logo
Former Taiwanese boy band F4 reunite for surprise performance at Mayday concert

Former Taiwanese boy band F4 reunite for surprise performance at Mayday concert

The Star17-07-2025
Former Taiwanese boy band F4 reunited at Mayday's Taipei concert on July 12. Photo: Ken Chu/Instagram
Former Taiwanese boy band F4 reunited for a surprise performance at Taiwanese pop-rock band Mayday's concert at the Taipei Dome on July 12.
F4 – which made its debut in 2001 after the four members starred in Taiwanese idol drama Meteor Garden (2001) – delivered its hit song Meteor Rain (2001) and Mayday's The Song Of Laughter And Forgetting (2008) as guest performer.
The group sang both songs with Mayday, which was staging its last Taipei show as part of its Mayday #5525 Back To That Day Live Tour (2023 to present).
F4 comprises Taiwanese-American Van Ness Wu, 46, and Taiwanese stars Jerry Yan, 48, Ken Chu, 46, and Vic Chou, 44.
Chu was quick to share photographs of the band's reunion, taking to Instagram on July 12 to post pictures of them singing and hugging.
Netizens took the reunion positively, with comments on his Instagram post such as 'Is this really true?' and 'Full F4 Asian concert next please'.
During the concert, Mayday's lead vocalist Ashin said the reunion took two years to arrange, and that many people were involved in making it happen.
As Chu addressed the crowd, he said it was his first time attending a Mayday show. He added that he could finally heave a sigh of relief, as he had to keep the reunion a secret by claiming he was not in contact with the other F4 members.
The quartet, which disbanded in 2009, last came together in 2013 to sing at Jiangsu Television's Spring Festival Gala in China.
According to Wu, the foursome had experienced feelings of jealousy and unfairness before their disbandment. He revealed this in an appearance with Yan on the Chinese chat show Welcome Back To Sound in 2022.
Taiwan's Mirror Media reported on June 4 that F4 had reached an agreement and would reunite for a concert to celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2026. – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Catch Malaysian film 'Angkat' in cinemas for just RM10; book before Aug 13
Catch Malaysian film 'Angkat' in cinemas for just RM10; book before Aug 13

The Star

time10 hours ago

  • The Star

Catch Malaysian film 'Angkat' in cinemas for just RM10; book before Aug 13

'Angkat' is set to start showing in cinemas on Aug 14. Photo: Feisk Productions/Instagram With cinema tickets becoming pricier, many Malaysians are hesitant to head to the big screen. But here's a deal that's hard to ignore: TGV Cinemas is offering RM10 tickets for the upcoming local film Angkat – that's half the usual price. This special promotion is available only until Aug 13 via the TGV app or website, and tickets can be redeemed once Angkat opens in selected cinemas nationwide on Aug 14. The dark comedy, produced by Feisk Productions and directed by Feisal Azizuddin, follows three estranged brothers who must transport their father's body back to their hometown for burial. When their van breaks down, the brothers are forced to carry their father on foot -- a journey that rekindles their bond and memories of the man who raised them. Producer Iskander Azizuddin shared via Instagram that this is the first time such an offer has been made for a Malaysian film. 'This is made possible through our collaboration with TGV Cinemas, who share our belief that local films should be accessible to all Malaysians,' he said.

Dua Lipa awarded Kosovo citizenship: 'Feeling grateful'
Dua Lipa awarded Kosovo citizenship: 'Feeling grateful'

The Sun

time11 hours ago

  • The Sun

Dua Lipa awarded Kosovo citizenship: 'Feeling grateful'

LONDON: Singer Dua Lipa expressed deep gratitude after being granted citizenship of Kosovo by President Vjosa Osmani. The 29-year-old, born in London to Kosovo-Albanian parents, spent part of her childhood in Pristina before returning to the UK at 15. In an Instagram post, Lipa shared her joy, writing, 'Feeling so grateful to have been awarded my Kosovan citizenship by our president.' President Osmani also celebrated the occasion, posting a photo of the ceremony with the caption, 'Welcome home Dua.' Osmani praised Lipa's contributions, stating, 'Dua and Kosovo have always been inseparable. She has been and continues to be one of the most powerful voices on the world's biggest stages, making history with her achievements and becoming an inspiration to millions.' The ceremony included a heartfelt performance by children singing Lipa's hit Levitating. Reflecting on the moment, Lipa said, 'Every time I come back to Kosovo, it always feels like coming home. 'Receiving citizenship from President Osmani is such an honour and feels like my two sides are now one.' This follows Lipa's recent performance at Kosovo's Sunny Hill Festival, where she sang Era alongside her father in Albanian. She described the experience as unforgettable, sharing on X, 'Performing for you, and sharing the stage with my dad was a moment I'll never forget.' Lipa, who also holds Albanian citizenship, has achieved four UK number-one singles and two chart-topping albums. Known for hits like New Rules and One Kiss, she continues to bridge cultures through her music. - Bernama-PA Media/dpa

