AS CANTO-POP remains driven by manufactured idols, Beyond's existence is becoming ever more precious. For the past 20 years, the band have not just steadfastly defended their musical territory against shallow commercialism - they have also taught millions of local youngsters what rock'n'roll is all about.
It is an exciting year for guitarist Paul Wong Koon-chung, bassist Steve Wong Kar-keung and drummer Yip Sai-wing. Embarking on a world tour at the end of this month to celebrate the band's 20th anniversary, the band will also 'revive' lead guitarist and singer Koma Wong Kar-kui, who died 10 years ago after falling off a stage in Japan, with the help of some state-of-the-art technology.
'With the aid of visual effects Kar-kui will appear on stage to join us,' says 38-year-old Steve Wong, younger brother of the late Koma Wong. 'I hope fans will not mind if it does not come out as good as planned.'
Paul Wong, 39, says that the gig, titled Beyond Beyond, will feature a lot of the band's classics.
'We will rearrange our old stuff because certain musical arrangements sound dated when you listen to them now. Another piece of good news is that we will play some songs from the past which have never been released,' he says.
'Each of us will have a solo part during the concerts, but it all depends on our moods and the atmosphere. The setlist varies from gig to gig. This is the best thing about band shows. They are full of surprises.'
