[2014.03.26] HEAVENLY KINGS AND QUEENS EULOGIZE CHEUNG YIU WING

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

Andy Lau

Aaron Kwok

Leon Lai

Jacky Cheung says Cheung Yiu Wing symbolized concerts

1932-2014

Liza Wang

Cheung Yiu Wing gave the rising Kelly Chen a chance after only two years in the business

Cheung Yiu Wing invested in all of Miriam Yeung's past concerts

Sandy Lam
courtesy of mingpao.com

Joey Yung

Back stage in 2010, Cheung Yiu Wing jumped with Twins

Sammi Cheng's classic concert Nike eyebrow was all thanks to Cheung Yiu Wing's investment

Known as the "Father of Concerts", Cheung Yiu Wing yesterday morning passed away from a heart attack at age 82. Always energetic and active, Cheung Yiu Wing's sudden passing shocked and surprised many show business insiders. Although Yiu Wing started in the construction business, he liked show business. For over 30 years he invested in singer concerts and never minded to be the stepping stone for singers' Hong Kong Coliseum debut; thus when the bad news arrived yesterday, Andy Lau Tak Wa, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Jacky Cheung Hok Yau, Leon Lai Ming, Joey Yung Cho Yi, Kelly Chen Wai Lam, Sammi Cheng Sau Man, Miriam Yeung Chin Wa, Sandy Lam Yik Lin and others were all sadden. They were able to step foot on the Hong Kong Coliseum stage for the first time because they received infinite support from Cheung Yiu Wing. Kwok Fu Sing even hoped that the government would consider a statue for Cheung Yiu Wing on the Avenue of Stars to honor Cheung Yiu Wing's contribution to the music scene.

Cheung Yiu Wing once revealed in an interview that in his eyes Kwok Fu Sing, Lau Tak Wa, Chen Wai Lam, Liza Wang Ming Chuen and Sally Yeh (Yip Sin Man) were the most loyal to him. Whether they planned for concerts they would ask him if he wanted to organize them. They would not raise their rates because they became famous. Kwok Fu Sing has worked with him since his 16 show concert series in 1994. Cheung Yiu Wing treated Sing Sing like a god son. Even when Sing Sing's career once hit a low point, Cheung Yiu Wing was not worried about the box office as he still supported Sing Sing and gave Sing Sing the opportunity to bounce back.

In the Mainland, Kwok Fu Sing was heartbroken and saddened when he heard the news. He pointed out that Cheung Yiu Wing contributed heavily to the Hong Kong concert business and created the biggest concert platform for singers to perform on. Sing Sing thanked Cheung Yiu Wing for his support and care and sent his condolences to his family. His manager Siu Mei also said that Cheung Yiu Wing was truly the nicest person and big kid. He hoped to bring everyone the best entertainment, for the industry to be all song and dance and everyone to have job. Siu Mei said, "Although he passed away, everyone would continue his fighting spirit for concerts and always remember Mr. Cheung's cultivation and contributions. All of his laughter and advice would remain in my mind. I wish him a safe journey!"

Lau Tak Wa felt that Uncle Yiu Wing's passing was very regrettable. He said, "It absolutely is a music scene loss. Uncle Yiu Wing was like a teacher, teaching me how to handle a concert. He also taught me how to respect a concert. He made the Hong Kong concert business shine, his never say quit spirit was admirable. Have a safe journey!"

Cheung Hok Yau recalled his first solo concert was Cheung Yiu Wing organized. He praised Cheung Yiu Wing for his contributions to Hong Kong concerts and the local music scenes. He was the symbol of Hong Kong concerts and witnessed the rise and fall of Hong Kong concerts. Even in recent years at his age he remained very active, as he wanted to participate in every concert. Hok Yau said, "Mr. Cheung was very direct, whatever he said went. His passing meant the loss of power. I hope his children would continue on." Hok Yau even said if needed he would assist with Cheung Yiu Wing's funeral.