#SHOWBIZ: Dance takes flight with 'Birdy' at George Town Festival
#SHOWBIZ: Dance takes flight with 'Birdy' at George Town Festival

New Straits Times

timea day ago

  • New Straits Times

#SHOWBIZ: Dance takes flight with 'Birdy' at George Town Festival

A film called "Birdy" by Alan Parker ignited a passion in Taiwanese choreographer Lai Hung-Chung during his university days. "The story of two young men returning from the Vietnam War — one of whom retreats into a psychological world where he believes he is a bird — left a lasting impression on me," Lai wrote in an email regarding the George Town Festival show, also titled "Birdy", set to run from Aug 9-10 at Dewan Sri Pulau Pinang. "Its haunting imagery and its profound longing for freedom, escape and transcendence lingered deep in my heart," he added. INNER STRUGGLES Lai explained his enduring fascination: "I've always been fascinated by inner struggles, especially when 'freedom' is no longer about physical limitations but a psychological state. How do human relationships carry the weight of that contradiction, of imagining flight while being pulled down by reality? That tension between the spirit and the body became the seed for 'Birdy'." The 'Taipei Times' has described Lai as one of the finest young choreographers working in Taiwan today. Currently serving as artistic director of Hung Dance, which he founded in 2017, the thirty-something Lai began reimagining these ideas through the lens of his own cultural context. "I found inspiration in the long pheasant feathers used in traditional Taiwanese opera, which originally symbolise status and authority," he said. "In 'Birdy', I transformed them into symbols of the spirit: extensions of the mind, of yearning and liberation. This work became a bridge between a deeply personal artistic memory and the cultural identity I carry as a Taiwanese creator." A HAPPY ACCIDENT Lai initially trained as a performer, recalling his entry into dance as a "happy accident". "I joined my school's dance club thinking it was for street dance, but it turned out to be everything from contemporary to classical. That unexpected detour led me to a teacher who saw potential in me and encouraged me to apply for a professional dance programme." Lai realised early on that his true passion lay in creating, not just performing. "By middle school, I was already choreographing for school events. By high school, I had started teaching, freelancing and choreographing professionally. These experiences shaped how I understand movement — not only through technique but through ideas, stories, and relationships. "What excites me most is that moment in the theatre when everything comes together: a magical moment that quickens your heartbeat. Those moments often become the source of my creative drive." AN EVOLVING PROCESS "Birdy" has garnered significant praise since its debut in 2022, having been performed at festivals worldwide. The show seamlessly incorporates elements of tai-chi into contemporary dance forms. Lai said "Birdy" will not only be performed in George Town but also in Spain and North America over the next two months. He noted that the show has evolved: "While the core of the work remains the same, audiences can expect an even sharper, more refined performance. The dancers have grown tremendously, and we've made subtle structural adjustments to enhance the flow and clarity of the piece. We're excited to share this evolved version with Malaysian audiences." Lai believes "Birdy" speaks to a profound human desire — "the longing to be seen and the urge to escape definitions". ROOM FOR INTERPRETATION He describes the physicality as "powerful yet poetic", with a soundscape that blends traditional Taiwanese opera instruments with contemporary electronic textures, offering a layered emotional experience. "Audiences across cultures have told us they felt moved, even without understanding the language or cultural references. I think that's the magic of dance. It invites empathy without explanation. 'Birdy' doesn't give answers; it creates space for each person to dream their own version of flight." "Birdy" is part of the GTF 2025 line-up under Isle to Isle 2025, an exchange platform connecting Penang and Taiwan. Isle to Isle also features the "Three Generations, One Jazzy Heartbeat" concert and a forum titled "And All That Jazz — Stories of Malaysia and Taiwan". Other notable GTF events include "Between Light and Grey: A Double Bill of Puppetry", a poetic exploration of memory, identity, and human connection (Aug 9-10), and "A Travelling Artist's Diary", an exhibition showcasing never-before-seen works by Rebecca Duckett-Wilkinson.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store