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- Straits Times
Concert review: Cantopop icon ‘Principal' Tam got young and old on their feet
Concert review: Cantopop icon 'Principal' Tam got young and old on their feet
Alan Tam Classic Live in Singapore 2025 Singapore Indoor Stadium June 14
You have to give it to Hong Kong singer-actor Alan Tam, who proves that age is just a number.
The showbiz veteran, who turns 75 in August, delivered a three-hour concert on June 14 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
He enthralled an 8,000-strong capacity crowd with close to 40 songs, keeping the energy level high throughout with nary a break. It is the kind of stamina that even younger pop stars would be envious of.
The Alan Tam Classic Live tour started in Shanghai in May 2023. It has since travelled to other Chinese cities including Guangzhou, Wuhan and Chengdu, as well as Sydney in Australia.
The Singapore leg had been highly anticipated, as it marked Tam's first solo show here since his 40th Anniversary Concert Tour in 2016.
He last performed in town in December 2023 with The Wynners, as part of their 50th anniversary farewell tour at Sands Grand Ballroom. The Hong Kong pop band also comprise lead vocalist Kenny Bee, 72; guitarist Bennett Pang, 76; drummer Anthony Chan, 72; and bassist Danny Yip, 74.
Tam, who began his music career in 1973 with the band, released his debut solo album, Naughty Boy, in 1979. He achieved superstardom in the 1980s and 1990s, consistently putting out platinum records.
Over five decades, he has been credited with recording more than 100 albums and composing over 800 songs.
The audience at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, expecting a nostalgia fest, were not let down.
Kicking off the proceedings at 8.05pm, the Cantopop icon immediately launched into several of his timeless ballads, including Autumn Romance (1984) and Love Of My Life (1996).
The Singapore leg of the Alan Tam Classic Live tour marked the Hong Kong singer's first solo show here since 2016.
PHOTO: SHAW BROTHERS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
The audience was an even mix of Baby Boomers and Generation X, from those in their 50s to their 70s, with a sprinkling of millennials, and Tam expressed his appreciation for them all.
In recent years, his career has enjoyed a second wind after he appeared in several variety shows in China, which introduced him to younger fans.
'Even after 50 years in the industry, I'm still learning every day, including from the young artistes I meet,' he said. 'Their energy invigorates me and reminds me why I love music.'
Tam's career has enjoyed a second wind after he appeared in several variety shows in China, which introduced him to younger fans.
PHOTO: SHAW BROTHERS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Affectionately known as Principal Tam, a nod to his stature in the Hong Kong entertainment industry, the enduring superstar is famous for playfully insisting he is 'forever 25'.
He clearly keeps himself in good shape, evident when he revealed toned, buff arms in a short-sleeved shirt.
And he pointed out that he was not the oldest performer at the concert. His Philippines-born, Hong Kong-based drummer Nicanor D Ledesma is 76.
Other than his timeless hit ballads, Tam also performed fast numbers with his backup dancers.
PHOTO: SHAW BROTHERS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Tam performed fast numbers such as Love Trap (1985) and Karaoke Forever (1990), matching the pace of his eight dancers without any signs of breathlessness. He was also accompanied by three backup vocalists.
'I definitely gave you my all tonight,' he said teasingly past 10.30pm.
He then asked: 'What time is it now? Do you need to leave? Would you have transport back to Johor Bahru?', showing concern for the Malaysians who had crossed the Causeway to support him.
Tam began his music career in 1973 with Hong Kong pop band The Wynners.
PHOTO: SHAW BROTHERS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Despite the late hour, the audience remained, singing along with gusto, prompting Tam to praise their dedication.
As he launched into his encore, which featured his iconic 1985 track Friends, many in the crowd were on their feet and waving lightsticks.
'No matter how old you are in the future, whenever you hear my song, I hope you will remember this evening and this feeling of warmth and energy we shared,' he said.
For his parting shot, he advised: 'Always be true to yourself and live in the moment.'
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