I attended 周治平 and 童安格's joint concert on Saturday. Sort of itched to buy the tics when they were launched, but eventually decided against it as I wanted to cut cost. Usually concerts are about special effects and dancing, which I knew these singers would not have, so might as well listen to their CDs at home instead. But luck would have it that I won a pair of tics through my office quiz, and boy, was it worth the effort to trudge all the way down to the Indoor Stadium.

Although there were neither special effects nor any minute form of dancing, my girlfriends and I thoroughly enjoyed the night. Opening with my favourite 《青梅竹马》, the two songwriter-singers just stood there on the stage the whole night, only moving up and down the short flight of stairs on the stage, or to the left and right (or to the centre to openly peek at the lyrics screen). And some of their gestures or 台风 were really dated. But they more than made up for those with the sincerity and concentration they put into singing.



My favourite part was their unplugged session, where they strummed and sang together. Simple yet powerful. They sung their old hits, each other's compositions, and songs they had written for others. Their chemistry and friendship made the night warm and intimate.

I was surprised to see that 童 is still young-looking, charismatic, cheeky and suave with his Korean idol-inspired hair. He made funny poses on stage, trying to get the audience singing along, and fiddled with numerous musical instruments.

周 was the perfect foil with his sedated personality and quiet strength. Age had clearly left a deeper imprint on his appearance. But think he made an effort to slim down, judging from recent photos of a plumper him in the concert's Taiwan leg.

There were so many songs that I had forgotten about, if not for this concert. Songs there were so moving and soothing, and compositions that frankly are of a standard seldom found today. Did you know that almost all of Tony Leung's hits were written by 周? And that he also wrote Andy Lau's 2nd hit 《我和我追逐的梦》? And it was comforting to hear their signature singing styles. To use a cliche, it really did feel like a soothing wave washing over me.

(A song I love --- 《爱的真谛》 theme song of SBC serial “出人头地” on the Hotel New World collapse starring Zoe Tay, Li Nanxing, Aileen Tan and Edmund Chen. Any impression?)

It's sad that their careers faded into oblivion, perhaps due to changes in music tastes. The venue was only about 60-70% filled, with a very conspicious chunk of seats in the most expensive category left empty. The organisers were also hawking their 'best-of' CDs before the show, the slashed-down prices showing a hint of desperation. But they should not have worried --- the CDs were swept clean after the concert, many of us buoyed with re-kindled appreciation for the songs of our youth.

(Makes me think about how far I myself have come... how much I've aged... how much I've grown and learnt... how much naivety I've lost? For better or for worse?)

Endnote: To all the dear aunties and uncles who attended the concert: If you want to fold your arms and stare judgementally at the performers the entire night, pls just stay at home and listen to your CDs. It's very very unfulfilling and demoralising for performers if the crowd does not reciprocate. At least sway along! And it's basic concert etiquette to ask for encores, so don't just walk out once the lights are on.

 

Labels: Nostalgic Nut, Sing A Song