Wakin 20 Live In Malaysia 2007
Emil Chau 20th Anniversary Concert
Putra Indoor Stadium, Bukit Jalil
14 July 2007
After a month of patiently anticipating the July 14th Emil Chau's 20th Anniversary Concert at Putra Indoor Stadium in Bukit Jalil, the day has finally arrived! As early as 4pm, I've started to prepare myself for the concert. Ate some Seremban siu pao and drank a cup of tea as a light dinner. Then, I quickly took a shower and changed to a long sleeve shirt and jeans. (I thought that since it's an indoor stadium, it would be cold inside. But I was very wrong hehe because it was rather warm in the stadium)
My mom, sister, and I left the house at about 6.15pm with my hubby on the wheels and finally arrived at Bukit Jalil at about 7pm. We first passed by the National Sports Council and then the National Stadium. Finally we saw a parking area with an Emil Chau's concert poster next to it. So we decided to park the car there and walk our way to Putra Stadium. There were many people who came with families, friends and couples walking towards the same direction and we quickly assumed that they were all attending Emil Chau's concert like us. So, we followed them since we are not familiar with the place hehehe and indeed we were right. After walking for some distance, and passing by a few other stadiums such as the Hockey stadium, we finally arrived at the Putra Stadium entrance!!
The stadium entrance was very well organised as different seating level had been assigned different entrances. This provided a fast and easy access to our seats once we got in to the stadium. When we were finally in the building, we saw a girl promoting some credit cards at a temporary counter. We weren't paying attention at all to the card that she was trying to promote, but instead, we only wanted the free gift she was holding, a giant size yellow coloured styrofoam-made hand hehehe. My sister and I both requested for one of those yellow hands. :D
Since the concert was mine and hubby's first live concert, we were willing to pay more in order to be able to see Emil Chau closer rather than having to view the entire concert on the large screen. Therefore, we bought the RM223 range ticket. I managed to get a 10% discount though for purchasing the tickets during the Ticket Launch and Live Appearance of Emil Chau on 10th June at Berjaya Times Square.
The concert ticket
From the seating plan shown in the internet website, our seats at block L6, Row H, numbers 18 till 21 were supposed to be pretty close to the stage. However, I was a little disappointed when we were shown the seats as they weren't as close to the stage as I have imagined. I think block L7 or L8 seats will have a much nicer view, but those seats were only released for sales just a few days before the concert date.
Later during the concert, Emil explained that there were some technical errors between them and the organizer, Galaxy because Galaxy thought that normally, there will be some computer equipments on the left and right side of the stage. Therefore, those seats directly next to the stage were not part of the ticket sales. Only few days before the concert they realized the mistake and started to sell more tickets from those block of seats. Emil also apologised to Galaxy for causing them to earn less money by not selling enough tickets from L7 and L8 due to the last minute released of those seats hehehe.
Seating plan of the stadium
My mom, sister, hubby and I went into the stadium at around 7.20pm and were ushered to our seats. The stadium was still quite empty at that time because many were still outside having a quick dinner at the small canteen.
The stadium was still quite empty when we entered at about 7.20pm. The blue coloured seats infront of the stage are VVIP seats, those red coloured seats behind the blue seats are RM303 seats and those maroon coloured seats on the right side, one level higher, are RM223 seats (where I was sitting).
My mom and sister :)
Me and hubby with the giant yellow hand :)
Then before we realized it, the stadium was slowly being filled up and at about 8.15pm, lights were switched off in the stadium and all spot lights concentrated on the stage. Everyone started screaming for 'Zhou Hua Jian', whistles were blown furiously, fluorescent sticks were flagged continuosly. Slowly, one by one of Emil Chau's band members and musicians started to take their positions on the stage next to their musical instruments. Everyone in the stadium started to get very anxious and excited, including me!!! I even started to flag the giant yellow 'hand' hoping that someone on the stage will see it hahahaha.
By 8pm the stadium was completely filled
This was how the stadium looked like when the concert was about to start and all lights were switched off except for the spot lights above the stage.
