Starting from August 2003, the Leon News updates will be posted in our Leon Lai Discussion Forum.

2003 July 26 - Leon in Beijing "Heroic Duo" Movie Promotion Tour

Leon is on a promotion tour in Beijing for his new movie, "Heroic Duo" also known as "The Eyes Can Tell."  Ekin Cheng, Francis Ng, Karena Lam and Xu Jing Lei are the co-stars while Benny Chan Muk Sing is the director. Leon plays a police psychologist who specializes in hypnotism but was sent to the prison for manslaughter.  "Heroic Duo" opens on July 31, 2003.

2003 June 20 - Community Chest and SARS related Charity Show

Leon performs to show appreciation for health care workers and help SARS matters at a Community Chest and other charity related events. At the charity show, Leon sang "Deep Words Not Spoken" and also performed a duet with Andy Lau.

2003 May 25 - Anti-SARS Fund-Raising Concert

SARS has been a big problem in regions of the world such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Toronto, and a few other places.  Therefore, Leon supported the fund-raising and performs "Hoping For That Day" and "I Love You So Much."

2003 February 17 - UNICEF Charity and Press Conference

Leon continues his charity work with UNICEF and had a concert press conference in Shanghai.  Along with Leon, there were other Hong Kong celebrities at this press conference including Kelly Chen, Andy Hui, Miriam Yeung, and Gigi Leung.

2003 January 01 - "Three - Going Home" (Director's Cut) DVD

A new Director's Cut version "Three:  Going Home" DVD is released.  For those of you who are home theater systems enthusiasts like me, there is a higher bit-rate DTS Digital Surround Sound audio mix.  It also has the usual Dolby Digital 5.1 standard sound.  This Director's Cut DVD features the following:

- The Making of "Going Home"
- Audio Commentary
- Letterbox
- Suitable for Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.  Which means it's not region-locked so you can watch the DVD anywhere in the world.

2002 November 21 - Leon Lai's North American Concerts in Ontario, Canada and Atlantic City, USA

Location:  Orillia, Ontario, Canada
Venue:  Casino Rama 

Date:  Sunday, November 24, 2002
Time:  8:00 PM

Tickets:  $48 to $168

Charge by Phone: (705) 739-7666


Note:  The doors open 1 hour prior to show. Must be over 19 to attend events in the Entertainment Centre and to enter the casino.

-------------

Location:  Atlantic City, USA
Venue:  Mark G. Etess Arena Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort

Date:  Thursday, November 28, 2002
Time for Concert 1:  1:00 AM (After midnight)
Time for Concert 2:  2:00 PM (Afternoon)

Tickets:  $40, $60, $90, $120

2002 October 23 - "Three" VCD and DVD

"Three" featuring Leon Lai is released in the VCD and DVD format.

2002 September 18 - Homework Album

Leon's new Cantonese/Mandarin album "Homework" is released.

2002 August 01 - Leon's New Horror Film "Three"

Leon's new horror film "Three" is released in the theaters now.  A quoted description of the movie is as follows:

"The movie THREE is an omnibus of Asian mystery tales, inspired by the desire of three film-makers in three very different countries - Korea, Thailand and Hong Kong - to create an exciting new movie in a proven genre which would appeal to audiences across Asia. THREE represents a true pan-Asian collaboration, as it brings together three acclaimed directors from each country - respectively Kim Jee-woon, Nonzee Nimibutr and Peter Ho-sun Chan..."

2002 June 17 - Leon Lai in New York with Danny Glover and Angelina Jolie for UNICEF Event

Leon Lai attends the "Celebrity Advocacy for the New Millennium" as a UNICEF representative, which he has been for his 10th year. The objective is to find solutions to the poverty, AIDS and education problems in less fortunate nations by 2015. The meeting had approximately 50 special representatives from different countries with Leon being the only Chinese amongst them. It was an 8 hour long, official meeting and Leon had lunch with the United Nations Secretary-General, Annan.

2002 May 3 - Leon Completes Newest Movie Titled "Three"

What makes this new Leon movie, "Three" interesting is that it's a joint-effort between directors from three different countries.  These countries include Hong Kong, Thailand and Korea.

2002 April 26 - Leon Live Concert 2001 DVD Released

Leon's Live in Concert 2001 DVD is released.  It features 23 tracks and there is also a DTS and Karaoke version.

2002 March 8 - "Gun and Rose" DVD Released

This new DVD triad story movie stars Leon Lai, Andy Lau, Simon Yam, and Carrie Ng Ka Lai.

