"Now, I've gotten my confidence back," veteran pop singer Alex To told China.org.cn in an exclusive interview on Aug. 9. He shared his journey of overcoming personal hardships and challenges over the past four years and vowed to return to the stage for his fans on an upcoming tour.

Singer Alex To speaks at a press conference in Shanghai to announce his new tour, Aug. 8, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Channy Dynasty]

The singer, 61, announced during a press conference on Aug. 8 that he would hold his first concert on the Chinese mainland since 2019, starting at Shanghai Jing'an Sports Center on Nov. 11, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. The "Alex To: Get Up" tour will then continue to Chengdu on Nov. 25 and Guangzhou in December.

"I chose Shanghai as the first stop of my comeback concert tour on the Chinese mainland because of my mother, Zhang Lu, who is a true Shanghai native. Shanghai feels like my second hometown," said To. Zhang was a legendary singer whose song "Give Me a Kiss" has been a phenomenal hit around the country since its release in 1954.

The "Alex To: Get Up" world tour was initially scheduled to begin on Dec. 24, 2019, but had to be postponed for nearly four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout this period, the renowned singer, known for his lively songs and captivating dance performances, also endured significant neck injuries that necessitated two major surgeries, one in Hong Kong and another in the United States.

"My wife, family, and friends were terrified when I underwent the surgeries. After a lengthy recovery period, my health has somewhat improved. However, since I have to manage the performances and dance routines on stage, I must cope with my already different body, as my cervical vertebrae cannot tolerate excessive movement. Nevertheless, I have hired a personal trainer for moderate physical training twice a week to help me reach a condition similar to that before the surgeries," he said. He added that the neck surgeries also affected his vocal cords, so he sought help from his vocal coach to regain his voice and confidence. 

This year, To, also as a happy family man with a wife and young son, finally rose from the ashes and got on stage, first in Singapore in April and then in Macao in July.

"I have always checked the feedback from fans online, and I have gained more confidence from their responses because I haven't been on stage since my surgeries. Since I had to perform non-stop singing and dancing on stage, I had some doubts. However, after the two concerts, my confidence is fully restored."

The singer revealed that his upcoming concerts will feature many familiar hit songs from different eras and tell various stories from his extensive four-decade catalog. He said that he hired his longtime collaborator and choreographer Nick Yu to as the concert director, and that the renowned Chinese musician and top music director Wang Shiye will supervise the music and arrangements. The singer also handpicked the stage costumes for himself and his dancers, showing his passion for fashion and his years of fashion design studies.

Singer Alex To performs on stage at a concert in Macao, July 29, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Channy Dynasty]

For To, as a pop singer and musician, creating new music is essential, as it symbolizes his personal growth and marks his milestones. With the assistance of a like-minded recording engineer in a high-tech studio, he recently recorded several songs that differ from his previous work, showcasing "a new side of Alex To" and reflecting his maturity. "When searching for new music, I anticipate how these songs will translate into captivating stage performances, allowing my imagination to go beyond lyrics, genres, and styles. Nowadays, in China, there are endless possibilities for music creation, with an abundance of talented individuals. I am grateful that I can be a part of it and find joy in this field."

After successful concerts in Singapore and Macao, To became even more certain about his life mission of bringing joy to the world. "I feel incredibly grateful that I can lead the entire audience to sing, dance, and shed tears together in the arena, creating a shared emotional experience and memories. This is truly happening for me. It's something that no livestreaming concerts online can replace. My fans are always there for me, and the spiritual connection at my concerts is so beautiful."

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)