Then in the distance the sound of soft drumming can be heard from Emil's band and a short advertisement appeared on the wide screen above, promoting the sponsors 'Sports Toto' and 'Ogawa'. We were also advised not to use any recording devices to record the concert, but i think a mini digital camera or handphone should be ok as long as it's not used for commercial purposes ;)
After about 5 minutes, they finally announced that it is time to begin the Emil Chau 20 Live in Malaysia Concert!!! Thunderous applause filled the stadium and everyone was shouting 'Zhou Hua Jian' , 'Zhou Hua Jian' , 'Zhou Hua Jian' !!!
Wow! That was really the best moment of the night and the atmosphere was just too spectacular to be described in words. The whistles, applause and screamings got louder and in my mind I was thinking 'This is it, this is it! I finally get to see my idol perform live on stage right infront of my eyes!' hahaha I was almost hysterical hehehe :p
When the music started, everyone became even more excited and the podium on the stage started to rotate to the opposite side, bringing the staircase behind while Emil Chau slowly appeared, in white suit and pants. Emil looking extremely smart belted out his first hit single from his debut album 'Xing De Fang Xiang'!
Finally, Emil appeared, partly hidden by the fireworks :)
After the song, Emil explained that on 14 July 2007, it was exactly 20 years and 1 day of his anniversary in the music industry. That was why he started off the concert with the old time romantic song from his debut album.
Emil still sounded as good as ever, superb vocal and performance! I wished the concert could last forever hehe. I truely enjoyed every single second of it (and very fortunately, I didn't cough much during the concert. Yea I was having a bad cough. Emil's great vocal and lively performance must have distracted the coughing germs from disturbing me hehehe).
Emil Chau standing right at the center of the stage singing the first song
After the first song, Emil went on to sing my favourite song 'Yu Ren' (Rain Main)! He delivered it so really well I wish I could see more of him. From my seat, although I could see him walking around on stage, I couldn't see his face clearly and will have to look at the huge screen once in a while if I wanted to catch his expressions. Yea, as you all know, Emil Chau does have lots of very humorous and emotional expressions when he is singing ;)
Emil singing Yu Ren
After this song, Emil Chau continued with a Cantonese number called ' 海角天涯 (Somewhere Out There)' which is also my favourite! Here's the video clip I recorded for that song.
Emil singing the 3rd song,' 海角天涯 (Somewhere Out There)'.
After recording 2 videos for the 2nd and 3rd songs, I've decided to stop recording anymore and to fully enjoy the rest of the concert. : ) After all, what's the point of attending a live concert when we still have to look at him through the lense and to worry about how good the video is?? hehehe
After the 3rd song, Emil greeted the audiences from all age levels who were seated at all levels of the stadium. As usual he managed to crack some jokes and displayed his trade mark 'hahaha' laughs too :) I always feel very happy listening to Emil Chau's songs and jokes, sort of make all my problems and sorrows disappear for a moment in time before reality strikes me back hehehe.
Emil Chau looking great in this striking white attire in the first segment of the concert. Picture is courtesy of Shereen K.
Emil then sang several Cantonese numbers made famous when he was in Hong Kong. Not all songs are familiar to me as I do not have Emil's full Cantonese album. Nonetheless the songs were all very good and I enjoyed it pretty much.
Emil Chau singing the Cantonese ballad titled '浓情化不开' (Long Ching Fa Pat Hoi). This video is courtesy of Chin Chin.
I especially like the soundtrack from Tarzan the best. He sang first in Mandarin, then Cantonese then English and rotates back to Mandarin. A very nice remix indeed.
Emil singing soundtrack from Tarzan, You'll Be In My Heart. This video clip is courtesy of Chin Chin.
After singing a few songs, Emil will always have some small talks with us, the faithful fans, and entertained us with his witty jokes and comical expressions :) This is why Emil Chau's concert is always very lively and cheerful.
Emil Chau having a good chat with the audience while sitting on the staircase. This video clip is courtesy of Chin Chin
After reminiscing his achievements in Hong Kong with the Cantonese hits, Emil went backstage to change and came back dressed in completely black this time. He sang some very emotional mandarin songs and sat on top of the staircase when singing. One very significant song and appearence really caught my attention was when he was singing 'Pa Hei' (Afraid Of The Dark), sitting on the staircase with cold ice flowing over. It was a superb performance of the song and he delivered it with full of emotions. After that Emil mentioned that this song is usually not selected to be sung in his concerts and he believes that it was a huge mistake to not include the song in the past concerts of 20 years back, which I totally agree after listening and seeing how well Emil had just delivered the song.
