Hong Kong – Celebrating his 76th birthday on Friday, veteran Cantopop singer Alan Tam opened a pop-up store for his upcoming September Hong Kong Coliseum concert merchandise, drawing hundreds of devoted fans who arrived with gifts, flowers, and red envelopes. In a brief media session, the star reflected on his decades-long career, shared updates on his weight-loss regimen and his son’s romantic life, and issued a strong warning against purchasing marked-up tickets from unauthorized sellers.
A Career Highlight and a Frustrating Memory
Asked about the most memorable moment in his long career, Tam recalled his 1994 concert at the Hong Kong Government Stadium, where strict volume restrictions forced him to perform at reduced sound levels throughout the show. “It was deeply frustrating,” he said, noting that the experience remained vivid even after more than three decades in the industry.
For his upcoming Red Hall (Hong Kong Coliseum) performances, Tam said preparations have been underway for two years, and he aims to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans.
Shedding Pounds for the Stage – and Turning Down Dinner Invitations
Joking that he was celebrating his “25 and a half” birthday, Tam revealed he has been on a strict weight-loss plan to ensure peak condition on stage. “I’ve had to turn down many celebratory dinner invitations from friends,” he explained. “I can only manage to attend eight to ten of those meals.”
He claimed to have already shed up to 17 pounds from his highest weight, though a few birthday banquets caused a slight rebound. “I’m still about five pounds away from my target,” he added.
Tam’s birthday wishes focused on global concerns: “World peace and greater environmental awareness,” he said, noting that ecological damage has triggered too many natural and man-made disasters. Personal wishes, he politely declined to disclose.
Family Updates: Son in Love, AI Toy Box Steals the Show
When journalists asked about his son, Tan Xiaofeng, who lives abroad, Tam smiled and thanked everyone for their concern. He confirmed his son is dating but not yet married. Pressed about whether he is eager to drink “daughter-in-law tea” – a traditional ritual – Tam replied, “I’ve met his girlfriend. She’s very nice! As for grandchildren, it’s too early for that.”
He joked that the girlfriend’s nationality was “borderless” to avoid specifics, then quickly pivoted to promote the concert merchandise. He demonstrated a toy box that uses AI technology to project his own recorded voice, calling it “great fun.”
‘Don’t Buy from Scalpers’: Tam’s Advice to Fans
Addressing reports that some concert tickets have been resold for five-figure sums, Tam urged fans to avoid scalpers at all costs. “Even if you can’t get a ticket, you can still come outside the Coliseum and launch a ‘core outer perimeter attack’ – you’ll still hear a bit of the singing,” he said, using a playful term to describe listening from the venue’s exterior.
The September shows mark another milestone in a career that has spanned more than 40 years, with Tam remaining one of Hong Kong’s most beloved entertainers. As he prepares to take the stage, his message is clear: cherish the music, protect the environment, and never feed the black market.
