Singaporean singer, DJ Chris Ho dies of stomach cancer

Chris Ho had been battling cancer for the past two months. Photo: ST File

Radio veteran, singer, club DJ and writer Chris Ho died of stomach cancer on the morning of Sept 27.

A post on his Facebook page, as well as on radio station Mediacorp Gold 905's page, stated that he had been battling cancer for the past two months.

His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from friends, fans and colleagues in the media and entertainment industry, many of whom were not aware that he was ill.

Ho, also known as X'Ho, was a presenter on Gold 905's evening drive-time show, Homestretch With Chris Ho, but it is understood that he had not been on air for several months.

Radio DJ and singer John Klass was one of Ho’s close friends who was with him when he died at National University Hospital.

“I’ve known Chris Ho since I joined Rediffusion in 1991. We shared a lot in common from being radio hosts to songwriting and being recording artistes,” Klass, a presenter on radio station Class 95, tells The Straits Times.

“He was a dear friend who was a true artiste and the consummate professional in all he did in his profession as a radio host and in his immense love for music.

“I’m truly grateful to have been with him in his final hours and had a chance to thank him for his friendship and love through the years.”

He was an inspiration to many in the radio industry, says Bernard Lim, programme director of radio stations Kiss 92 and One FM 91.3.

"Chris Ho has always been a mentor and inspiration to me. Many years ago, he roused my passion in radio and landed me my first freelance job in Rediffusion back in the 1980s.

"It is truly shocking and sad to hear the news. We have lost a great radio voice in Singapore."

As a singer, Ho was the frontman for Zircon Lounge, a 1980s band that has been credited as one of the pioneers of the alternative music scene in Singapore.

He has released several solo albums, including Singapore Uber Alles in 2011.

Singer and composer Dick Lee tells ST he is “shocked” to hear about Ho’s death as he did not know that he was ill.

“When I met Chris as he was about to leave MDC (Singapore Armed Forces Music and Drama Company), I knew he was going to make an impact in some way, and he certainly fulfilled those expectations with a music career that stood out for its originality and daring.

“Through our collaborations I learnt about the importance of sticking to your guns no matter what and believing in oneself.”

Ho also wrote about music and other subjects for publications such as The Straits Times and now-defunct music magazine BigO.

Frontman of indie music pioneers The Oddfellows, Patrick Chng, called Ho a champion of the music scene in Singapore.

He says: “Chris was a trailblazer. Thanks to him, I discovered so much new music. He was also so supportive of many local acts including the Oddfellows. From our early days he supported us, writing about us in The Straits Times back in 1989. He’s also got one of the best voices on Singapore radio. A true icon, he will be missed.”

Ho's books include Skew Me, You Rebel Meh? (1998), in which he wrote about socio-political issues in Singapore.

Former radio and television host Lauretta Alabons said he seemed fine when he visited The Flying V, a bar opened by her concert promotion company LAMC, two months ago.

Alabons, who first knew him when they were both presenters on Rediffusion in the 1990s, tells ST: “I have so much respect for his knowledge in the music business. I will miss him.”

In recognition of his contributions to the music industry, Ho was awarded the Patron of music accolade by Compass (Composers and Authors Society of Singapore) in 2018.

He was famously secretive about his age, but according to close friends, he was in his 60s when he died. He is survived by his mother.

A wake will be held at Ruby Room, Singapore Casket on Sept 27 from 6 to 11pm and from Sept 28 to 30, 11am to 11pm. – The Straits Times/Asia News Network