Noticed Emil sitting on the stair case while singing 'Pa Hei' and the smoke from the cold ice surrounding the stairs.
Emil Chau singing a Cantonese song titled '像我这样一个男人' while sitting on the staircase. This video is courtesy of Chin Chin.
During the concert, Emil also introduced his main violinist, Lee Chi, who recently had a surgery and was still in the recovery process but took the effort and risk to attend Emil's concert as the main violinist. At times, I noticed that whenever, Lee Chi was not needed for most of the songs, he will be wheel chaired back to the back stage to rest, and will be wheel chaired out again when he was needed. Lee Chi managed to perform 'Storyteller' and 'Xiao Tian Tang' standing on his feet though. Hopefully he didn't strain himself too much. :) Emil truly has a remarkable and supportive band with him and I'm very happy for Emil that he has such a strong relationship with his band members. Emil mentioned that most of the band members have been with him for 20 years throughout his growth in the music industry.
Emil singing a Mandarin song titled ' 飞跃迷雾 '. This video is courtesy of Chin Chin.
Also in this segment, there was one song that caught Emil by surprise when he saw the audiences' reaction. When singing the song called 'Wang You Chao' (Day Lilies) everyone sang along with him like a giant size karaoke and Emil even aimed the mike at us when singing the chorus :). After the song ended, Emil commented that he was very very happy that everyone sang along with him and he didn't expected it and felt so touched that it was this particular song that he had the audience singing along because 'Wang You Chao' is a more mature type of song compared to those lovey dovey songs. Emil then praised his Malaysian fans :)
Emil singing with full of emotions. Picture is courtesy of Shereen K.
Later, a musician appeared on stage while Emil was getting ready in the backstage with his next attire. I think the musician played a musical instrument similar to a huge size chinese er hu. Finally Emil came back, in a partly white shirt and beigh colour pants continuing with his charm and singing his evergreen songs accompanied by the chinese instrument.
Emil singing evergreen hits. Picture is courtesy of Shereen K.
Emil then commented on one particular song. He said that every time he had a concert in Malaysia, this one song has always been missed out from the song list, the song titled 'My Little Paradise' (Xiao Tien Tang)! Emil also explained that the song's main attention is his main violinist, Lee Chi as the music is violin oriented.
Emil singing 'Xiao Tien Tang' accompanied by the chinese instrument and violin. You can see from the video clip the musician playing the chinese instrument is standing on the left of Emil while Lee Chi is on the right. This video clip is courtesy of Chin Chin.
Emil singing a Mandarin song titled '寡妇村传奇' (The Widow Village) accompanied by the chinese instrument and violin. You can see from the video clip the musician playing the chinese instrument is standing on the left of Emil while Lee Chi is on the right. This video clip is courtesy of Chin Chin.
After singing a few more ballads in this segment, Emil disappeared back stage again to change, and came out with another outfit, white in colour too and a guitar as well. Emil sat on a high stool with the guitar and sang acoustic on 'Ai Mei Gui' (Love Roses).
Emil singing 'Ai Mei Gui' acoustic version. Picture is courtesy of Shereen K.
Half way through the song, Emil's first guest artist, Lee Chee Ching, a very talented composer from Malaysia appeared. He sat next to Emil and sang together with Emil. Then Emil allowed Lee to sing solo the song titled 'Bao You Wo' (Bless Me) which was composed by Lee himself for Z-Chen, a Malaysian singer based in Taiwan. After that they proceeded to sing duet on Emil's song 'Wo Men Bu Ku' (We Don't Cry), another song composed by Lee Chee Ching. I love this segment very much as 'Wo Men Bu Ku' is one of my favourite song and having it sang in an acoustic manner was just fantastic! During the concert, Emil gave very very good comments about Lee, who has composed a number of songs for Emil's albums. He is one very talented composer from Malaysia and I'm very proud of him. :)
Lee Chee Ching singing 'Bao You Wo' while Emil Chau listened attentively. Picture is courtesy of Shereen K.
