Anita Mui - Memory Music Gather ( Memorial Concert) 梅艷芳.10.思念.音樂.會- 30 Dec 2013 (Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center)

Anita Mui may have passed on for a decade but is still very much alive in my heart. Gone but never forgotten.  Anita’s flamboyant and larger than life stage persona is not something that any Canto pop fans could easily erased from their minds. I was interviewed briefly by a HK journalist while waiting to enter the venue. I am surprised that I could respond to all the questions about Anita (ranging from her debut to her untimely passing) without having to pause for a second to recollect my memory. The last question posed was whether there are similar tribute activities held in Malaysia.  Unfortunately, there is none. Apart from the all-star tribute concert, there are other events in various locations in HK to commemorate Anita’s 10^th, such Eddie Lau fashion exhibition, Anita Mui encore charity show and “Our Anita Mui collections” at Wanchai (organized by the late diva’s fan club).  This is the only function that I could make time to attend though.

The dress code for the night was black attire. It is baffling that some members of the audience (from China) have the audacity to turn up in shocking pink and other inappropriate colored garb. Jeez !! Show some respect, please!  Audiences were each given a rose shaped light, with a card that reads “Anita – Memory Music Gather -梅艷芳。10。思念。音樂。會.” Anita’s clip during the New Talent Contest was shown on the gigantic screen, donning the orange dress (eventually given to Denise Ho) and crooning to Paula Tsui’s “風的季節.”

Eric Tsang appeared to share his thoughts about Anita’s professionalism, passion for music, heart of gold and that Anita is truly the daughter and pride of Hong Kong. Eric revealed that both he and Jacky deliberately kept the list of performers a secret as he wanted this to be a surprise party for Anita. Gazing towards to sky and with trembling voice, Eric asked Anita “Are you ready?”.  The concert kicks off with Jacking belting the first song.  The folks behind me were already sobbing loudly by then. Performers that caught my attention that night were Sandy Lam and Aaron Kwok. Holding back tears, Sandy’s voice was crisp and clear. She really did justice to “蔓珠莎華”.  Aaron literally stole the spot light from the others  with his marvelous rendition of “夢伴,” emulating Anita’s dance moves without a flaw. Multiple best-actor winner,Tony Leung made a rare singing performance. Although the lyrics of “朦朧夜雨裡” was not particularly sad, Tony’s melancholic and forlorn expression really moved me.  Anita and Tony used to collaborate on the theme song of a classic TVB drama called “Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre”. Through Jacky’s connection, Ah Mei (Sherry Chang) from Taiwan participated in this concert, too. George Lam wore a dark blue Oriental outfit that he last worn when he did a duet with Anita years ago. He urged everyone to hold on tight to their loved ones.  Rocker Alex To gave a spirited performance. I enjoyed watching the camaraderie between the ex-Capital Artists singers – Alex, Edmond, William, Grasshoppers, Denise and Miriam – “Stand By Me.” The most humdrum performance goes to Eason Chan. Used to admire this dude for his outstanding vocals but in recent years, I’m so sick of his cockiness. Eason sang as if he is suffering from hang over or forgotten to take his bi-polar medication.  Off topic, in ensuing awards ceremonies, he is no better. Just my personal thought, if Denise were still on good terms with Joey, there is a high possibility that she would appear (the date coincides with Joey’s rest day from her 1314 marathon concert run). Andy Lau was visibly crestfallen but sorry, this guy has no stage presence. After “Faith” album (which I happen to love tremendously), Sammy’s live performance has gotten more “kek.”  Thumbs up for her new fresh, sassy short new hairdo. I usually avoid Jacky Chan like the plague but this time around, I actually listen attentively when Jacky shared his anecdotes about Anita.

One of the highlights of this tribute is the chance to see top billing 90s actresses like Maggie Cheung and retired but still gorgeous Cherrie Chung. Cherrie disclosed that she was not chummy with Anita initially but grown closer after she was diagnosed with cancer. Leslie’s (Cherrie’s buddy) death has had a profound impact on Anita. Ah Mui shared with Cherrie the pain she had to endure during that period. I was aching deep down while listening to Cherrie…for reasons I could not explain. It was such a terribly sorrowful speech and my mind was filled with thoughts of the early demises of the two giant icons - Leslie and Anita.  Anita Yuen let on that Ah Mui was her school days idol and she deliberately picked the same English name as Ah Mui. Maggie Cheung’s impression of Anita is she is someone that has the characteristic of both male and female gender. She can be masculine and tough but at the same time, displays her girlish and silly side. All the stars came together when “Sunset Song”'s familiar guitar intro and MV was played.  I spotted Lawrence Ng, Wu Fung (Jacky’s god dad), Shirley Kwan, Niki Chow and a few veteran TVB artistes in the crowd.  A big thank you to Jacky and Eric for organizing such a beautiful concert. Like many others, the 2-hour-show was a bitter-sweet walk down memory lane for me.

Artists that appeared :- Andy Lau (劉德華), Jackie Chan(成龍),  Eason Chan (陳奕迅), Shirley Kwan (關淑怡), Tony Leung (梁朝偉), Carina Lau (劉嘉玲), Aaron Kwok (郭富城),  Miriam Yeung (楊千嬅), Denise Ho (何韻詩),Andy Hui (許志安), Sammi Cheng (鄭秀文), A-Mei (張惠妹), Sandy Lam (林憶蓮),George Lam (林子祥), Maggie Cheung Man Yuk (張曼玉), Alex To (杜德偉),Edmond Leung (梁漢文), Grasshopper, Cherie Chung (鍾楚紅) and William So (蘇永康).

Performance Order
1. Eric Tsang Shares Memory
2. Jackie Chan Shares Memory
3. Jacky Cheung (CRIMSON SUSPICION)
4. A-Mei Chang (INTIMATE LOVER)
5. Sandy Lam (MANJUSAWA)
6. Anita Yuen Shares Memory
7. The Grasshoppers (FAVORITE)
8. Alex To (ICE MOUNTAIN BIG FLAME)
9. Denise Ho (LADY)
10. Miriam Yeung (DEMON WOMAN)
11. William So (PANTHER OF BLACK NIGHT)
12. Edmond Leung (BLAZING FLAME RED LIPS)
13. Andy Hui (BAD GIRL)
14. Group (STAND BY ME)
15. Cherie Chung Shares Memory
16. Carina Lau Shares Memory
17. Tony Leung Chiu Wai (IN THE HAZY NIGHT RAIN)
18. George Lam (HOLD TIGHT PEOPLE IN FRONT)
19. Sammi Cheng (WOMAN HEART)
20. Maggie Cheung Shares Memory
21. Stanley Kwan Shares Memory
22. Eason Chan (ROUGE)
23. Aaron Kwok (DREAM COMPANION)
24. Andy Lau (YEARS FLOW LIKE WATER)
25. Group (SONG OF SUNSET)