Tai Chi's 40th Anniversary Concert to Remember Late Bandmate Gary Tong: A Brother's Reserved Seat - "The Show Will Always Belong to Him"
When you talk about legends of the Hong Kong music scene, the name Tai Chi will always hold a significant place. Formed 40 years ago, these brothers who grew up together are now deep in rehearsals for their upcoming Tai Chi 40th Anniversary Concert. But this time, the concert is more than just a milestone; it's a tribute to a departed friend. The stage will forever miss the quiet yet irreplaceable figure behind the keyboard: Gary Tong.
The brotherhood within Tai Chi has always been renowned in the industry. Gary's sudden passing last year left them and all the fans in shock. After some time, the bandmates have pulled themselves together, deciding to channel their longing into strength and use their best medium—music—to "share the stage" with Gary once more.
A Carefully Curated Setlist: Fulfilling a Bandmate's Wish with Deep Cuts
For this concert, core members including Joey Tang, Patrick Lui, and Edde Sing started planning early. Besides the guaranteed classic hits like "Red Car" and "Crystal", they also plan to take fans back to their old band rehearsal studio, digging out some hidden gems they haven't performed in a long time. According to insiders, Patrick mentioned during rehearsals that Gary, before he passed, often talked about wanting to perform some of their older side tracks, feeling that those songs truly represented Tai Chi's musical experimentation. "He said songs like 'After the Cold Wind' and 'Don't Want to Love Foolishly' – maybe fans today don't know them, but he really missed that feeling." So for this concert, they've specially included these songs in the setlist, as a final gift to Gary and to fulfil his wish.
"There Will Always Be a Spot Reserved for Him at the Show"
Speaking about the concert's stage design, insiders involved in the production reveal that Joey Tang emotionally stated that although Gary can't be there in person, they will definitely have a spot reserved for him on stage. "Maybe we'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. That spot will always be for him."
Long-time friends who have worked closely with Tai Chi, such as Paul Wong and the recently active band OneWeekStAr, are also likely to appear as guests. Those close to them recall Paul mentioning how they would always hang out backstage in the old days, with Gary quietly watching everyone having fun, making them particularly miss the friendship forged in those underground band rooms.
Concert Highlights at a Glance:
- Tribute Segment: Featuring several non-hit songs that Gary loved, including rare tracks like "Never Say Goodbye Again".
- Star Guests: Friends like Paul Wong and OneWeekStAr will take the stage to share memories and anecdotes about Gary.
- Archival Footage: The stage screens will showcase rare documentaries and behind-the-scenes moments from Tai Chi's early years, including clips of Gary creating in the band room.
- On-Site Display: A special area in the auditorium will exhibit musical instruments and personal items Gary used, allowing fans to pay their respects.
A 40-year bond isn't something you just let go. The remaining six members of Tai Chi have chosen to continue their connection with Gary Tong through music, transforming their loss into the most heartfelt sincerity on stage. For fans who have followed them since the 80s, this concert is probably more than just listening to songs; it's a chance to witness a band camaraderie that transcends life and death, and to bid a final farewell to this quiet music maestro, saying: Gary, thank you. You will always be remembered.