[ 15-02-2005 ]
Cynics may have questioned his motive for coming out of retirement last year but as LI EE KEE discovered, Sam Hui has his heart in the right place as he helped Hong Kong usher in a happy Rooster year in his New Year concert.
The concert started promptly at 7.30pm. After being fined HKD50,000 (RM25,000) the night before for exceeding the time limit, Sam was determined that he would not repeat the same offence twice. He kicked off his show with the up-tempo Zui Hei Foon Nei (I Like You Most), standing precariously in a mermaid-fashioned gondola that hung in mid-air. Despite the fact that most of his fans have caught one or two (maybe three) of his Keep on Smiling concerts last year, they remained insatiable. One and all screamed their hearts out for him. It was a boisterous affair and he relished every minute of it. Being the seasoned performer, Sam knew what fans wanted and he delivered. He fulfilled requests for songs and kisses. Yes, you read right, kisses. Sam performed over 50 songs, including Poon Kan Pat Leong, Sap Gor Lui Zai, Hok Sang Gor, Si Yu Si Lui, Zui Kai Pak Dong, Long Zi Sam Sing, Nan Mong Nei and Zan Sik. He also sang several English numbers such as One Tin Soldier, his idol Elvis Presley? Devil in Disguise and Can? Help Falling in Love. His voice control was impeccable and could put many of today? younger singers to shame. His Cantonese adaptation of Music of the Night, from The Phantom of the Opera, was in particular mind-blowing. But it wasn? just all play for Sam. His main reason for coming out last year after a 12-year retirement was to bring hope and laughter to the people of Hong Kong. The smiles never left the faces of the 12,000- strong audience at the coliseum and he constantly reminded them to live life every day like it was their last. One of the night? highlights was his performance with sons Ryan and Scott. The trio had a whale of a time prancing onstage singing the infectious ditties Tsim Sha Tsui Susie and Tin Choi Yu Bak Chi. Scott looked adorable dressed in similar blue, white and red outfit as his father. For the audience, it was a delight watching them perform as a family. It gave a glimpse into the close bond they share. Since Sam? first series of concerts last year, his sons have been performing with him and have proven to be his pillar of strength and support. And no one can accuse Sam of not being a doting father. He has been using his concerts to promote eldest son Ryan? bid for a singing career and giving him the platform to showcase his talents. Earlier that night, Ryan took to the stage solo and performed a self-penned Cantonese rock tune Yu Kam Dik Lei. It lacked cohesion but was nonetheless impressive for a newcomer. There is little doubt that Ryan (Scott too) has inherited his father? talent and love for music. But will this God of Song? offspring charm the hearts of the Hong Kong people as did Jackie Chan? son, Jaycee, remains to be seen. In keeping with the family theme, Sam sang a duet with brother Ricky, whom he endearingly called Ah Ying. As the brothers mucked about on stage, it was obvious that the Hui brothers are close.
It is a well-known fact that Ricky has spent most of his life overshadowed by brothers Michael and Sam. He knows as much. During one of his segments, he noted in his usual self-depreciating manner that his presence signals time for the audience to make a dash for the bathroom. But that night, after over 40 years, Ricky finally stepped out of his brothers?shadows. He was elated to find a placard bearing his name and the audience greeted him with the same deafening applauses they gave his brother. And in one of the night? most moving moments, Ricky delivered a stirring rendition of Mou Qing Ye Lang Fong, a Mandarin song he wrote for Sam. Guest artistes who performed that night 12 Girls Band, Ella Koon and Crystal did a wonderful job. Especially noteworthy was Sam collaboration with 12 Girls Band on Chong Hoi Yat Sing Siu (A Single Laughter in the Sea) from his martial arts movie Swordsman (1990). This James Wong classic was breathtakingly brought to life by their rousing performance. The concert clocked in at four hours and 10 minutes and the backache was well worth it despite some tedious moments here and there. Sam delivered his promise to keep fans smiling and give them hope for a better new year.
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