The Wynners: Farewell With Love Live In Singapore
Sands Grand Ballroom
Dec 17
No matter how lovely a party, it ultimately must come to an end.
And for The Wynners, who played to a 6,200-strong crowd at the Sands Grand Ballroom at Marina Bay Sands on Dec 17 as part of their 50th anniversary farewell tour, the key was knowing when to call it a day.
The Hong Kong pop group previously performed in Singapore in 2008 and 2011, and decided to make the current tour their last so that the five members – Alan Tam, 73, Kenny Bee, 70, Bennett Pang, 74, Danny Yip, 73, and Anthony Chan, 72 – as well as their fans are in good physical condition to share in the moment.
They have achieved a feat accomplished by very few – lasting half a century in the Asian music scene – all thanks to their long-lasting friendship.
Bee said in a clip featured at the concert: “The Wynners are not just about music, a band or a group. They are about a spirit of togetherness, of tolerance and understanding.”
Tam also described the show as “cutting a cake and taking the photo at the beginning of a party”.
And what a wonderful bash it was. Here are three highlights.
1. Nostalgic English songs
Long-time fans know The Wynners sang exclusively in English, mostly cover songs, during their early days in the 1970s.
Much of the set list was dedicated to this period of their career, with classics such as The Doobie Brothers’ Listen To The Music, the show’s first full number that saw the members dressed in spiffy white outfits.
The uplifting track quickly raised the energy level.
Later on, a medley of classics – which included Carl Douglas’ Kung Fu Fighting, Neil Sedaka’s One Way Ticket and The Cascades’ Rhythm Of The Rain – got the audiences on their feet and grooving along enthusiastically.
Kelly Gordon’s He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother was turned into a tender duet between lead vocalists Tam and Bee, to express the camaraderie and kinship that contributed to The Wynners’ longevity in show business.
Cover songs have always been a fundamental part of the group’s identity, and they saved one of their best-known hits, The Walkers’ Sha-La-La-La-La, for the encore. Decked out in colourful retro outfits, the quintet got fans involved in a spirited sing-along session that ended the three-hour gig on a high.
2. Individual members shone
Apart from being in the band, each member also has a solo music career. And the decades have allowed them plenty of time to pursue a range of musical endeavours, which they showcased during the concert.
Quiet bassist Yip, who largely spoke through his instrument, memorably rocked a solo segment which lasted almost two minutes.
Hard-working drummer Chan at times pulled double duty by singing while playing his drum set. No slouch in the vocals department, he also performed a reflective, pensive cover of Zhao Zhao’s When You Are Old.
Goofy guitarist Pang was happy to play backup, but also game to grab the microphone. He cheerily sang a few numbers, including Nameless Song, released by Hong Kong pop group Beyond in the 1980s.
Veteran singer-actor Tam, nicknamed “Principal Tam” by the Hong Kong music industry as a show of respect, treated audiences to his personal repertoire, such as the finely crafted Inexplicable Tears and the tender To The One I Love, in his resonant voice.
Bee, with his leading-man looks, delivered the ballad Willingly in his signature husky voice, as well as a Cantonese and Mandarin version of The Sea.
In addition, his 19-year-old daughter Blythe also appeared as a guest singer, crooning Taiwanese diva A-mei’s Cutting Love on her own and performing British rock band Queen’s challenging Bohemian Rhapsody with Bee. Judging from her spirited showing, a bright future lies ahead of her.
3. Evergreen favourites
The Wynners took many down memory lane with their Cantonese hits, including This Song and Unchanged For A Thousand Years, which were accompanied by the band’s old music videos and photographs that featured the members sporting the voluminous hairstyles and wide-legged pants popular in the 1970s.
Many of the clips were grainy, and some were even in black and white. At times, it was hard to identify who was who, but all five were sporting enough to recreate a pose from one of their snapshots.
Although fashion trends have come and gone, it is heartening to know that some things, such as their affection for one another, have stood the test of time.