2002 January 25 - Channel V Awards

Leon attends the Channel V Awards in Beijing.  He has also been assigned to sing the World Cup theme song.

2001 December 12 - Leon Live Concerts in Hong Kong

The details and information regarding Leon's upcoming concerts are as follows:

Location:  Hong Kong

Dates:
2001 December 14-16
2001 December 21-25
2001 December 28-31

Time:  8:15 PM

Ticket Prices:  HK$150 and HK$400

2001 October 20 - Leon Live Christmas Concert in Hong Kong

Leon's Christmas concert will start on December 14, 2001 in Hong Kong.  Detailed information  will be added as they emerge.
 

Leon performs at the opening ceremony in Beijing, China.
 

Leon participates in the Ocean Theme Park Children Education Charity fund-raiser organized by Community Chest and Park N Shop. Leon was on stage to take photographs with some children and to present awards.
 

Leon Lai's concert in Malaysia will feature Cass Phang and Nicola Cheung.  Both dates are now open to the public.

Date:  2001 July 20 (Friday)
Date:  2001 July 21 (Saturday)

Time:  8:00 PM 

Location:  Pahang, Malaysia
Venue:  Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands Resort
 

Leon took part in the Community Chest Civil Servants Charity Show, at the Hong Kong Coliseum.
 

A press conference was held for Leon's new Mandarin album titled "The Red Shoes." Following, there was a concert featuring Sony artists.  Leon performed his new songs.
 

Leon will have a concert in Pahang, Malaysia from July 20-21, 2001.  It will be at the Genting Highland Resorts (Genting Arena of Stars).  Stay tuned for details and information.
 

The original soundtrack of Leon's Korean movie, "Dream of a Warrior" (also known as "Angel Dream") is released.  There are 16 tracks and Leon even sings in Korean.
 

Dozens of people from the media were covering Leon's radio interview with RTHK.
 

Leon flies to Korea to promote his new movie, "Dream of a Warrior." 
 

Leon supports children in China with the UNICEF Charity Walk. After the speeches, Leon and UNICEF were presented with a $6.3 million dollar donation.
 

Below is some new information on the Leon Lai Christmas Eve Concert in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA.  Leon Lai (featuring special guest Vicki Zhao) has an upcoming concert in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA.  The details are as follows:

Date:  Sunday, December 24, 2000.
Time:  2:00 AM and 2:00 PM (Two separate shows)

Location:  Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA
Venue:  Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort - Mark G. Etess Arena

Leon Lai (featuring special guest Vicki Zhao) has an upcoming concert in Santa Monica, California, USA.  The details are as follows:

Date:  Saturday, December 16, 2000.
Time:  7:30 PM

Location:  Santa Monica, California, USA.
Venue:  Santa Monica Civic Auditorium 

Leon Lai (featuring special guest Vicki Zhao) has an upcoming concert in San Francisco, California, USA.  The details are as follows:

Date:  Wednesday, December 20, 2000.
Time:  7:30 PM

Location:  San Francisco, California, USA.
Venue:  Nob Hill Masonic Centre

Leon Lai (featuring special guest Vicki Zhao) has an upcoming concert in Toronto, Canada.  The details are as follows:

Date:  Monday, December 18, 2000.
Time:  8:00 PM

Location:  Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Venue:  Sears Theatre at Air Canada Centre
Capacity:  5,200
 

Leon was the final performer at the Hit Radio Concert with other Sony Music artists.  Leon's father was also showing his support to his son (what a wonderful dad) for this concert.  Leon enters the stage at around 10:00 PM with a few dancers.  After performing four songs, Leon gave his thanks to Hit Radio, the entire concert crew, and audience.
 

I thought I would pass along an interesting email I received.  Thanks to the person for sharing the news.  The message is as follows:

"Hello, read from a new magazine that all Leon fans would have a chance to go to Leon's "Love At First Sight" Party (18/4/00) if they collect enough coupons from its pages. The magazine's name is "GET", and they said they have 100 seats for their readers. The method to get the tickets is to collect as many coupons (located inside the magazine) as possible.... the 100 with most coupons can go. The function is to be held in StarEast, so you would have to be 18 in order to gain entrance...... Sounds like fun for fans!"
 

