Leslie's New Year present

You can't blame Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing for being pleased with himself. It must be gratifying to know that despite having been away from the concert scene for more than six years, his old fans have not forgotten him. And he has gathered new ones.

That is evident from the clamour for tickets to his comeback concert this December. Demand has been so strong that all 'priority bookings' (credit card) tickets were sold within two days. To satisfy irate card-holders trying to get tickets, concert promoters Fun Entertainment and Yiu Wing Entertainment added two more shows to the 20-day run. The concerts will now run from December 12 to January 2, 1997.

'It is a very happy occasion for both me and my fans. Naturally I am glad ticket sales have been good. Even though that is not an important consideration for me, I have to think about the organisers,' said Cheung, who flew back from Argentina to promote his concerts. 'I will try to present the best of what I have done since I left the music industry seven years ago and relive my days of glory. I was never worried that it was not possible.' The concert will incorporate what Cheung has done in movies and music, including recent soundtrack hits. His concerts will feature guests - all women.

Promoter Florence Chan Suk-fun said there were special plans for the New Year's Eve show, which would start at 9.30pm instead of 8.

'There were a lot of technicalities and special applications to make but we have approval for that concert to extend past the countdown because Leslie said he really wanted to step into the new year with his fans,' Chan added.

Neither singer nor promoter will confirm it but Cheung is rumoured to be commanding the highest fees ever for his concerts. Asked if he would consider lowering his fees, Cheung answered with a firm 'No'.