Veteran Cantopop star Alan Tam opened the final leg of his “Unforgettable” world tour in Hong Kong on Wednesday night, marking the occasion with emotional confessions, a dramatic weight loss story, and reflections on longtime friends and local figures. The 74-year-old singer, addressing reporters backstage at the Hong Kong Coliseum, said he shed about 15 to 16 pounds for the shows—after initially dropping 20 pounds too rapidly.
“My family and friends told me I was losing weight too fast, so I ate more,” Tam explained. He described the physical preparation as grueling but rewarding.
Weight Loss Journey
Tam, who fronted the legendary band The Wynners, said he began dance rehearsals more than two months before the show. Joking that he was “the dance king of The Wynners,” he noted the effort that went into the performance. The star’s weight management became a talking point after he was criticized for dropping two stone too quickly.
Emotional Night
The first show of the ten-concert run struck a deep chord with Tam. “When I saw the audience, I was deeply moved,” he told reporters. “In the past, they came carrying schoolbags. Now they come with walking canes. That image almost made me unable to continue singing. I had to tell myself, ‘No, you cannot.’”
Tam admitted he understood why actor and friend Eric Tsang was seen crying in the crowd. “He has always been a crybaby,” Tam said with a smile, referring to Tsang’s emotional nature.
Guest Appearances and Musical Tributes
The singer revealed he had originally planned to bring former Wynners bandmate Kenny Bee on stage, but Bee left after eating roast pork backstage. Instead, Tam spontaneously invited Hacken Lee to join him in an impromptu duet. “He sang without any preparation—he is both an idol and a true vocal powerhouse,” Tam praised.
Known for his occasional acting roles, Tam said he would consider returning to the screen only under the right conditions. “Even if Eric Tsang asks me, I need to see the script first. It must have a strong cast, a good script, and a talented director.”
Reflections on Public Figures
Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau attended the concert. Tam noted that Lau is a huge fan of the ballad “Late Spring” and happened to be present when Tam performed it. “I was thinking, he’s hearing the song he loves right now,” Tam said.
The singer also addressed recent news of Hong Kong’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, who passed away. “He was a visionary and a caring elder. He always wanted the best for Hong Kong, but sometimes the timing just wasn’t right. It’s a great pity,” Tam said.
When asked about the late Anita Mui’s older brother, Melvin Mui, who announced plans to spend HK$1.5 million on a lavish funeral for their mother, Tam offered a subdued response. “Let the past be past. How others handle family matters is up to them.”
Legacy and Continued Relevance
The concert series, billed as the ultimate edition of Tam’s world tour, underscores his enduring influence in Cantonese pop culture. Despite a career spanning five decades, Tam shows no signs of slowing down. His ability to draw longtime fans—some now relying on walking aids—and attract high-profile attendees like Lau speaks to a legacy that transcends generations.
As the tour continues through ten sold-out nights, Tam’s blend of nostalgia, humor, and vocal prowess reminds Hong Kong why he remains one of its most beloved entertainers.
