Middle aged melancholy
( 2003-12-02 09:00) (thatsmagazines.com)
 Like many other Taiwanese singers, Chyi Chin started singing
at restaurants to earn a living. Introduced to a record company by his sister
Chyi Yu, who was also a pop singer Chyi Chin's career took off with his debut
album Wolf, a 1985 release that resonated with teenagers and twentysomethings,
immediately selling 20,000 copies. Young people, especially on the Chinese
mainland, were captivated by this long-haired pop star, with his melancholy
voice and rebellious past.
When discussing Chyi¡¯s 20-year-long career, it is difficult to ignore the
effect and consequences of relationship with actress Joey Wang. Chyi¡¯s love for
Joey was an inspiration for many songs he composed, such as ¡®Maybe In Winter¡¯,
¡®Winter Rain¡¯ and ¡®Don't Let The Night Pass By With My Tears.¡¯ Their divorce had
an undeniable effect as his latest album Calling was released nearly four years
after the couple split ¨C largely as a result of them going their separate ways.
Although Calling was received with critical acclaim, some say it lacks
something when compared to his spirited older works. After the hard rocking Wolf
and the deeply emotional Boundary, the latest album, without the emotional
inspiration generated by his love for Joey Wang is considered less substantial.
Despite a turbulent life, this ageing lonely wolf remains unbowed. His Chun
Fen(The Spring Equinox) concert in Beijing recently drew 10,000 people to the
Worker¡¯s Stadium. ¡°Chyi Chin is getting old, he hasn¡¯t changed his image for
years, but I¡¯m an old guy and I like to listen to his songs which remind me of
my past¡±, said Hemp Kou, a middle-aged businessman.
Not surprisingly, Chyi¡¯s upcoming concert in Shanghai will be marketed to
appeal to the middle-aged local market that grew up listening to his music.
During this year Shanghai has hosted several aging stars, so it is fitting to
close the year with this pioneer of Chinese pop.
Chyi Chin¡¯s concert will be held in Shanghai Grand Stage at 7.15pm on
December 30. Call 6438 5200 for tickets. Tickets are RMB100, 200, 300, 400, 500
680, 880.
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