After Lee left, Emil had a nice little chat with the audience and entertained us with some short children song and not forgetting to crack some jokes as well :) After that he sang the song called 'Ching Ching Wo Te Bau Pei' (the song dedicated to his son when his son was born).
Emil Chau singing a children song. This video clip is courtesy of Chin Chin.
Emil Chau singing a short tune and having a nice chat with the audience during the guitar segment. This video clip is courtesy of Chin Chin.
Then it was time for Emil's second guest artist of the night, Pin Guan a talented Malaysian singer to appear on stage. Pin Guan gave a touching speech of Emil Chau being his idol since a very young age and how he grew up listening to Emil Chau's songs.
Pin Guan's speech on Emil Chau being his idol since young. Video is courtesy of YinYin.
They both then sang duet on the song called 'Top Of The World' by The Carpenters which will be one of the songs in Pin Guan's soon to be released English album. It is a very cheerful and lively song, and it got everyone in the audience singing along with them.
Pin Guan and Emil belting out Top Of The World. Picture is courtesy of Shereen K.
After that Pin Guan brought out a cassette, yes a cassette and not a CD of the 'Fung Yu Wu Chu' (Nothing Will Stop Me From Loving You) album and a marker pen requesting Emil to autograph it for him :) Pin Guan explained that during his schooling time, Emil came to Malaysia to do a promotion of his album and Pin Guan, together with all other Emil Chau fans eagerly queued up to get the signature from Emil. Rather unfortunately when it was Pin Guan's turn, the organizers had to stop the session with the reason that it was time for Emil to move on to the next stop in Penang. Pin Guan was very disappointed at that time, but now, standing on the same stage with Emil Chau, he quickly grabbed hold of this golden opportunity to get what he had failed to get years back.. hehehe Emil Chau was very touched after listening to the story from Pin Guan and decided to fulfill Pin Guan's dream :) Emil, a natural entertainer then joked that why the cassette looks so new if it's from so many years back? hahaha gotcha Pin Guan, but Pin Guan replied and said that he kept and preserved the CD well, and only recently went back to his hometown to search for the cassette hehehe. After this little cute scene, Emil passed the stage to Pin Guan and went backstage to change. Pin Guan took this opportunity to sing Emil's 'Fung Yu Wu Chu' after getting his long awaited wish fulfilled. He delivered the song pretty well. :)
Pin Guan singing 'Fung Yu Wu Chu' (Nothing Will Stop Me From Loving You). Video is courtesy of YinYin.
Pin Guan singing 'Fung Yu Wu Chu' (Nothing Will Stop Me From Loving You). Video is courtesy of YinYin. .
After Pin Guan left, while waiting for Emil Chau to reappear on stage, we were being entertained with some video clips on the huge screen. It was showing some of Emil Chau's pictures and also promoted his website 'http://www.wakin.com/'. Finally Emil appeared again, standing right on top of the staircase, in a striking green jacket while playing the guitar. He continued to charm the crowd with his famous hits and slowly walked down the staircase.
Emil looking good in the striking green jacket singing with the guitar standing at the top most of the staircase. Picture is courtesy of Shereen K.
Emil Chau singing 'Any Song Reminds You Of Me'. Video is courtesy of YinYin.
By now, Emil had already sang so many of his greatest hits, I've lost count of how many songs he sang for us that night! Ah, and not forgetting the piano, Emil also played on the piano and sang 'You Make Me Happy You Make Me Sad' (Rang Wo Huan Xi Rang Wo Yo).
Emil playing on the piano and singing 'Rang Wo Huan Xi Rang Wo You'. Video is courtesy of Sheryl.
Emil playing on the piano and singing 'Rang Wo Huan Xi Rang Wo You'. Video is courtesy of Hvveein.
