A star-studded tribute concert celebrating the 70th birthday of Hong Kong music and film legend Leslie Cheung drew thousands to the West Kowloon Cultural District on Saturday evening, featuring a groundbreaking drone show and a heartfelt audio message from his longtime partner, Tong Hock Tak.
The event, titled “Continue to Cherish Leslie Cheung’s 70th Birthday Concert,” brought together 14 artists spanning generations, including Karen Mok, Edmond Tam, Julian Cheung, Roger Wu, Shena Lam, Tse Fung Sip, Ngan Mi-ko, Michael Tse, William So, Elisa Chan, Chung Yi, Ian Chan, Kenny Bee, Dicky Cheung, and Sam Hui. Each performer delivered polished renditions of Cheung’s iconic songs, reflecting the deep affection fans still hold for the singer-actor, who died in 2003.
Drone Show Defies Rain Forecast
Organizer Chen Shufen, who worked closely with Cheung for decades, told the audience the evening faced a weather scare. “The forecast predicted rain on Saturday night, but it only drizzled before the concert and during the intermission. The cool breeze made it comfortable,” she said.
The highlight came at 9:12 p.m., when 1,956 drones ascended into the sky in a choreographed display lasting exactly nine minutes and 12 seconds. The number 1956 refers to Cheung’s birth year, and 9:12 was chosen to mark his birthday date (September 12). The aerial formations depicted Cheung in different stage costumes, signature icons from his performances, and a towering birthday cake. “Every single audience member was moved,” Chen said. “We thank the good weather, we thank Leslie’s blessing, and we thank everyone’s teamwork for making this drone segment a success.”
She added that the anniversary sequence, known as “1956912” among Cheung’s fans, could become another milestone in the fan community’s efforts to honor his legacy—following the 2013 Guinness World Record for the largest paper crane exhibition, which was also organized in his memory.
Tong Hock Tak’s Birthday Message
Before the concert concluded, a large screen played a pre-recorded message from Tong, Cheung’s partner of more than two decades. “Hello everyone, today is Leslie’s 70th birthday. We wish him a happy birthday here. So many years have passed, but Leslie hasn’t changed at all. He is still handsome, still charming. His films are still so good to watch. His songs are still so beautiful to listen to,” Tong said.
“What has changed is us. We are getting older, with white hair and wrinkles. But our feelings for him have never changed. We still miss him, we still love him. Today, we continue to cherish Leslie Cheung. Happy birthday, Leslie.”
The message drew emotional applause from the crowd, many of whom had traveled from across Asia to attend.
Legacy of a Timeless Icon
The concert not only celebrated Cheung’s birthday but also reaffirmed his enduring influence on Chinese pop culture. With his 1990s hits like “Monica” and film roles in “Farewell My Lovely” and “Happy Together,” Cheung remains a benchmark for artistic versatility. Events such as this tribute, combined with the drone show’s potential to set a new record, demonstrate that his fan base continues to grow younger.
Chen Shufen hinted that the organization may explore further memorial projects. “We hope everyone left with happy memories of a special night,” she said. For the thousands in attendance, the evening served as a reminder that Leslie Cheung’s star—like the drones that spelled his name across the sky—still shines bright.
