We never grow tired of their songs

Veteran Hong Kong and Taiwan acts are still bringing in the crowds in Singapore, thanks to demand fuelled by nostalgia

- Benson Ang

Ms Michelle Yong, 61, has seen Frances Yip in concert in Singapore at least four times and is excited to catch the Cantopop star again at the Esplanade Concert Hall on May 25.

In the 1980s, the singer's melodious voice on many theme songs of Hong Kong dramas, such as The Bund (1980) and The Legend Of Wonder Lady (1981), was an inspiration to Ms Yong. But the then accounts manager was busy working and raising two children during those years and did not have the time to attend concerts.

Now, the Singaporean, who works part-time, tries to catch all of Yip's shows.

She says: "They are wonderful experiences and give me very sweet memories. I will catch every show because I never know if it might be the final time Yip performs or the last time I am physically well enough to attend a concert."

Making up for lost time, reminiscing about the past and organising outings among family and old friends are commonly cited reasons why some are fans of live concerts of veteran stars.

Apart from Yip, many – including Taiwan's Wu Bai, Power Station and Zhao Chuan, as well as Hong Kong's Alan Tam and William So – have performances scheduled here in the coming months.

SOLD-OUT SHOWS

A number of Western groups, such as Australian soft-rock duo Air Supply and Danish rock band Michael Learns To Rock, also regularly hold concerts in Singapore, but it is the regional stars who return frequently.

Some acts are so popular that tickets sell out time and again.

For example, Power Station's Because Of Love concert tour stopped at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in 2022 and 2024, with both shows selling out. Their tour will stop in Singapore a third time at the 6,000-seat Resorts World Ballroom on April 19 and all tickets were snatched up within a week.