Whenever Emil stood or sat near the edge of the stage, there will always be someone standing on their heels below the stage, trying very hard to reach Emil in order to pass bouquet of flowers and gifts to him. Emil always accepted the flowers and gifts appreciatively and will hold on to the bouquet next to his heart before it's taken away by the concert assistant. This is what I like about Emil because he really shows respect for his fans and appreciates their efforts in getting him flowers :)
Emil singing 'Ai Xiang Sui' (Love Follows Us). Video is courtesy of Sheryl. Pay attention to the video you will notice that Emil received bouquet of flowers several times and each time he will hold on to it after receiving the flowers before it's taken away by the concert assistant and he will also remember to pick up the flowers when he stood up from sitting position :)
Towards the end Emil sang 'Zhi Shi Bu Siang Zhou' (I Didn't Intend To Leave) and asked the audience for the time hehe It was almost 12am by then but Emil promised that the concert 'hasn't started' yet hahaha
When Emil disappeared backstage again, the crowd screamed for more and it was a mixture of 'encore', 'encore', 'Zhou Hua Jian', Zhou Hua Jian'!!
As expected, Emil Chau reappeared to the loud applause from the audience in a striking dark red outfit. He was very touched and happy that so many of us in the crowd stayed back eventhough it has already passed 12am. Then Emil said that it was time for the song request segment and said "the concert starts now" hehehe :)
A cute expression from Emil Chau during the encore segment. :) Picture is courtesy of Shereen K.
Emil told us that during his recent visit to Malaysia to promote the concert, he had an interview at a radio station and the radio DJ by the name of 'Bi Zhi' (not sure of the spelling) had requested him to sing a particular song on the concert day. When Emil called out for 'Bi Zhi' a loud cheer came from somewhere above where I was sitting. Then Emil joked and said "if you're really 'Bi Zhi' then can you tell me what song she requested?" hehehe I'm sure 'Bi Zhi' was at the concert but due to the large crowd it was quite impossible to see her or hear her at all. Emil then announced that the song she requested was 'Chuen Shi Jiek Ti Ou Ting' (I Am Standing On The Roof Of The World). Coincidently, I also heard the radio interview previously and I was wondering if Emil will remember the DJ's request on the concert day. So, now it has proven that Emil is truly a person who keeps his promises and always have his fans in mind :) Emil told the crowd that in case she's not here, he hoped her colleagues or friends who were among the crowd will inform her that he sang the song for her as the first song during the song request segment. How I wish I could request Emil Chau to sing a song for me and to call out my name specially dedicating the song to me too :) Bi Zhi is one lucky girl!
Then Emil Chau mentioned that he really wants to give us more in return of our support to him all these years and kept thinking of what else he can offer to his faithful fans. That was how this song request segment came about too. Deep in my heart and I'm sure in everyone's too, all who were present that night, felt that Emil Chau already gave us more than we could possibly asked for. He gave us an amazing 4.5 hours of a very wonderful and memorable night that will remain in our hearts forever :)
During the song request segment, Emil asked the crowd which other songs they would like to listen which was not covered in the concert. He asked from every level of the stadium, from those sitting at the lowest ground, to the upper level, and to the highest level. Then from the left side to the right side of the stadium. At that time a girl appeared infront of the stage standing on her heels to give Emil a bouquet of flowers. Emil then asked her what song she would like to request for. Due to the fact that the stage was to high and quite difficult to hear her, Emil then lay down completely on his chest, trying to reach her closer. That was so very sweet of Emil :)
Emil lying on his chest, reaching out to the lady below the stage to hear her song request :) This picture is courtesy of Wakin Taiwan Fan Club
Emil then let her speak through the mike in order for all of us to hear. She requested for an English song called 'Close To You' (by Carpenters) hehe. Emil then sang a few verse from the song :) .
(I read in the newspapers few days later, that Emil will become Ogawa's first Asia regional spokesman for its products and the song 'Close To You' will be the theme song for Ogawa's latest advertising campaign and will be featured in Emil's upcoming album too. I can't wait for the album release! :) )
After asking the audience from all corners of the stadium for song requests, several songs came up, such as Peng You, Zhai Ai Wo Ba, Fung Yu Wu Zu, Hua Xin and several other hits. Emil sang most of the requested songs.
Emil singing 'Hua Xin'. Video is courtesy of Sheryl.
