HONG KONG – Cantopop legend Alan Tam opened the final leg of his “Unforgettable” world tour at the Hong Kong Coliseum on Thursday night, drawing a star-studded audience and throwing a surprise into the mix: this could be his last stand at the iconic venue.
The 73-year-old singer, affectionately known as “Principal” Tam, launched the “Ultimate Edition” of his tour with a nostalgic opening. A montage of his album covers from decades past played before he emerged in a gold-and-beige prince outfit, kicking off the night with his 1986 classic “Speechless Gratitude.”
Tam wasted no time engaging the crowd, performing hits like “Embrace” (1988) and “You Still Know How to Love Me” (1993). Mid-song, he paused to shout to the audience, “It’s you! It’s all you!” After stripping off his jacket for a dance-heavy rendition of “Laughing at Life” (1993), he joked with fans about his loose-fitting trousers, tugging at his waistband and asking, “Is this sincere enough? I have to ask—are my pants falling down? They feel a bit loose.”
A Night of Nostalgia and Generosity
The concert, marking Tam’s return to the Coliseum after a 21-year absence, was as much a reunion of fans as of Hong Kong entertainment royalty. A sea of floral tributes lined the venue, sent by the “Four Heavenly Kings”—Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, Leon Lai, and Aaron Kwok—along with Jackie Chan, Simon Yam, Cecilia Cheung, and other A-list names.
But a notable group of celebrities chose a different gesture. Eric Tsang, Natalis Chan, Hacken Lee, Miriam Yeung, and Joey Yung, among others, skipped the flower baskets and instead made donations to charity. Joseph Lau, the billionaire tycoon known as “Big Lau,” attended with his wife and daughter, sitting in the front row alongside his brother “Little Lau.”
‘This Could Be My Last Time’
Speaking to the audience, Tam revealed he had rehearsed 200 songs for the run. “I’ve waited 21 years to perform at the Coliseum again,” he said. “I’ll try my best to satisfy everyone, but I also have to know my limits. It’s a two-way street. I see people who used to come with school bags now bringing their kids—some even come with walking sticks. I’m truly moved.”
Then came the emotional pivot: “This might very well be my last concert at the Coliseum. So please cherish it. If you like what you see, give me more reaction.” He then boarded a golf cart to circle the arena, waving and singing directly to fans. During a performance of “Late Spring” (1983), he made a point to wave at Lau’s wife, “Gambie” Chan.
Broader Impact
Tam’s comments have sparked discussion about the shifting landscape of live music in Hong Kong, where aging legends are increasingly making farewell tours or scaling back performances. For longtime fans, the show is a bittersweet milestone—an icon acknowledging the passage of time while still packing the 12,500-seat venue.
The tour continues at the Hong Kong Coliseum through multiple dates. Fans unable to attend can look for potential live-stream or recorded broadcast details in the coming weeks.
