Jacky Cheung, affectionately known as the “God of Songs” in the Chinese-speaking world, has achieved a historic milestone by completing his 1,000th concert. This landmark performance took place on 23 February in Haikou, Hainan province, as part of his ongoing “Jacky Cheung 60+ World Tour”.
Cheung’s illustrious career, spanning over four decades, began in 1984 when he joined PolyGram Records, now a subsidiary of Universal Music Group (UMG). Since then, he has released more than 50 albums and performed in over 100 cities across 18 countries, captivating audiences worldwide. His extensive touring history includes:
- Jacky Cheung 87 Concert (1987): 6 shows
- Love You More Every Day Tour (1991): 15 shows
- School & Friends World Tour (1993 – 1994): 65 shows
- Jacky Cheung 95 World Tour (1995 – 1996): 100 shows
- Friends World Tour (1999): 67 shows
- Music Odyssey Tour (2002 – 2003): 45 shows
- The Year of Jacky Cheung World Tour (2007 – 2008): 105 shows
- Jacky Cheung 1/2 Century World Tour (2010 – 2012): 146 shows
- A Classic Tour (2016 – 2019): 233 shows
- Jacky Cheung 60+ Concert Tour (2023 – 2026): 218 shows as of February 2025
Throughout his career, Cheung has consistently set new benchmarks in the music industry. His “Jacky Cheung 1/2 Century World Tour” (2010 – 2012) attracted over 2 million attendees in a single year, earning a Guinness World Record for the “largest combined audience for a live act in 12 months”. His “A Classic Tour” (2016 – 2019) further solidified his legacy with 233 performances, the most by a Chinese artist in a single tour.
At the Haikou concert, Cheung reflected on his journey, stating: “What does 1,000 concerts mean to me? It’s a reflection of the past 40 years, where I’ve spent nearly 3,000 hours standing on this stage.” He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fans, acknowledging their unwavering support as the foundation of his enduring success.
In recognition of this monumental achievement, executives from Universal Music Greater China presented Cheung with a three-metre-long traditional Chinese scroll painting. This artwork intricately depicts the stage designs, lighting, and iconic looks from each of his ten tours, set against a backdrop of fans holding light signs, symbolising the brilliance of his enduring musical legacy.
Adam Granite, Executive Vice President of Market Development at UMG, lauded Cheung’s accomplishments, stating that his achievements have “far surpassed the boundaries of the Chinese music industry”. Granite emphasised Cheung’s global reach and iconic status, noting that reaching 1,000 concerts is an extraordinary feat achieved by few artists worldwide.
Timothy Xu, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, echoed these sentiments, expressing deep respect for Cheung’s unwavering trust and collaboration over the past 40 years. Xu highlighted Cheung’s role as a defining figure in the Chinese music scene, whose artistry and professionalism continue to inspire and promote Chinese culture on the world stage.
Gary Chan, Managing Director of Universal Music Hong Kong and Senior Vice President of Greater China, remarked that Cheung has become a symbol not just of Hong Kong’s pop music but also of a shared memory for Chinese people globally. Chan expressed confidence that Cheung’s legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of musicians from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, leading them to new heights.
As Cheung’s “60+ Concert Tour” continues, fans eagerly anticipate more performances that will undoubtedly add to his already remarkable legacy. His enduring passion and dedication to his craft serve as an inspiration to artists and audiences alike, solidifying his status as a true icon in the world of music.
