Joey Yung’s recently concluded “Pretty Crazy” 2019 concert marks her twentieth remarkable year in the HK music industry. The successful run of these 19 shows cemented her status as the reigning HK Cantopop diva and broke her personal record of the highest number of shows held. My anticipation for the concert has been building-up since 2018 and I personally asked her about it during her March trip to Malaysia. I still recalled she was a little taken aback then. She even teased fans during the promotional event that those who enquired had better show up for her concert. Well, here I am ! Originally planned for Feb, it was then shelved to June (trying to coincide with her birthday, I heard) and finally, August was selected as D-Day. It wasn’t easy securing her tickets. I took a day off from work, just so I can focus 100% on purchasing the tickets and utilizing four devices to handle the task. It’s almost like a do or die mission! Come August, my enthusiasm soon turns to anxiety due to the growing political unrest in HK. My greatest fear is that her concerts might be called off, if Chinese military troops were deployed to HK to quell the escalating turmoil. Thankfully, none of my concern materialized and my flight went smoothly.
STAGE
The
night her concert kicked off – 5th of August, HK faced a nationwide
strike. The concert started more than an hour later than scheduled, in-order to
allow more time for patrons to arrive at the HK coliseum. EEG even offered to
reimburse those who failed to turn-up due to the crippled public transportations.
To add to her woes, the mega hi-tech stage seemed to have gone on “strike” as
it fails to operate, plus a host of other technical glitches. A visibly shaken,
emotional and frustrated Joey decided to compensate fans by holding a replacement
show on the 12th of August, sacrificing her rest day. The
shortcomings during her first concert was compensated by the appearance of her
special guest star, none other than God of Songs, Jacky Cheung !
Joey
is well-known for her stellar stage presence but this time, it exceeds my
expectations and even non-fans are awestruck by Joey’s sheer commitment in
delivering such a perfect and flawless performances throughout the 19 shows.
The opulent, enchanting and mind blowing stage is the work of famed visionary
set designer, Es(Esmeralda) Devlin. It’s Es Devlin’s inaugural collaboration
with an Asian singer. Es Devlin’s
credits include tours of Beyonce, Adele, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Kanye West and
U2. The cutting edge stage design actually adds another layer to Joey’s
performance, connecting the audience to Joey’s song lyrics via the mesmerizing
visual story telling effects. I like the
part where she emerged in a fiery red gown with golden mechanical wing in the
back ground, just like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Joey revealed that it’s
a tribute to her mom, Kam Fung 金鳳 (Golden Phoenix).
COSTUMES
After
this concert, I see Wyman Wong in a different light now. Joey made the right
choice by appointing Wyman as her stylist, along with Luka So and Vera Cheng.
This team did a brilliant job ! Wyman actually turned her down at first but I
am so glad, he relented in the end. To me, it is so outdated to be seen in
over-the-top, flamboyant and garish outfits during concerts, especially when
you are no Lady Gaga. Less is more. Piece of advice to Sammi Cheng – fire your
fashion stylists and hire this terrific team for your next concert !
Joey
costumes from the likes of Givenchy, Valentino, Tom Ford, Gucci, YSL, Richard
Quinn, Moschino, Molly Goddard, Celine, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Balmain (see below
for full list) not only accentuated her hourglass figure and enhanced her
flattering features. Her outfits command attention visually and brings an air
of elegance to the show. My favourite is the Van Gogh inspired “Starry Night” (created by Kenneth Chan, inspiration from Wyman Wong) leotard/bodysuit Joey wore during the opening act. She looks so cool strutting on
the stage in this garb. I also love the black gown designed by Wyman Wong and Kenneth Chan (a tribute to the American
legend designer Bob Mackie) she wore during her duet with Hins Cheung, the Fuji
mountain costume from Japanese designer Yumi Katsura, as well as the chic and
colourful Ashish jumpsuit. Overall, showcasing 33 latest eye-catching outfits during the concert.
VOCAL
It’s
no secret that Joey has had issues with her vocal chord in the past. I have
personally experienced this during the 1314 concert tour in HK when she fell
sick halfway through the concert. I was quite alarmed with Joey’s hoarse voice
during the concert press junket a few months earlier. Later, I found out her voice did not fully
recover until a week before the concert. Plus, she has to endure acupuncture
treatment on her throat every night after her show, in-order to deliver the
best live audio experience to the audience. Joey truly operates like a “walking
cd player + Energizer bunny” throughout her “Pretty Crazy” concert duration.
