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SINGAPORE : Canto-pop heavyweights Ronald Cheng and William So marked a return to the music scene with a double-bill gig at The Max Pavillion in Singapore on Saturday, and it seemed like they had never left the scene for acting and hosting duties at home.
Despite having set their singing careers aside for a few years, the Hong Kong duo were in top form.
So shined with his signature baritone vocals, and Cheng was on the mark with his distinctly mellow voice, proving that good concerts are made of wonderful songs and great performers, even in the absence of acrobatic dance moves and costly stage pyrotechnics.
The show opened on a high note as the two longtime friends – ascending the stage together - performed each other's songs in a medley.
So – decked in a smart black tailcoat - followed up with a solo routine, belting out his classic Mandarin hits such as "Love's Old Ways" and "Men Shouldn't Let Women Cry". He especially dedicated the latter song to two of his pals in Singapore - newlyweds Christopher Lee and Fann Wong - who tied the knot a few weeks ago.
Having staged a handful of solo in Singapore in the past, So was at ease with the local crowd, working the audience effortlessly.
The affable singer kept the audience on their feet, literally, taking walks in the crowd and even stopping to pose for pictures with a few lucky fans in the midst of a song - all without missing a note.
In contrast, Saturday night's concert was a first for Cheng in Singapore.
Despite being in unfamiliar territory, the laid-back star – dressed in denim shirt and jeans - earned huge applause for his earnest delivery of chart-topping ballads such as "Never Say I Love You" and "Don't Love Me", which made him a household name in Singapore.
Sharing the spotlight together during an unplugged segment in simple acoustics arrangement, Cheng and So covered Leslie Cheung's crowd-pleaser "Pursuit" and Jacky Cheung's "Perhaps Love".
The duo also threw in a playful jazz rendition of English number "Paper Moon".
Though it was an evening of mostly romantic tunes, there rarely was a lull moment as Cheng and So entertained concert-goers with candid Hong Kong-esque banter in between songs. While the charismatic So charmed and entertained, the audience was equally appreciative of Cheng's spontaneous and often self-deprecating humour.
Guitarist Joey Tang and backing vocalist Patrick Lui - members of Hong Kong's canto-rock band Tai Chi - doubled as musicians and guest acts, performing the only rock tune that evening - "Red Fast Car".
Despite their energetic rendition, the interlude fell flat, largely because they were relatively unknown among the Singapore audience.
It was the final segment which gave a noticeable lift to the crowd as the pair showcased a rare selection of fast tempo pieces with an 80s repertoire of vintage hits including Leslie Cheung's "Stand Up" and "Sleepless Nights", Alan Tam's "Love Trap" and Anita Mui's "Dream Companion".
In a shower of confetti, Cheng and So made their exit, ending the two-hour concert on a high. - CNA
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