Today may be the day for all pranksters to organize practical jokes on everyone, but it was no laughing matter for Leslie Cheung’s fans to realize that today is also the 10th anniversary of Leslie Cheung’s death. The news of his death came so suddenly and everyone thought it was just a April Fool’s joke put on by all the major news outlet, but they were wrong. It still hurts to know that such a talented star has decided to leave the world in pain and sadness. A decade has passed but the love for Leslie Cheung (famously known as Gor Gor ‘The Big Brother’) is still going strong and people are still posting photos and videos of him on social networking sites in remembrance of the multi-talented star Leslie Cheung.
Leslie Cheung’s Music and Acting Career
Leslie Cheung first started his career in entertainment industry through his music and it was a one of the toughest moments in his life. He was criticized for its soft voice and critics everywhere panned him that his voice was pretty average. Years after years, he keeps on improving his voice and gradually made his own distinctive signature vocal that continue to live on in the hearts of many.
“Monica” was Leslie’s first hit song that has earned him the recognition and popularity due to its fast beat and catchy lyrics. The star also sang several other songs in Mandarin and did a duet with female singers including Anita Mui. He became one of the musicians who brought Cantonese pop songs to limelight. Cantopop is not only popular among Asian countries, but also in some English-speaking countries tpp. The theme song for “A Better Tomorrow” ,sung by Leslie Cheung, was one of the nation’s favourite movie’s theme song. Until today, the older generation would listen to it and introduce the songs to the younger generation.
After many years of performing on stage, Leslie retired as a singer and faded from his music stage for film career. He set a glorious record in Cantopop history as he held a retirement concert series for 33 consecutive nights at Hong Kong Coliseum. He returned as a singer in 1995 with another record label and developed a new singing style for his new albums. He presents the different side of him as he released various albums featuring smooth jazz, R&B, trip hop and so on. He also became a composer, with more than ten songs for several classic Hong Kong movies under his belt.
Throughout his entire career in the entertainment industry, he won numerous prestigious awards for his greatest songs and brilliant acting skills. He was recognized as a prominent star with outstanding talent and become a musical icon for all.
Leslie Cheung’s Death
Leslie Cheung ended his life journey at the age of 46 on April 1st 2003 as he leapt from the 24th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. He left a suicide note which was written before he jumped off the building:
“Depression! Many thanks to all my friends. Many thanks to Professor Felice Lieh-mak. This year has been so tough. I can’t stand it anymore. Many thanks to Mr. Tong. Many thanks to my family. Many thanks to Sister Fei. In my life I did nothing bad. Why does it have to be like this?”
Leslie’s death shocked the Chinese community around the world and many refused to believe the news until it was confirmed. His family also confirmed that he suffered from chronic depression and had been seeing psychiatrists after several attempts of suicide. Thousands of people including celebrities and overseas fans attended Cheung’s memorial service on April 7th 2003 despite the risk of infection from SARS.Three months after his death, his final album, Everything Follows the Wind (一切隨風) was released and was constantly play on the radio. (source)
Celebrating 10th Anniversary of Leslie Cheung’s Death
For the past 10 years, exhibitions and concerts were held on every 1st of April in tribute to Leslie Cheung. The exhibitions deliberately avoid any brand endorsements to avoid it becoming “too commercial”. Showcasing all his past stage performances, music and notable film careers, his die-hard fans can visit the exhibition that usually lasts for a month. Fans also gathered outside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong on 31st of March to mark his death anniversary. A mini movie theatre was also set up to showcase all his films and interview clips. The tribute show was being held as well with renowned musicians and celebrities performing most of the classic Leslie’s songs. This concert adopts the form of chamber music to present Cheung’s music to the audiences, so we added many elements of classic music. We are not only performers but also audiences of this concert. We just want to take this opportunity to commemorate Cheung and share our memories of him in his music.” As he is part of the Hong Kong’s pop culture, many has appreciated his hard work and career and CNN even crowned him as one of the top 5 iconic musicians of all time, following Michael Jackson and The Beatles.
