Beyond Live and Basic 1996 Singapore
Beyond Live and Basic 1996
Singapore Indoor Stadium
8 June 1996
There has scarcely been a tame audiuence at a Beyond concert. And this proved
true even for the chinese concert-goers here, who are known for a sedate crowd.
Even before the popular HongKong rock band appeared on stage at the Singapore Indoor
Stadium, they were standing on their feet, waving the luminous sticks provided
free at the door and screaming their throats hoarse for the group to appear.
There were about 8,000 of them, some of whom had flown in from Hongkong, Japan
and Korea.
Most of these were hippy teenagers who would not hold back an ounce of energy rocking to
the trio's hits. Some even had longish hair dyed purple or white, a
deliberate copy of the group in its early days when members sported an unkempt and grungy
appearance.
It had been a long wait for these Singapore fans: 13 years to be exact.
During this time, the group had not made too many visits to Singapore.
And in 1993, its leader and lead vocalist Wong Ka Kui died from a fall, shattering
the lives of the 3 other and causing their career to a standstill for months.
But still, fans in this region adore the average looking but highly-talented
band. This is, after all, Hongkong's heaviest rock group which pens and
arranges its own songs.
And its signature hits, many of which are honest reflections of everyday life,
have a streak of stubborn idealism that tugs at the heart. Nothing like the dizzy homogenised
Cantonese pop songs which so many balladeers offer.
When the boys, Paul Wong, Steve Wong and Yip Sai Wing, finally took to the
stage and belted out their first number Firebird, sections of the crowd
had already dashed to the aisles for a better view. All others
swaying their bodies and lending their shrill eager voices to the fast tunes.
And as the night went by, luminous sticks were tossed about in the stadium, some towards
the stage. The ushers tired of playing a cat-and-mouse game with the stubborn
crowd, gave up trying to tame them.
But the performers themselves were less unrestrained.
No more your typical rock band, the wholesome boys, clean-cut
and dressed simply in shirt and trousers, were a far cry from their
defiant days of angry howlings and unruly looks.
They exchanged few words with the audiences, preferring to let their music
bridge the gap.
And unlike their Hongkong concerts earlier this year, there were no smashed guitars, no
constant mention of their late leader and no tears.
They were here to share their music.
It was a simple, honest and sincere performance - just like their songs.
And even though they have mellowed a little, the fans made their concert an
unforgettable party all the same.
Adapted from The Straits Times, 10 June, 1996.