Leon completed his movie in the San Francisco (USA) bay area, which is a romance/love story titled "Saulsalito" co-starring Maggie Cheung.  For those of you wondering what Sausalito means, it is "a city of western California on San Francisco Bay at the northern terminus of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a residential community, an artists' colony, and a popular boating resort."  Leon then flew to Tokyo, Japan to promote his "City of Glass" movie and music CD.
 

Leon is in the bay area of California working on a new movie.  Maggie Cheung is the leading actress.
 

We are receiving some interesting comments from fans who saw Leon in Malaysia.  Thank you Alex and Poesy, for sharing their wonderful experience and information!
The featured opinions are as follows:
 
  

The concert tickets are selling very quickly.  The RM $60 tickets are already sold out.  At the moment, there are still some seats available with the $100, $150, and $190 tickets.  The new updated information on the Leon Lai concert in Malaysia is as follows:

Date: 2000 March 4th, Saturday - Time:  8:30 PM

Ticket Price:  RM $60 (Sold Out), $100, $150, $190.

Venue:  Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil

Location:  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Interesting Note:  March 4 is also launch date of the the Sony PlayStation 2 in Japan.  For anyone familiar with the original Sony Playstation, the new Sony Playstation 2 is an improved DVD-based console game machine with break-through 3D graphics and Internet capabilities.  This date has a special meaning when written numerically using the Japanese calendar.  This is Heisei year 12, the date becomes "Year 12, March 4" or 12-3-4!  This looks like an exciting and unique date for Leon and Sony.
 

Leon performs at the Paciwood Chinese New Year ceremony.  Fans gave him red envelopes of "Lucky Money." 
 

Leon will have a concert in Malaysia on March 4, 2000.  The location is tentatively set at Stadium Putra.  We will add more information as we receive new details.
 

Leon was the leader for the Community Chest Charity Walk.  Members had plastic red flags and attracted much attention along the way.  Later, Mr. and Ms. Tung Chee Wa arrived.  As they passed Leon, they stopped and shook hands and talked.  At around 9:15 AM, the walk officially began.
 

Leon's Karaoke Live is the first public Leon Lai event for the year 2000.  This is a karaoke competition where the contestants would sing Leon's songs.  Leon announced and presented the awards for the winners.  The contestants also took their pictures with Leon and the judges.  Leon picks a winner, in a draw, for the grand prize of a car!  Leon presented the key to the winner on stage.

The Year 2000 Show began shortly after 10:00 PM on New Year's Eve.  Leon arrived with his dancers and Thomas King.  Chief Executive, Tung Chee Wa was waving at the celebrities and Leon.  Leon's main performance began at approximately 1:20 AM.  He performed songs such as "Sugar In The Marmalade" and "Happy 2000."  When Leon completed his performance, he was interviewed by the media.

Leon's new "Leon Live 99" Photo Book is available now.  It is a 24-page soft-cover book with pictures of Leon.  It is about $15 US Dollars.  If you did not get a chance to see Leon in concert this year, consider buying this!  It is available at AsiaCD.com for those who are interested.

Leon went to the coliseum in the afternoon for the rehearsals.  Shortly after, Leon and Mavis got together and were rehearsing their duet song, "Sweet Honey."  Leon rehearsed until around 5:30 PM. At 7:15 PM, Leon returns for his concert wearing a white jacket and black cap.  The new Sports Coliseum is a very modern and featured facility. There were many stands which offered food, Leon souvenirs, and concert magazines.

At around 8:00 PM, the concert starts.  During the concert, there were discs being thrown. All the fans darted to the front to get them.  Leon sat at the side of the stage to introduce Mavis.  She made an entrance from the lift at the centre stage and sat down with Leon to sing their duet.  When Leon finished, he made some comments to the audience.  Leon mentions that on the stage, he is an entertainer. However, off the stage, he is just a normal person. He modestly mentions that they should not address him as "Sky God" and that he is just Leon. Leon wished everyone a Happy (Year) 2000. When the concert came to a conclusion at 10:45 PM, the fans were still screaming and did not want to leave. After the concert, Leon went to the hotel ballroom for a post-concert celebration party.

Leon visits ChongQing in preparation for Leon's "Happy 2000 Leon..." concert at the Stadium. It starts with the opening ceremony followed by a media interview.  The audience enters the stadium around 7:00 PM and the concert ends around 10:00 PM.  Leon returns to the hotel and there was a post-concert dinner held at the hotel's Chinese tea room. 