Chen Wai Lam after only two years in the business already received Cheung Yiu Wing's support for her Hong Kong Coliseum concert. His courage also motivated her to perform on the Hong Kong Coliseum stage. Chen Wai Lam said, "When I heard the news this morning I was heart broken. The last time I saw Uncle Yiu Wing was at the (Ronald) Ng Lok Sing concert press conference. At the time we even took photos together. Uncle Yiu Wing's passing was sudden, rest in peace! I also sent my condolences to his family! When I was only in the business for two years, Uncle Yiu Wing gave me an opportunity and daringly invested in my first Hong Kong Coliseum concert. Since then he invested in all of my concerts. Without Uncle Yiu Wing, I wouldn't be able to step on this stage so soon. I wholeheartedly thank Uncle Yiu Wing! He motivated the entire Hong Kong concert business, and was the Father of Hong Kong Concerts! You will be forever missed!"

Wang Ming Chuen said, "I just learned about Mr. Cheung Yiu Wing's passing this morning, I am very saddened and I miss him. I wish Uncle Yiu Wing, Father of Hong Kong Concerts, a safe journey! Miss you! Thank you for your contribution to music!"

Lam Yik Lin's first concert was Cheung Yiu Wing organized. She said that Cheung Yiu Wing was very talkative and humorous. His passing was truly regrettable.

Yeung Chin Wa's first concert also had Cheung Yiu Wing's investment. She said, "I am really grateful for the opportunity that Cheung Yiu Wing gave me. He never went back on his word to a friend, a super nice guy and an elder who oversaw everything like a father. He also took great care of artists. I just ran into Mr. Cheung at Yung Cho Yi's concert. At the time he even asked me when I would be able to perform a concert again and definitely kept him in mind. I never thought that he would leave us so far, which truly is very regrettable. I am very, very upset."

Cheung Yiu Wing was one of the investors in Joey Yung Cho Yi's 2013-2014 concert series 1314. Even though he was the main organizer, every concert was just as important to Cheung Yiu Wing. Joey reminded that every night he would appear at the Hong Kong Coliseum and even paid attention to the audience reaction. Sometimes he would go backstage to the control room monitors to watch the effects. She even remembered that she was ailing, Cheung Yiu Wing cheered her on! Joey said, "Mr. Cheung, I miss you very much. Thank you for your support from the start of my career to now. I would never forget your encourage to a junior like me. Every time I have a show, every night you would punch the clock. However my family told me that you didn't just come, you would very attentively enjoy every performance. Sometimes you would be in the audience, sometimes only watching the monitor in the backstage control room, but you would always be just as involved. This professionalism and this energy made me respect you even more. I remembered very well one night when I was ailing during 1314, after the performance your upset expression told me to struggle on. By the final show I returned to form, you excitedly gave me five. Of course we had our favorite jumping photos. Although we will not be able to see you at the old spot, you will always be in my heart. Thank you, may you rest in peace."

At the Twins' 2010 Hong Kong Coliseum concert, they mischievously jumped with the almost 80 year old Cheung Yiu Wing. Ah Sa remembered this mischievous elder. "This news was very sudden. Uncle Yiu Wing from Twins' first concert supported us in every concert. The last time I saw him was at the beginning of the year at Yung Cho Yi's concert. He was very smart and cute. At that time he even asked us when we would perform another concert. I replied I didn't have enough confidence. Uncle Yiu Wing immediately pounded his chest and said he would give me the confidence and infinite support. Uncle Yiu Wing, have a safe journey!"

Ah Gil said, "Uncle Yiu Wing was a very kind elder. Although he was a senior, actually he was a big kid. He was very energetic and humorous. I still remember when he jumped up with me and Ah Sa. I miss this lovable elder very much. Uncle Yiu Wing, I wish you an even better life in another world!"

Sammi Cheng Sau Man felt that Cheung Yiu Wing had a sense of duty to concerts, so he was supportive to any concert. He was even a very active big kid. Even though everyone respected Cheung Yiu Wing, he still was able to play along with everyone. She said, "I want to thank Uncle Yiu Wing once more, for his unrivaled contribution to Hong Kong concerts. Only because of him we were able to watch so many exciting concerts."