I've procrastinated for more than a month since Jacky's 1/2 century concert tour in Malaysia. With no exclusive pictures to share on my blog, I guess my motivation to pen my thoughts about about the concert has somewhat dwindled. Yeah, sure, photography was banned by the Singapore based organizer but I could have sneaked a shot or two....if only I had bring my camera batteries !!! Uh huh !I only have myself to blame for this boo boo. My photography kits are in my backpack and all set for action. Just when I was gushing to my buddies about the oh-so-perfect-seat, it hit me that I left my batteries at home. Arrgh ! If anyone had been to Bukit Jabil in-door stadium, they would know that there is no convenience shop in its vicinity. If this had been Bosco or Joey, I swear I would have pulled out a few strands of my hair in anguish.
Anyway, I showed up for Saturday night's performance and getting the ticket was no easy feat. Had my dear friend not rush for the tixs during the inaugural ticket launch, I think I would have to settle for another day(that is if my schedule permits). Needless to say, Jacky-the-歌神's ticket sales have always been more more than rousing, so I ain't suprised at all that a few more shows were added to the initial two day concert.
Jacky gave the full capacity audience quite a scare when he appeared on stage with Astro's emcee, Vivian Siu. We suspected something amiss the moment Vivian stepped on the stage. Our worst fears were confirmed when Vivian asked us to retain the ticket stub as Jacky was down with a nasty throat infection. Jacky even joined Vivian to extend his sincere and heartfelt apologies to everyone and let on that with his current condition, he may have to end the show half-way. Some of his die hard fans from Sg and HK were seen wiping away their tears...aching for their idol. I was indifferent but was hoping that the show would go on...hee hee and it did. Jacky assures the fans that he would give his darnest and vowed to soldier-on to the max. The thunderous applause and shouts of encouragement that followed were deafening ! After the concert ended (after 3 long hours), I truly believe its the unwavering and strong audience support (with the help of apples and prayers from his entourage) that kept Jacky going right till the finale. A couple of times, I spotted Jacky teary-eyed...the fans devotion clearly moved this dude.
For someone his age, Jacky was one heck of an iron man !!! Man, did he dance (tap dance, broadway style , jazz and moves that would put William Chan to shame). Gosh ! If that wasn't enough to take a toll on his stamina, he had to stretch his vocal to the limit with powerful ballads and rock-n-roll version of his classic songs. I caught my friend dabbing her eyes with tissues when he performed that rock-n-roll repertoire. I was thinking to myself "Jacky, are you nuts ?!!! It is suicide to even attempt songs of this genre while nursing that bloody throat infection !". When it comes to Jacky, he is unstoppable !!! The opening segment of Jacky’s concert was a musical story and the mv (featuring Shu Qi) played throughout the concert. Jacky's costumes were all very broadway-like (glitzy and flashy, with top hat to boot). Fortunately, the rundown didn't consist of many songs from "A Private Corner", which I bet many are unfamiliar with. The concert lasted 3 long hours but even so, loads of his all time favourites were left out. "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" and this saying holds true for Jacky, who had to rely on munching on apples to soothe his vocal. The concert organizer (unlike Galaxy) has clearly dumped a lot of moolah on the powerful and crystal clear sound system, plus the opulent stage. There was no encore, as expected...it's a miracle he managed to sing like a trooper for 3 solid hours. No one dare to ask for more. Two comments that were within earshot while leaving the venue and walking to the carpark - " I want to go for second round !!! Why the heck am I not allowed to take photos after paying so much for the concert !"
I couldn't agree more with both comments, especially the former.
