Tai Chi's 40th Anniversary Concert: A Night to Remember Gary Tong, with a Permanent Place Kept for Their Brother: 'The Show Will Always Be His'
When it comes to legendary Hong Kong bands, Tai Chi holds a truly special place. Formed forty years ago, this group of friends who've grown up together are now deep in rehearsals for their upcoming 'Tai Chi 40th Anniversary Concert'. But this time, the show is more than just a milestone; it's a heartfelt tribute to a departed friend. Because on that stage, they'll be missing the quiet, indispensable figure behind the keyboards: Gary Tong.
The bond between the Tai Chi members is renowned for its strength. Gary's sudden passing last year left both the band and their fans reeling. Now, after some time, the remaining members have channelled their grief into something positive, deciding to 'share the stage' with Gary once more through the music they love.
A Curated Setlist: Fulfilling a Bandmate's Wish with Deep Cuts
Preparation for the concert has been underway for a while, with core members Joey Tang, Patrick Lui, and Albert Chang (Edde) at the helm. Alongside the classic anthems everyone expects—think 'Red Sports Car' and 'Crystal'—they plan to take fans on a trip down memory lane, digging out some hidden gems from their early days in the rehearsal studio. According to insiders, Patrick recalled during rehearsals that Gary had often mentioned, before he passed, how much he wanted to perform some of their old B-sides. He felt these tracks truly represented Tai Chi's musical exploration. "He'd say songs like 'After the Cold Wind' and 'Don't Want to Love Foolishly'—maybe the younger fans don't know them, but he really missed that feeling," Patrick shared. So, for this concert, they've made a point of including these songs in the setlist, as a final gift to Gary and to fulfil one of his wishes.
'He'll Always Have a Place on That Stage'
Speaking about the stage design, someone involved in the production revealed that Joey Tang emotionally insisted that even though Gary can't be there in person, they will keep a spot for him on stage. "Maybe they'll place his favourite keyboard there, or use projections so he can 'jam' with us. This show will always be about the seven members of Tai Chi. His place will forever be reserved."
Long-time friends and collaborators of the band, such as Paul Wong and the recently active group OneWeekStAr, are also expected to appear as guests. Those close to the band recall Paul talking fondly about their days messing around backstage, with Gary always watching and smiling—a friendship forged in those underground band rooms that they all deeply miss.
Concert Highlights at a Glance:
- Tribute Section: A special segment featuring several of Gary's favourite non-hit songs, including deep cuts like 'Never Say Goodbye Again'.
- Star Guests: Paul Wong, OneWeekStAr, and other friends will join to share memories and stories of life with Gary.
- Archive Footage: The stage screens will show precious documentary footage and behind-the-scenes clips from the band's early years, including moments of Gary creating in the band room.
- In-Memoriam Display: A dedicated area in the audience will showcase some of Gary's personal instruments and belongings, allowing fans to pay their respects.
Forty years of brotherhood isn't something you just let go. The six remaining members of Tai Chi have chosen to keep their connection to Gary Tong alive through music, transforming their loss into a deeply moving and authentic performance. For fans who've followed them since the 80s, this concert will be more than just a nostalgic listen. It's a chance to witness a bond in Hong Kong's music scene that transcends life and death, and to say a final, heartfelt farewell to a quiet musical maestro: Gary, thank you. You will never be forgotten.