1999 October 6 - Leon In Japan

Leon's schedule shifted due to his participation in the Taiwan earthquake charity event.  The earlier travel plans to Japan resumes.  Leon is going to Japan to record and make concert preparations.

Many stars are participating in this show to raise money for Taiwan's Earthquake victims.  After Leon's performance, he was interviewed by some journalists.

1999 August 31 - Leon Lai's New Citibank Hong Kong Commercial

Leon is involved in the current Citibank Hong Kong commercial which also features his new song called, "That's Life."

1999 August 19 - Leon Live '99 Press Conference

Leon arrives at the Hong Kong Convention Centre in a van, wearing a dark suit. After the press conference, fans were waiting.  Leon greets the fans by smiling and is constantly waving back.

1999 August 07 - Leon's UNICEF Charity Sale

Leon was raising funds for the UNICEF charity and children; by selling sweets to the public in five different areas. In the space of five hours, Leon went to all the designated areas throughout Hong Kong. These areas included the Cheung Kwan Centre, Mongkok New Century Centre, TST Harbour City, Aberdeen Centre, and Causeway Bay Time Square.  [Editor's comments]  You've made a positive contribution and difference in this world.  Keep up the good charity work, Leon!

1999 July 30 - Metro Radio 997 Fan Club Concert

This large fan club concert features many stars.  The stars are invited to go on stage to sing and play games.  Leon sang some songs such as "Beginning From Now" and "Be My Girl."

1999 June 21 - Leon Lai And Michael Jackson Live Charity Concert

Leon Lai will be a special guest for Michael Jackson's charity concert in Korea on June 25, 1999.  Michael Jackson will be performing at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul, South Korea to a capacity crowd of about 63,000.  Some of the other impressive and legendary guests/performers include the following:

* Boyz II Men - One of the best modern quartets
* Diana Ross - The Supremes fame
* Elizabeth Taylor - The famous screen actress
* Gloria Estefan
* Slash - The guitarist, formerly with Guns N Roses
* Luther Vandross  - This guy can REALLY sing, especially live
* Stevie Wonder - A true legend
* Lionel Ritchie - "Say you, say me"
* Kenny G - Smooth sax
* Modern Talking - And many other guests!

The people working with Michael Jackson on the new album include the following:

- Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins.  Rodney is one of the hottest producers right now.  He has produced for artists such as Brandy (Grammy Award  Winning #1 Hit "The Boy Is Mine"), Aaliyah, New Edition, AZ, Joe, Gina Thompson, Andrea Martin, Brownstone, Hodge, Immature, J'Son, Jennifer Lopez, Mary J. Blige, Monica, Simone Hines, Tatyana Ali, and Whitney Houston.  Yet, Rodney is only 21 years old!

- R. Kelly - A talented singer and producer.

- Lauryn Hill - Platinum female artist, originally a part of the Fugees group.  Lauryn Hill's solo album received 10 Grammy Award nominations.  The 23-year-old singer won five Grammys, a record for a woman, as the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences celebrated the best in the music business.  Lauryn Hill's, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" won Grammy Awards for album of the year (the first time a Hip-Hop artist has won in this category), best female Rhythm and Blues vocal performance, best new artist, best R&B song, and best R&B album.

- David Foster - Famous singer/producer originally from Vancouver Island, Canada.  He has produced countless hit songs for artists such as Chicago ("Hard to Say I'm Sorry" "You're the Inspiration"), All-4-One ("I Swear"), Whitney Houston ("I Will Always Love You"), Michael Jackson, and many others.  Michael Jackson is one of the all-time greatest popular music entertainers, despite what others may think of his physical appearance or private life.  Many songs and artists have been influenced by him.  It is an honour that Leon Lai is a guest, amongst all these greats.

1999 May 14 - Leon Performs at "Music is Live"

Leon arrives at the Hong Kong Convention Centre to rehearse for the "Music is Live" Concert. Leon performed many different songs from other Hong Kong artists and his own songs. Afterwards, Leon invited Cass Pang and Miao to thank the crowd and say goodbye. After being interviewed by the media, Leon left at 10:30 PM.

1999 May 1 - Leon's Work Travels

Leon prepares for his USA flight to shoot the latest Hutchison Commercial. In the time-frame of one week, Leon has been to Korea, Beijing, Canton, Taiwan, and the USA.  That's the way to get AirMiles!  :)

1999 April 13 - Leon Lai's Community Chest Karaoke Union Charity and "Sour" MTV

Leon attends the premiere showing of his new "Sour" MTV. The Karaoke Union will donate $1 towards the Community Chest for each person who chooses to sing "Sour" between April 16 to May 30, 1999. They are hoping this event goes into the "Guinness Book of World Records."

