TAIPEI – Hong Kong pop icons Grasshopper turned a potentially disastrous technical malfunction into a moment of spontaneity and fan connection Sunday night, performing as the closing act for the 2026 Chinese Professional Baseball League All-Star Game at Taipei Dome before 50,000 roaring spectators.
The veteran trio – comprising Calvin Choy, Remus Choy, and Edmond So – delivered a four-song medley of their greatest hits including “Heartbreak Alliance,” “Half a Heart,” “Sorry Baby,” and “Forget Love Samba,” transforming the stadium into a massive dance party. But their high-energy opener hit an unexpected snag when their in-ear monitors suddenly failed mid-performance.
“Good thing we’ve traveled the world doing all kinds of shows, big and small,” Calvin Choy said afterward, brushing off the mishap. “Even with a little accident, it can’t stop the three of us. There’s a reason they say ‘the old are spicy.'” The trio, relying on years of stage experience and chemistry, completed the first song without missing a beat.
During the brief pause while technicians addressed the audio issue, Calvin Choy seized the opportunity to make a personal request. Spotting Chen Chieh-hsien, captain of the Team Taiwan national baseball squad, he asked the crowd: “In that lineup, there’s someone I really admire – Mr. Chen Chieh-hsien! If he has a moment, could he sign a baseball for me as a gift? I think it would be the greatest honor of the night.”
Chen responded instantly, delivering a signed baseball to the stage. “Because of that little accident, we got Captain Chen’s exclusive signed ball,” Choy joked. “I bet 50,000 people here are jealous right now. I’m going to frame it when I get home.”
When Grasshopper launched into “Sorry Baby” and “Half a Heart,” the entire stadium lit up as fans raised their phones, creating what Calvin Choy described as a breathtaking spectacle. “It felt like I was in Antarctica looking at a sky full of stars – so beautiful, so warm. Thank you for tonight’s applause. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
The trio made a point of sprinting around the entire stadium perimeter during the performance, connecting with fans in every section. “Running a full lap of the Taipei Dome, I could feel the energy from every corner,” Remus Choy said. “Hearing 50,000 people cheering – that kind of power is incredible,” added Edmond So.
Calvin Choy hinted at future ambitions: “We performed at Taipei Arena in January. Now, we definitely need to come back and hold a concert at the Taipei Dome.”
Grasshopper returns to Hong Kong this week to begin recording a new album and single, while preparing for their two-night concert in Malaysia on August 29–30. Remus Choy encouraged fans to stay in shape for the tour, promising to see them again in Kuala Lumpur and beyond.
The performance marked Grasshopper’s second appearance at Taipei Dome within two weeks, setting a record for the most performances at the venue by any musical group.
