Hong Kong pop star still going strong

Eason Chan Yik-shun, 43, is one of Hong Kong's best-selling singers and is known for his dynamic stage presence and versatile voice.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Eason Chan, who was born in Hong Kong and later studied architecture at Kingston University, London, began his career with a singing competition in Hong Kong in 1984, in which he beat 10,000 contestants.

He appeared on Hong Kong's music scene when the market was shrinking due to rampant piracy. Then, in 1995, he released a self-titled debut album.

Although the disc wasn't a bestseller, his songs, including Song of the Era and Hurt Letter, received praise.

His second and third albums, Tear and Always With Me, earned him a large fan base, and Time magazine described him as a "front-runner in the next generation of Cantopop" in 2005.

Then, in 2012, his show at London's O2 Arena sold out in 20 minutes. It was his second performance in London after performing at the Royal Albert Hall in 2010.

Besides music, Eason Chan has starred in nearly 40 movies and even performed in musicals in Hong Kong.

Speaking about his success, he says: "I am a lucky guy. From the very first day the record company did not force me to do anything. In an album. They always allow me to choose three or four songs.

"As for the big hits, I really have no idea how those songs can go so far. Though I don't like some of the hits, I try to learn to appreciate them."