If fate has it... I'm up for it anytime.
A Beyond reunion? Band's ex-guitarist Paul Wong says: I'm up for it anytime.
Rock 'n' rollers around the world rejoiced when the original Guns N' Roses line-up reunited in April, nearly 23 years after the US rock band's acrimonious split over controversial frontman Axl Rose.
Here in Asia, fans are still fervently hoping for a Beyond reunion.
Beyond, one of Cantopop's most influential and prominent rock outfits in the 1990s, disbanded in 2005.
Band's ex-guitarist Paul Wong (above)In certain ways, the tension-filled dynamics within Beyond resemble that of Guns N' Roses - ever since the Hong Kong trio went separate ways, there have been frequent rumours and rumblings of discord between guitarist Paul Wong, bassist-vocalist Wong Ka Keung, both 52, and drummer Yip Sai Wing, 53.
The band, best known for hits such as Boundless Oceans Vast Skies and Glorious Years, started out as a quartet in the 1980s.
Founder and frontman, Wong Ka Kui, widely regarded as the glue of Beyond, died in a freak accident in 1993 while recording a TV game show in Japan.
Ahead of guitarist Wong's upcoming solo concert in Singapore, the father of one - he has a four-year-old daughter with Hong Kong actress Athena Chu - told M that he does not rule out a Beyond reunion in the future.
"It's very hard for me to answer on behalf of the other Beyond members, but I am personally open to the idea," said Wong in an e-mail interview.
"If fate decides that we should get back together, I'm up for it any time."
ON STAGE: Beyond band members (from left) Wong Ka Keung, Yip Sai Wing and Paul Wong before they disbanded in 2005. PHOTO: BVG ENTERTAINMENTIs he disappointed that more than a decade after Beyond's disbandment, no other Hong Kong rock band has managed to attain their same level of success? Is rock music dead in Hong Kong?
"There are many reasons as to why some bands make it big and why some do not, it isn't just about the quality of the bands," said Wong.
"It's also about what current listeners want, as well as changing trends in the Cantopop industry."
He added: "Rock music will never die. We live in a society with increasing negative vibes and negative energy, (and) rock music is the best channel for expressing one's frustration and anger."
Armed with the technical skills to create wailing, electrifying guitar solos, Wong said that he makes it a point to practise regularly, so as to continue honing his craft.
"I've been playing the guitar for so long, it has become a part of my life," he said.
"There are days when I'd deliberately 'go hungry'.
"I'd put my guitar aside and do other things like painting. Or I'd just dabble with other instruments.
"Then, when I pick up my guitar again, I'd feel totally refreshed."
WHAT Paul Wong World Tour 2016
WHERE The Star Theatre
WHEN July 9, 8pm
TICKETS $88 to $238 from Sistic (www.sistic.com.sg or 6348-5555)
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