By Jeff Yong
KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 – Malaysian pop concert fans or “live” music lovers are in for a treat as more international artistes make their way to Malaysia this year!
Top of the list is British group, Coldplay. They are due to perform at Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 22.
Also due back to perform at Genting Highlands on Juy 22 is Sabah-born and Taiwan-based international artiste, Gary Chow.
The weekend of May 12 to 14, 2023 has been great for Malaysian pop fans. Popular Indian playback singer and musician Raghavendra Raja Rao, better known as Sean Roldan, brought the house down at KLCC on May 12.
He rose to fame after gaining critical acclaim for his work in Balaji Mohan’s Tamil-Malayalam bilingual Vaayai Moodi Pesavum / Samsaaram Aarogyathinu Haanikaram in 2014.
His music draws inspiration from Tamil composer Ilaiyaraaja. Some of his more popular songs include Idli Chutney, On Nenappu, Ethanai Kaalam Dhaan, Kannaane Kanne, Yembuttu Irukkuthu Aasai, Vendum, Kadhal Ara Onnu Vizundhuchu and Enga Pona, according to Aakaar Foundation that organised the show.
And well-known Hong Kong star Eason Chan stole the limelight for three nights at Bukit Jalil where he performed almost non-stop and didn’t waste time on making small talk with his fans.
Eason, known for hits like You’d Better Listen To Me and Long Time No See, just wanted to strut his stuff. And he didn’t disappoint those who came to see and hear him at his “Fear and Dreams” concert.
Some people are just content to sit in front of the tv or listen to the CDs of their favourite singers. But many do go the extra mile. They attend concerts!
The motivation for attending pop concerts, it seems, are best categorised into various segments or themes that include Experience, Engagement and Novelty.
Experience means “people want to be there and be a part of something unique and special, and share the experience with like-minded people, just like what happened at Bukit Jalil and KLCC over the weekend.
It’s about soaking in the concert atmosphere. From the moment you arrive at the venue, standing in front of the queue, moving to your seats or standing all the time to watch do elicit a lot of excitement and energy! There’s no doubt about it!
Engagement stems from hearing thousands of voices screaming and singing along with you to almost every song. Not forgetting basking in the glow of thousands of smartphone flashlights lighting up the venue.
Novelty covers the feeling or experiencing something new or different besides having a chance to hear new songs or material.
With these things in mind, Gary Chow’s fans are looking for more in July. And it’s not without reason that he’s coming back so soon to perform at Genting Highlands as he was just there for a similar concern in mid-April.
Although Gary is better known as a Mandarin pop singer, he does sing in English. And his wide vocal range can sometimes make someone mistake him for a female singer! In terms of English language songs, this is best exemplified by his rendition of Karyn White’s Superwoman or Karen Carpenter’s Close to You.
For British band Coldplay to be able to play in KL is certainly a big deal. It appears they haven’t performed in Malaysia before.
Billed as the band of the 21st Century, they are known for their melodic piano-driven songs. Some music critics even call them anthems. Their style has catapulted them to the top of the pop music world.
They are also known for their good “live” performances, meaningful lyrics and diversity. In other words, the ability to connect with fans on a deep emotional level. Expect a sell-out concert!
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