1999 April 12 - "New Love Generation" Movie and Sony Music Taiwan

Leon arrives in Taipei to promote his film "New Love Generation" and meet with Sony Music Taiwan regarding his next Mandarin album. 

The "Music Is Live" press conference was held at Tsim Sha Tsui's Planet Hollywood. The three participating artists include Leon Lai, Cass Pang, and Miao Lo. The artists were striking "musical-instrument poses" for the media. Leon shows his skills by playing the drums!

1999 January - Leon Lai Wins Awards!

Leon was at the Commercial Radio Award Show.  The awards that Leon received are as follows:

Favorite Male Singer

Commercial Radio Male Artist - Silver Award

Third Highest Airplay Song - "Never Ever"

Best Partners - Leon Lai and Hutchison Telecom

It is quite an honor to be interviewed by CNN.  Leon replies with his thoughts on music, acting, UNICEF/charities, and much more.

1998 October 5 - Leon Lai Charity Concert in San Francisco, USA

Leon Lai is scheduled to appear at the "Tung Wah Hospital Charity Superstar Concert 1998."  This will be a worthwhile charity and fund-raiser for a new, state-of-the-art Tung Wah Hospital in San Francisco, California, USA. It will have the facilities to help and care for people.  The scheduled date for this event is November 28, 1998.

1998 August 14 - Leon Lai Judges VJ Competition

Friday, August 14, 1998: Leon Lai and Carina Lau (Ka Ling) were invited to be the guest judges for a VJ competition. The candidates are competing for Channel V's new VJ in Shanghai TV Mansion. The competition was held at 7:30 PM that evening. A young girl from the Shanghai Theatre Academy won. She took first prize and will be the future VJ of Channel V. After the competition, there was a party at Park 1997 in Shanghai. Leon showed up around midnight/12:00 AM.

 
1998 August 2 News - Leon Lai in Charity Concert

Below is a review of the July 26, 1998 Charity concert at the Shanghai Stadium.  It was contributed by a kind fan:

Leon Lai had a charity concert at the new Shanghai Stadium.  Three out of the "Four Big Sky Kings" (literally translated) performed at this concert.  This includes performers such as Leon Lai, Jacky Cheung, Aaron Kwok and others.  It is said that one ticket can support a poor and less fortunate child to attend school for three years.  The price for the ticket is 600RMB, 500RMB., 360RMB, 240RMB, and 100RMB according to the seat.  Fortunately, it did not rain even though the weather forecast said it would. The concert was successful. 

In my opinion, Leon was the best among all these singers because he sang more songs and his voice went well.  Also Mark Lui, his new album's producer, showed up at the beginning of the concert.

Leon was great during the concert. He appeared three separate times during the concert. For the first time, Leon had a red vest with a white jacket. He sang a number of songs.  The first two songs were from his new album.  During the second appearance, Leon wore a rayon top and sang one song.  The third time, he wore a black blazer and sang two songs - one is called "Will you come tonight?"  The whole concert lasted about two and a half hours.  It ended with a song by all the performers at the concert that night.

1998 July 23 - Leon Lai in Shanghai!

Leon's Sony EP, Shanghai Promotion: Leon Lai was in Shanghai, promoting his Sony EP. This happened very recently, just a few days ago!   There was a press conference at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. At about 6:00 PM, Leon arrived at a disco in the town center. Leon was wearing a casual blue T-shirt and a pair of jeans. There was a fan club for him. Approximately 300 fans attended this event. Five Leon Lai fans were invited to sing his new song. Then, Leon judged the best performer. Leon thought the first fan was good but the audience chose the forth fan. So this fan won the gift of the CD, the picture, and the big playbill with Leon's signature. The whole meeting was about one hour.

Charity Concert in Shanghai featuring Leon Lai, Jacky Cheung, Faye Wong, and others: Leon will appear in Shanghai to perform at a charity concert on July 26, 1998. The other performers include Jacky Cheung, Aaron Kwok, Amei, and other singers from Beijing. The concert will be held at the newly built Shanghai Stadium which can hold an estimated capacity of 80,000 people!

1998 June - Leon Interview And Pictures

Some exclusive Leon Lai interviews and pictures are online.  Leon shares his views and answers many questions.