Every single show lasted for a solid 3 hours and a staggering 4 hours during
the very last night ! Talk about bang for your buck !
SONGS REPERTOIRE
I
believe this is the second time Ho Bing serves as the musical director.
Previously was during the Hacken Lee and Joey Yung concert. Ho Bing did a splendid job in the
arrangement, which complimented well with the overall flow/different theme of
the show. There was slight changes in
the rundown every 3-4 nights interval. Sometimes she performed逃避你and on other nites, it’s 搜神記or 無人知道雙子座. During “Pretty Lonely”
segment, it’s either牆紙or 黃色大門.She sang either 花千樹/天窗or 想得太遠/與蝶同眠for the mega ballad hits
medley. Suprisingly, 加大力度was not featured and there were no Mandarin songs. Dancers are the usual bunch of incredible team from Ones to Watch and
also a few professional Korean k-pop dancers were specially brought-in for this
concert.
GUESTS
Joey
really raised the bar when it comes to special guests. Social media feeds were
on overtime mode during the entire concert duration. Every single day, everyone
awaits with bated breath – who is the guest this evening ? In total, Joey
invited 3 of the 4 heavenly kings. Aaron Kwok had to bail due to job obligation. I wish I had caught the ones that had FAMA
and Leon Lai. I only managed to watch the ones with Twins and Kenny (don’t
fancy Twins who is “hea” as usual but Kenny was okay coz I haven’t seen him in
a long time), Dear Jane (why didn’t they performed 心之科學together
??)but luckily, there’s Louis Koo. The
usually reserved Louis’ usually mumbles his way through a song when making
special appearances in past concerts but not this time ! Louis is so
enthusiastic that he demands to sing今期流行 twice and even took selfies with selected fans
although he is down with fever ! In
addition, Louis also gave a very commendable performance of男朋友during
the duet with Joey. There were rumours of Sammi and Eason’s appearance but
turns out to be hearsay. Nevertheless, her guest list was pretty impressive
indeed.
FANS
One
of the high points of the evening is the “Hung Hom 360 degrees” segment, where
Joey gets up close and personal with the audience, on a revolving platform that
circles around the arena. A microphone will be passed to the chosen fans seated
at the upper tiers, for a duet with Joey.
Super pumped-up fans tried their best to draw Joey’s attention by displaying
placards and LED boards, literally begging Joey to pick them. Even a long time
Japanese supporter does not want to pass up the golden chance to sing with her
idol, in halting Cantonese. Some took the opportunity to profess their love for
Joey. Whoever thought of this segment is a genius. It was fun and hilarious
watching the fans’ antics. I am not
surprised when Joey divulged that this is her fave moment of the entire
concert. She values the personal
interactions with fans and gets to witness their witty, emotional, spontaneous
and passionate reactions. FAMA said it best when 6-Wing told the crowd that
Joey really treasures her fans. Speaking from personal encounter, Joey was busy
and had to rehearse with Andy Lau but made time to sign on the limited edition
“Love in L.A.” vinyl record for me. It
really made my day and I am so touched/grateful by her gestures. A big thank
you to the very helpful and approachable EEG staff, too. Joey really went out
of her way to please her fans/audiences, ensuring everyone who attends her 20th
anniversary concert goes home with unforgettable, wonderful memories to last a
lifetime. After 20 years in the industry, Joey’s passion, professionalism and
enthusiasm towards her profession did not waver at all. In fact, ageing has
made her more resolute, gritty and stronger !
I look forward to see this iconic living legend called Joey Yung, 3
years from now at the HK coliseum. Lastly, I pray for peace in HK ( a country
that is dear to my heart) and hope everyone stay safe. I love you, Joey Yung
and always will ! Concert Outfit :-
Givenchy, Valentino, Tom Ford, Gucci, Versace, Stella McCartney, Carolina Herrera, Ashish, Marc Jacobs, Richard Quinn, Celine, Fendi, Yumi Katsura, Molly Goddard, Y/Project, Balmain, Moschino, Ralph Lauren and YSL.
