Twenty years is a lifetime in the fast world of pop music. Beyond, for their legendary longevity, earned the nickname "the Beatles" of Hong Kong". The band's late and great lead singer and songwriter, Wong Ka-Kui, led Beyond's successful transition from the underground scene of the 1980s to mainstream hitmakers, before his tragic death in 1993.
Today, Wong Ka-Kui's younger brother and the band's bassist and singer, Wong Ka Keung, continues the musical legacy, performing Beyond's classic songs with original drummer Yip Sai-wing. A recent Beijing concert showcased their latest album, She, He featuring rock both new and old. "I want to keep on making rock music and to continue the spirit of Beyond," Wong said.
A new generation of devotees is emerging, with many longtime fans now bringing their children to the shows. "Our dream now is to capture the third generation - our fans' grandchildren." Wong laughed. "Then we can be the Hong Kong Rolling Stones."
In his latest album, he plays rock "with attitude". "Rock is powerful instead of simple shout. It speaks for spirit, like the songs of Beyond," said.
Going Home tells the situation of rebellious children leaving home due to family abuse. Remote Cry is made out of Wong's visit to orphans in Taipei, advocating social care. Wong joined Beyond in 1984, and while still playing under their name, has also formed his own band, Picasso Horses. Beyond is considered an alternative rock or metal rock band, making music about human rights, politics, peace, and protests -- although they have also recorded love ballads and pop-rock hits.
The original members did not dream of megawatt success, starting off playing music as a hobby. Sensing they could make a living from their passion, they turned professional, and were soon headlining concerts. They made hit after hit and found huge fame in Japan.
In 1993, Wong Ka-Kui died after falling off the stage during a live game show in Japan. In 1999, during a 15th anniversary concert, Beyond announced it would split, with each member embarking on a solo career. Wong Ka Keung and drummer Yip Sai-wing stayed together, discovering fans will always reminisce and feel nostalgic over Beyond, whose early music continues to inspire the Cantopop world.
"Through the years with Beyond, I know what good music producing is," Wong said.
From its formation, Beyond explored recurring themes in its lyrics including commentary on social and political issues and the strength to never give up. Wong continues this idea in his new album. Social awareness aside, he held another dream - incorporating traditional Chinese instruments like erhu and guzheng. "It's a technique to be able to strike a balance between rock and commercial music," Wong said. "(Our) dream was to change the music industry and the situation in Hong Kong."
(China Daily 09/27/2007 page18)
