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Gary Tong was found unconscious at home and passed away yesterday
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Tai Chi cannot accept the passing of one of their own. |
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Joey Yung posts a video with Gary Tong |
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Gary Tong produced many songs for Mr. |
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Gary Tong once managed Keeva Mak |
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Even though his father was an Universal executive, Ronald Cheng does not hold back when something unreasonable happens. courtesy of singtao.com |
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Vivian Chow says that because she and Gary Tong have the same religious beliefs they would pray together before a show |
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Tai Chi's Joey Tang says that Gary Tong would not pay too much mind over the Universal incident |
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Universal Records apologizes for the social media post courtesy of mingpao.com |
Famous musician and Tai Chi member Gary Tong Yik Chung
two days ago passed away at age 57. Those who have worked with Gary
like Joey Yung Cho Yi, Vivian Chow Wai Man, Hins Cheung King Hin, Leo
Ku Kui Ke, Keeva Mak Ka Yu, Mr.'s guitarist MJ Tam Kit Ming and Ronny
Lai Chak Yan remembered Gary on social media. Yung Cho Yi sentimentally
wrote, "Wherever Gary was only had good music and a fun time!"
Currently in the Mainland, Yung Cho Yi worked with Gary many
times. Two nights ago she posted a video of her dancing with Gary,
who was on the keyboard, to he song DANCING STREET at a concert.
"Tonight is a little sad." Joey worked with gary many times over 18
years. "I started working wih Gary on the 2003 HEART FADES, Schumann
and LEO at the time thought the first version of song arrangement
didn't reach the theme and decided to ask Gary for help. Finally this
song was not sent for airplay, but became one of the most important
work in my life. It came from Gary's romantic and bold song
arrangement. We also wrokred together on numerous concerts big and
small, touring different countries. No matter which post Gary was in,
he was just as relaxed, easy going, talented and low key. Quietly he
provided the best music suggestions to us, absolutely would not give
any singer, even musician any hard time or pressure. No matter how
tense the condition or the performance was, wherever Gary was only had
good music and a fun time. Such a great person, his instinct and
passion for music was invaluable. I really can't accept such a sudden
passing. Gary I would always remember your good, may you have a safe
journey."
Hins Cheung King Hin posted a black and white photo of Gary in
the studio. "Gary Gor Gor, thank you for the beautiful music you
brought. From learning about you in record credits during my student
days to finally having the chance to sing songs that you arranged once
I got into the business, even sharing the stage and performing with
you, I am grateful to have the chance to meet you in my life. Thank
you for always making people feel warm and friendly. thank you for your
stubbornness and persistence toward music whether on the stage or in
the studio. Thank you! Miss you always!"
Gary was the music director for Vivian Chow Wai Man's concerts.
Two nights ago Chow Wai Man posted 3 photos on social media, including
work photos from the 30th anniversary Hong Kong concert, 1994 Taiwan
concert and two years ago Toronto concert. "Dear Gary, miss you
forever!" She remembered Gary in the post, "Gary was a gentle and
polite musician. In 1994 when my first solo concert took place in
Taiwan, he was my music director. In recent years the 30th anniversary
concert in Hong Kong and almost every show on the our, he was my band
member, and music director for two shows. He accompanied me on this
musical journey, which was especially warm. He gave me a lot of
strength to complete every show. In mid February, the encouraging words
that he sent me, I would always remember them. Thank you Gary!"
Gary was onvce Keeva Mak Ka Yu's manager. Keeva on social
media eulogized her mentor. "Thank you very much for your nurturing
and encouragement all along. I would always miss you. See you in
Heaven, Gary Gor Gor." Irene Wan Bik Ha posted, "I really don't want to
believe this, a super musical talent and a super nice guy, Gary I wish
you have a safe journey! We will always miss you!" Leo Ku Kui Ke
wrote, "Dear Gary R.I.P."
Mr.'s guitarist MJ Tam Kit Ming worked with Gary countless
times and sawa him as his teacher. He posted a black and white photo
of Gary resting in the studio on social media. "Maybe I won't be able
to accept this in my lifetime, this person I feel is the best person in
the entire music scene passed away today. Without Gary in the
beginning, Mr.'s music wouldn't achieve the success that we once had."
He also wrote, "Gary, I really never said to you, in my heart I always
thought of you as my teacher. Thank you very much, thank you for
everything you have gone for us, for me. You would always and
forever be in my heart. Teacher, have a safe journey!"
Another member of Mr., Ronny Lai Chak Yan also posted many
photos with Gary. "You rocked my world! Let's jam again later, we
will meet again in the music world."
As artists friends remembered Gary Tong, "Universal Chinese
Classic's" social media posted, "Suddenly I really want to listen to
Tai Chi! RIP Gary tong" and enclosed a link to make purchase. People
online criticized the site for trying to get rich off the dead. Ronald
Cheng Chung Kei also posted, "Universal Record do you XXX have any
humanity?!"
"Universal Chinese Classic" site saw the public outrage and
rushed to remove the post. The entire special page was removed as
well, but the internet turned their rage to other Universal Record
special pages. Universal Record issued an apology. "Universal Record
hereby first apologizes to everyone. We have already solemnly handled
this matter, upon learning abou the matter those involved have been
severely punished. From now on we would cautiously handle our social
media platform content. We express deep regret and sorrrow over Mr.
Tong Yik Chung's passing."