September 2020 – Singapore – In a post-pandemic first, Mandopop star Eric Chou successfully completed a sold out tour, which concluded with two shows at the Kaohsiung Arena on 5th and 6th September. Each show saw over 10,000 attendees.
These, along with two shows Chou held in the Taipei Arena, are the first concerts held in the venues since Taiwan’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, and potentially the first post-pandemic arena shows globally. This feat has received global attention, including a feature on TIME Magazine.
In addition to an upgraded set, a revamped setlist and stunning new outfits, Chou invited Singaporean singer-songwriter Tanya Chua and Taiwanese singer A-Lin as special guests to the shows. Together, they performed such hits as “Parabola” and “Fleeting Happiness”, as well as Coldplay’s “Yellow” and Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing”. A-Lin also premiered her unreleased song “Sorry Not Sorry” at the concert, pleasantly surprising attendees.
Audiences at both shows witnessed Chou soulfully belt out fan favourites such as “Freedom” and “At Least I Remember” on the new revolving stage. It was clear, as fans sang passionately along with Chou, that having to wear surgical masks did not dampen the mood whatsoever. The concert also allowed Chou to stage valuable interactions with his fans in a face-to-face setting.
Towards the end of the last show, Chou expressed the joy he felt about being able to perform to audiences of over 10,000, adding that this had been a dream of his since he aspired to become a pop star. He invited fans to sing “This Is Love” with him to celebrate the career milestone.
To ensure the safety of attendees, the concert was subject to government measures. After receiving approval from Taiwanese authorities, the organisers sought to adhere to strict COVID-19 preventative measures, including refusing entry to ticket-holders with a body temperature of over 37.5℃ and ensuring all concertgoers wear masks and have access to alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
Fans can look forward to more new music coming from Chou, who earlier this year released his smash hit studio album ‘When We Were Young’.
