers. And placed in the middle is Cheung's picture, taken from his 1994 movie - "He's a Woman, She's a Man." At the Mandarin Oriental hotel, fans have been streaming non-stop to the spot where he fell from the 24th floor. Some came here to pray, while others left flowers to show their respect and remembrance. It's believed over a thousand bouquets have been accumulated over the past few days. On the cards, some wish the star peace, and many more say they'll remember the star forever, through his songs and movies. Thousands turn up for funeral of Leslie Cheung By Hong Kong Correspondent Amy Or In Hong Kong, thousands braved the rain to attend the funeral of the late pop singer and actor, Leslie Cheung, on Tuesday. The star, who had captured the hearts of many since his debut in the 1970s, was cremated a week after his sudden death. Nothing could stop Cheung's fans from coming to pay their last respects - not the outbreak of atypical pneumonia, nor the steady drizzle that fell over the territory. Dressed in black, and with a white ribbon tied around their arms, the fans, many clearly distraught, queued up to be admitted into the funeral parlour. Inside the hall, a large portrait of Cheung was placed amid numerous white wreaths. Fans broke down in tears, saying they still could not believe their beloved idol was gone forever. It is believed up to 5,000 people went inside and the time limit set aside for public condolences had to be stretched for 3 hours longer than scheduled. But for the funeral service itself, Cheung's family kept it private, keeping the media and fans out. Among the fans who turned up, it is believed some had come from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, even though their countries had issued warnings against travelling to Hong Kong amid the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome threat. Many simply donned masks, even taking leave from work for 2 days, to meet their idol for the last time. One fan said, "I was in the last line, so that's why when I got out, I queued again to get in there again. I was in the front, I saw his family and his photo, it's very sad." Another added, "I have to be here, because he's my friend." Emotions peaked after the funeral service when friends and relatives, including prominent Hong Kong celebrity stars, joined the hearse, which headed towards the Cape Collinson crematorium where the pop star's body was cremated. |