Beyond singer Wong Ka-kui: 5 things you didn’t know about the Hong Kong star who died too young

Jun 29 , 2018

Wong Ka-kui, who died at 31 years old in 1993, still lives on in the memories of many Hongkongers.

Twenty five years after the untimely death of the local pop icon, Wong still holds a special place in the hearts of many Hongkongers

Hong Kong musician, singer and songwriter Wong Ka-kui (June 10, 1962 to June 30, 1993) was without doubt an icon. As lead vocalist for Hong Kong band Beyond, Wong enthralled his fans with songs about sticking to one’s beliefs and principles, and about the city’s culture.

By the time of his death at 31 years old – an age at which many of us are still searching for a sense of purpose in life – Wong was already a household name in Southeast Asia.

Twenty five years have now passed since Wong’s untimely death, caused by a fall from a production set in Tokyo during the filming of a television variety show. But the singer still lives on in the hearts of many Hongkongers.

Below are five less well-known facts about this famous son of Hong Kong.

Beyond won a top award at the Guitar Players Festival in 1983, which helped to establish the band on the local music scene. (From left) bass guitarist Steve Wong Ka-keung, vocalist and guitarist Wong Ka-kui, drummer Gunno Yip Sai-wing and vocalist and guitarist Owen Kwan.

1. His worst solo performance?

During a concert in 1987 at Hung Hom’s Ko Shan Theatre, then a top spot for indie musicians, Wong attempted to perform a flamenco guitar solo while fans clapped along. However, it didn’t turn out quite as he had planned.

2. His music idols

It is a well known fact that Wong was a fan of David Bowie. Not so well known, perhaps, is that he was also a big follower of flamenco guitarist and producer Paco de Lucia.