Musings from Faye Wong concert

Quite a trek to get to BJ for the concert, but worth it! Grt to see one of my fav singers perform on stage after so many years. Its Faye style all the way - no dancers, no guests, no speeches, just music. And a grt digital art backdrop. With a clip made by Wong Kar Wai too (but that wasnt as much of a blowout as I thought it would be). 23 songs in 2 hrs, start on the dot at 8pm (will never happen in HK!) and finished - suddenly, lights on, with audience caught by surprised like an ending in a Wong Kar Wai movie) - at 10pm sharp!!

Besides the actual performance, the whole concert-going in China experience is also strangely amusing in so many ways. First there's the illegal ticket selling outside the stadium - apparently 21 were caught yday by BJ police. Then there's the 'shanzai' merchandises - non official bags, badges, posters, etc. made by entrepreneurial merchants. Had to say those were *better* then the official ones sold inside! Which BTW wasnt even available - they probably cant make it on time, which is a bit silly? Mugs were not avail, TShirts sold out, etc.

There's def a big carnival feel to the concert - people looked really excited walking to the stadium (a long walk!), there's tons of people with glow sticks, etc. Well its def a big event in pricing term - tickets go from RMB 300, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, to 2500!! Again goes to show that there a premium end in China for everything - def lots of people very ready to shell out RMB 2500 for a concert. There are empty seats though - which probably meant some of those trying to sell tickets outside the stadium last minute didnt get rid of all their inventory.

Then inside, there's the relatively quiet audience - no one seems to move their body with the music, let alone standing up. Most were sitting quietly, except for the occasional (but definitely loud) shouting of Faye's name. - Perhaps partly because of age group too? Most seem to be in their 30s.

So glad this wasnt outdoor like the Eason Chan concert I went to in BJ last time. Was bracing myself for a cold night standing outside in cold 2C BJ weather, only to realise later that the concert is at the BJ Olympics basketball stadium - nice, cosy and warm indoor!