HONG KONG—Veteran Cantopop icon Jacky Cheung successfully concluded his monumental, two-year-long world tour, “Jacky Cheung A Classic Tour,” celebrating the finale with the 324th performance last night (January 24) at the Hong Kong Coliseum. Following the final curtain call, the 64-year-old superstar addressed the arduous journey, revealing the tour’s unexpected scale, overcoming physical hurdles mid-performance, and addressing persistent rumors about his finances.
Cheung admitted to reporters backstage that the sheer volume of 324 shows was never his original target. He disclosed initial plans to host the concert series at the new Kai Tak outdoor venue, but after a site inspection, determined the expansive setting was unsuitable for his artistic vision and stage design, leading him to return to the familiar confines of the iconic Red Hall.
Overcoming Vertigo Mid-Show
Reflecting on the most challenging moments of the epic run, Cheung cited a particularly harrowing experience in Malaysia. Battling Meniere’s disease, an inner ear disorder causing vertigo, which he has had since childhood, the singer experienced a severe episode just before taking the stage.
“During rehearsal, everything felt fine. It was only after getting into makeup that the dizziness began,” Cheung recounted. Citing the immense cost and logistical disruption of a last-minute cancellation, he decided to press on. While singing ability remained unaffected, he faced immediate danger on stage due to loss of balance. “It’s a risk when standing on stage; I lost my balance and slipped on a ramp,” he recalled, demonstrating the sheer professionalism required to complete the show despite debilitating symptoms.
Despite the physical toll, Cheung surprisingly found unexpected health benefits from incorporating a demanding physical feat into his performances: the splits. The demanding move, performed 324 times over the tour’s run, proved therapeutic. Cheung, who has long suffered from chronic back pain stemming from past acting injuries, noted that the strenuous flexibility exercise actually improved his lumbar condition. He confirmed he intends to maintain the stretching routine, even while off tour.
The star’s private life received rare mention, noting his wife, May Lo, and youngest daughter attended the finale. Cheung publicly acknowledged his mother, wife, and daughter from the stage, jokingly admitting failing to thank them would lead to “big trouble.” Regarding the couple’s upcoming 30th wedding anniversary in February, Cheung dismissed rumors of extravagant gifts, lightheartedly stating neither spouse has any material expectations or “desires.”
Addressing Financial Rumors and Future Plans
The sheer frequency of Cheung’s recent concert tours had fueled persistent, long-running tabloid speculation that he was performing to clear substantial debts. Cheung firmly rebutted these claims, emphasizing his frugal and disciplined savings habits.
“I do not have a habit of borrowing money,” he stated, suggesting that the very act of performing in public creates unavoidable and uncontrollable gossip. He explained he is naturally thrifty, but acknowledged this behavior is often perceived as a cover-up. He also clarified the discoloration recently observed on his palms was from handling incense during religious rituals, not an indication of health issues, and thanked the public for their concern.
Looking ahead, Cheung mused about the possibility of smaller, “Golden Hits” concerts, but emphasized a continued reluctance to use large venues like Kai Tak, reiterating the need for performance spaces that align with his show’s intimacy and design. He is also reportedly planning to produce a musical, according to related reports.
Finally, when asked about the persistent hopes for a reunion of the legendary “Four Heavenly Kings”—himself, Andy Lau, Leon Lai, and Aaron Kwok—Cheung offered a graceful perspective. He noted the last group appearance was nearly two decades ago in 2007.
“The ‘Four Heavenly Kings’ was simply a title bestowed by the media, representing a particular era,” Cheung said. “It has passed, and we have all moved on to develop independently.” He concluded that he prefers to leave the grouping as a beautiful, nostalgic memory.
