FANS chanted “Power Station”, sang along to the band’s tunes, screamed for an encore and waved their phone flashlights in sync with the music.
The legendary Taiwanese rock duo enthralled fans at the Esplanade in George Town, Penang, by belting out five songs, each receiving louder cheers than the last.
It was indeed a performance to remember for many.
They performed Wu Qing De Qing Shu (Ruthless Love Letter), Zhong Xiao Dong Lu Zou Jiu Bian (Walking on Chung Hsiao East Road Nine Times), Wai Tao (Coat), Wo Hen Hao Pian (Love Me True), and Dang (When), setting the stage on fire with their crisp vocals and electrifying guitar rending.
Regarded as the highlight of the two-day After Work Fest by Star Media Group’s (SMG) 988 FM over the weekend, the duo proved their crowd appeal when they paused mid-song and the audience took over singing the lyrics word for word.
Other notable artistes who took to the stage to perform on the second day of the two-day fest were Bestards (from Taiwan), Anson Poon, Chronicles Ong Fu Ying and Jud Chen.
The first day saw performances by Abin Fang, Uriah See, Diorlying Tan, Trevor Kuo, Ryota Katayama and Z-Chen Zhang.
The fest, organised by popular Chinese-language radio station 988 FM in conjunction with its 29th anniversary, was a roaring success as crowds poured in from all over the country on both days.
It embodied the spirit of “Play with Passion, Play with Purpose,” in line with the station’s annual theme “Infinite Play”, to help participants de-stress joyfully and unlock creativity and energy.
The event also featured 50 creative and artisanal booths that offered workshops for carving wooden chopsticks, making decorated origami fans, arts and crafts.
Other booths offered ornaments, accessories, crafts, trinkets, snacks and food for sale.
Graphic designer Cassandra Chen, 26, who travelled from Kuala Lumpur with her sister specifically to attend the fest on both days, said, “We heard about it on the radio and had to make the trip here.
“We are excited to watch Power Station and take part in the activities.
“They are a famous band and it is great to be able to see them in person and enjoy their music.
“We usually have to pay for tickets to watch such performances, so it’s nice that this is for free,” she said.
Chen, who tried her hand at decorating a fan, said she enjoyed the fun activities with her sister while waiting for the performances to begin.
“We have had great two days here and there has been plenty to see and shop at the fest,” she added.
Baker Jeffrine Ang, 28, who was seen setting up a picnic on the field while waiting for the acts to begin, said it was a fun day out for them.
“We are all from Penang and heard about the festival.
“We have been fans of some of the local acts since high school.
“We are also fans of the radio station; we came to check out the fest and it has been fun.”
Engineer Yeong Sze Hai, 40, who turned up with his friends, said it was mandatory for him to attend the festival as he was an ardent fan of the radio station.
“We wanted to see all the local and international acts. It has a good line-up of performers.
“I am enjoying the vibe as we sit on the field and the weather has been good too.”
The event also saw a hair donation campaign and fundraiser, offering free haircuts for those willing to donate their hair.
Proceeds from regular haircuts (without hair donation) will benefit Locks of Hope, the National Cancer Society Malaysia and Childhood Cancer Caregivers Support Organisation.
988 FM DJ Chrystina Ng, who initiated the hair donation drive, donated her long tresses.
“It has always been my dream to hold such a campaign and donate my hair.
“I have been working on this for almost 10 years.
“I cut some of my hair today and will keep the other half to cut at the next leg of this campaign.”
Ng said she had always grown out her hair with the intention to donate it and was glad that she could encourage others to do the same.
“I am thrilled with the turnout as I never imagined that so many people will donate... it is not an easy decision for people to donate their hair.
“On the first day, we had more than 100 donors and now we expect the count to be much higher,” she said.
Also present during the opening ceremony were Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, 988 FM senior general manager Woo Bee Ay, SMG board member Loh Chee Can, chief operating officer Lydia Wang and client brand marketing (bureaus) general manager Simone Liong.