LED ball opening costume - Kenneth Chan
Starry Night leotard/body suit - Kenneth Chan
Glittering cloak and white body suit with chains - Kenneth Chan
Boots - Sergio Rossi
CONCERT RUNDOWN :
Overture : 一種永遠
空港/Concert Theme Song Medley:Show up/好事多為/逃/美麗在望/隆重登場/過場：美麗在望/再見我的初戀/天之驕女/逃避你/走著睡/桃色冒險/（俄羅斯Brevis Brass Band過場 - Gotta Get High）/Lovin' U/不容錯失/牆紙/啜泣（自彈自唱）/心之科學/歌姬/Mega Ballad Hits Medley: 未知/怯/想得太遠/與蝶同眠/16號愛人/阿門/愛一個上一課/痛愛/我的驕傲(損友/抱抱)/ 這分鐘更愛你/特別嘉賓/風箏與風（半首）、大紅大紫（Twins合唱）/死性不改（Kenny、Twins合/不許你注定一人（Dear Jane合唱）/習慣失戀Dear Jane合唱/今期流行（古天樂合唱）x2/男朋友（古天樂合唱）/（VCR：神魂顛倒+破相）/破相/爭氣/Dance Medley: 跑步機上/Pretty Crazy/派對機器/全身暑假/一面之緣/越唱越強/最後的茱麗葉/華麗邂逅/心淡
ENCORE SONGS (Final Nite) -美麗在望, 花千樹, 麻煩你, 借過, 舊日回憶的山丘, 我的驕傲
Guest List:-
空港/Concert Theme Song Medley:Show up/好事多為/逃/美麗在望/隆重登場/過場：美麗在望/再見我的初戀/天之驕女/逃避你/走著睡/桃色冒險/（俄羅斯Brevis Brass Band過場 - Gotta Get High）/Lovin' U/不容錯失/牆紙/啜泣（自彈自唱）/心之科學/歌姬/Mega Ballad Hits Medley: 未知/怯/想得太遠/與蝶同眠/16號愛人/阿門/愛一個上一課/痛愛/我的驕傲(損友/抱抱)/ 這分鐘更愛你/特別嘉賓/風箏與風（半首）、大紅大紫（Twins合唱）/死性不改（Kenny、Twins合/不許你注定一人（Dear Jane合唱）/習慣失戀Dear Jane合唱/今期流行（古天樂合唱）x2/男朋友（古天樂合唱）/（VCR：神魂顛倒+破相）/破相/爭氣/Dance Medley: 跑步機上/Pretty Crazy/派對機器/全身暑假/一面之緣/越唱越強/最後的茱麗葉/華麗邂逅/心淡
ENCORE SONGS (Final Nite) -美麗在望, 花千樹, 麻煩你, 借過, 舊日回憶的山丘, 我的驕傲
Guest List:-
1. 這麼近那麼遠/真情流露（JackyCheung張學友合唱）
2.
一生愛你一個/在我生命𥚃 (Ekin Cheng鄭伊健合唱）
3.
假如讓我說下去/連續劇(Miriam Yeung楊千嬅合唱)
4. 她說/不為誰而作的歌（JJ Lin林俊傑合唱）
5. 月半小夜曲/刻不容緩（Hacken Lee李克勤合唱）
6. 我的宣言/天窗（Pakho Chau周柏豪合唱）
7. 末日/牆紙（Ivana Wong王菀之彈琴）
8.
愛如潮水/習慣失戀（Jeff Chang張信哲合唱）
9.
風箏與風（半首）、大紅大紫/ 死性不改（Twins/Kenny合唱）
10. 不許你注定一人/習慣失戀（Dear Jane合唱）
11. 今期流行（Louis
Koo古天樂合唱）x2/男朋友
12. 謝謝你的愛/一起走過的日子（Andy Lau劉德華合唱）
13.
玉蝴蝶/阿門（Nic Tse謝霆鋒合唱）
14.
舉高隻手（FAMA農夫合唱）/祝君好（Chilam Julian Cheung張智霖合唱）
15. 失樂園/ABC（Grasshopper草蜢合唱）
16. 黃色大門/櫻花樹下/ Pretty Hungry（Hins Cheung張敬軒合唱）
17.
幸福之歌/告解（Supper Moment合唱）
18. 愛得太遲（Leo
Ku古巨基合唱）