Then suddenly, out of the blue, Nicholas Teo, another Malaysian singer currently based in Taiwan, appeared on stage as Emil's third guest artist of the night, with a bouquet of flowers for Emil Chau. Emil commented that he has seen Nicholas's tv series and he now believes that in person Nicholas is really very handsome (liang chai) hahaha. After a short conversation they both sang duet on 'Wo Shi Zhen Te Fu Chu Wo Te Ai' (I Truly Gave My Love To You). After that Emil suddenly realized that the concert had just passed 4 hours! It was about 12:35am at that time, and the concert started at 8:15pm. Emil was very very happy that he finally managed to set a new record in Malaysia, a record breaking concert which lasted more than 4 hours. It was truly a great scene seeing how happy Emil was at that moment. I can really feel Emil Chau's happiness when he announced that the concert has passed 4 hours :)
After that Emil requested that Pin Guan and Lee Chee Ching to come up to the stage again to join him and Nicholas to sing the song called 'Zhen Xin Ying Xiong' (previously sung by Emil Chau, Jackie Chan, Anthony Wong and Jonathan Lee). It was truly a great way to end the concert, one great song sung by Emil Chau and 3 talented singers/composer from Malaysia!
Nicholas Teo, Emil Chau, Lee Chee Ching and Pin Guan singing 'Zhen Xin Ying Xiong'
Nicholas Teo, Emil Chau, Lee Chee Ching and Pin Guan singing 'Zhen Xin Ying Xiong'. Video is courtesy of YinYin.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end.... Finally, Emil asked all his band members to come out to the front of the stage, introduced themselves one after another and bowed to the audience.
Emil with his band members bowing to the audience.
Before the concert ended, Emil said there was still one more song that he hadn't sang, and he said if he didn't sing the song, then 'we're not friends'..hehehe... yea that's right, Emil sang 'Peng You' (Friends) and everyone in the crowd sang along. Before the song ended, Emil waved goodbye to the audience from all corners of the stadium and everyone stood up and waved back. I was also waving frantically with the giant yellow hand with the hope that Emil can catch a glimpse of me, a loyal fan hehe. It was a very touching scene indeed to see everyone standing up to wave goodbye to Emil Chau.
Emil singing the final song of the night
Then just for a split second, I turned back to take a look at the audience behind the stadium and when I turned around again, to my horror Emil was already no where to be seen on the stage :'(
The rotating podium had rotated to the opposite side bringing Emil over to the backstage when I wasn't looking..... I felt so sad at that moment for not being able to wave farewell to Emil and to see him slowly disappear backstage...
At last, everyone started to leave the stadium and the concert had finally come to an end no matter how I wished for a second encore ....
Emil no where to be seen on the stage now...
Everyone started leaving the stadium...
Emil Chau delivered a remarkable concert, lasted four and a half hours, full of energy, humor and excellent vocal. I really enjoyed the concert very much and I will remember the night forever, the night where nothing but laughter, love, fun and good music filled my memory.
Thank you, Emil, for enlightening my life with such a breathtaking and entertaining concert! You are truly a shining star and a great wonder to the music world! I will support you forever ever :)
Note: The sequence of events I mentioned in this blog may not be chronologically the same as the concert but it should be more or less how the concert started and ended :)
This video sort of transformed my entire report into a summarized video :)
Thanks to 'Suki8040' for uploading it to YouTube! ;)
This is a picture video of the entire concert. Thanks to 'mayepet' for uploading it to YouTube! ;)
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More photos from :
Wakin's Malaysia Friends Site : http://geocities.com/chau_wakin/main.html (click on the blinking 'Gallery' hyperlink to access the photos)
Stars Ferry's Friends (Taiwan): http://www.wakin.idv.tw/album/album_20070714.htm
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I love the remix of the Tarzan soundtrack 'You'll Be In My Heart' so much that I cannot resist to embed this video from YouTube :)
Celebrating the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland..Emil Chau sang a remix of Cantonese, English and Mandarin version of Tarzan soundtrack 'You'll Be In My Heart'. (Special thanks to 'rainman2029' for uploading the video to YouTube)
