HONG KONG — Veteran Hong Kong singer Wilfred Lau made a long-awaited return to the concert stage Saturday night at the MacPherson Stadium, performing for the first time since 2018. The 49-year-old artist, who turns 50 on Dec. 13, delivered a high-energy show that included his new single “Blossom” and a surprise birthday celebration — but drew laughs when he firmly declined multiple audience requests to remove his shirt.
“Don’t even think about it,” Lau told the crowd, referencing a 2018 concert where he had bared his chest. “I took it off back then, but I’m actually happier keeping it on this time.”
The concert, titled “United in Hearts 2026,” marked Lau’s first live performance in eight years and served as a showcase of his evolving artistry. He performed a mix of old hits and new material, closing the main set with the track “Cursing Uncle Seven.” After sustained applause and chants for an encore, Lau returned to perform “The Lost Pearl” to end the night.
A Surprise Birthday Cake and Star-Studded Support
During the show, the production team arranged a special appearance by Chen Zhen, young son of actor Daniel Chan and his wife, who brought Lau a hamburger-shaped birthday cake. The sweet gesture was a highlight for the singer, who will celebrate his 50th birthday later this month.
The audience was dotted with A-list celebrities from Hong Kong’s entertainment industry. Among those spotted in the crowd were Eason Chan, Daniel Chan and his family, Yumiko Cheng and her family, Eric Kwok and wife Grace Yip, Ng Kwok-king, Alex Fong and his wife Yip Suen, and former singer Mango Wong.
In post-concert interviews, Lau became emotional when reflecting on the strong turnout of friends and peers. He credited a tradition instilled by late superstar Anita Mui, who mentored many young artists during the Capital Artists and New Talent Singing Awards eras.
“Our big sister Anita Mui passed down the spirit of caring for the next generation,” Lau said. “I am the fortunate junior who benefitted from that.”
New Label, New Ambitions
Lau revealed he has officially signed with Sony Music, a move he said will significantly reduce the cost of producing new music. “The new company saves me over a million dollars in song production fees,” he explained, adding that he continues to take vocal lessons to improve his craft.
When asked about his birthday wishes, Lau said he hopes to follow in the footsteps of Alex Fong and perform at the Hong Kong Coliseum next year. He emphasized his dedication to music and wants audiences to recognize his growth and passion.
On his personal life, the longtime single artist said he has grown accustomed to being alone and takes a “let it be” approach to relationships. Approaching 50, Lau said he views himself as a rookie in the industry once more, unafraid to push forward.
“I treat myself as a newcomer,” he said. “I’m not afraid — I will keep moving ahead on this singer’s path.”
Related: Hong Kong’s pop scene sees a resurgence of veteran artists returning to live performance, with several 1990s and 2000s stars planning new tours and album releases in the coming year.
