Hong Kong – A constellation of Hong Kong music legends gathered Wednesday night at the West Kowloon Cultural District’s AXA x WONDERLAND to celebrate what would have been Leslie Cheung’s 70th birthday, delivering a concert that blended nostalgia, heartfelt tributes and rare live collaborations.
The “Continue to Love Leslie Cheung 70th Birthday Concert” drew a packed crowd as performers took the stage to honor the iconic Cantopop star and actor, who died in 2003. Each artist brought personal recollections and musical homages, creating an evening that felt less like a memorial and more like a family reunion.
‘I Never Thought I’d Sing With Him Again’
Veteran singer and actor Chung Chun-to, known as Kenny Bee, opened the emotional floodgates when he performed Cheung’s classic This Life, This World. Looking up at the giant screens, Chung paused to reflect.
“Seeing those old photos on the screen, so many memories came rushing back,” he told the audience. “Leslie and I worked together often — mostly in films. We shot several movies, but we rarely sang together on the same bill. At his Christmas parties, though, there was always a live band. He’d sing one, I’d sing one, then we’d do a duet.”
Chung lamented that smartphones weren’t around to capture those moments, adding, “I never imagined that tonight I’d be singing with ‘Gor Gor’ again. All those memories are in my head — I’ll never forget them. Happy birthday, Leslie.”
He then introduced his daughter, Chung Yee, who debuted a brand-new single titled 70 Leslie with Love, composed of lyrics woven from Cheung’s most beloved song titles. The crowd greeted each familiar reference with knowing smiles.
From Period Costumes to Dance Beats
Dicky Cheung followed, first appearing in early 20th-century attire to sing The Flower’s Pledge, the theme from Stanley Kwan’s film Rouge starring Cheung. A rapid backstage change later, he returned in modern dress to deliver a re-arranged version of Refuse to Play Again.
Before launching into The Wind Blows On, Cheung told the audience, “This song means a lot to everyone — especially to ‘Gor Gor’ — because it was the one that really made him a superstar.”
Fan Community as ‘One Big Family’
William So took the stage with a tender rendition of For Your Love Only, then joined Elisa Chan for a duet of Who Makes Your Heart Crazy.
Chan asked the crowd, “Who here has been to both the fifth and tenth anniversary concerts?” A wave of applause and cheers answered.
So replied, “Your response makes me feel that Leslie’s fans are like one big family. I hope in 20 years, 30 years, I can still see you all here — alright?”
Before her solo of I’m Only Afraid I Won’t Meet You Again, Chan said simply, “This is the destiny Leslie left for you all.”
A Legacy That Keeps Performing
The concert capped a week of tributes across Hong Kong. On the same night, singer Sam Hui performed a duet — projected alongside a recorded Cheung — of Silence Is Golden, their collaboration from the 1980s. Meanwhile, Karen Mok appeared in a white ensemble that echoed Cheung’s signature style, and Tam Yiu-man recalled a brief but meaningful encounter with the star.
For the thousands who filled the park, the evening was more than a retrospective. It was a living thread connecting generations of performers and fans through music that continues to resonate. As organizers look ahead, discussions are already underway for future commemorations — a testament to a star whose glow, 22 years after his passing, shows no sign of dimming.
