WHILE THE PROS and cons of trying to lure international rock acts to Hong Kong are still being debated, one local event is keeping faith with home-grown talent by providing a showcase for the best live music the city has to offer.
The names behind Rock On - an independent music showcase that's now in its eighth year - are Irene Sit, the founder of Puffin Music Management, her sister, Yvonne Siet, and indie music guru Wong Chi-chung.
Rock On, which has grown to become a three-day event, has its roots in the 1997 handover and Hong Kong's uncertain future, and was never expected to be more than a one-off affair.
'Because of the handover, I thought there might never be another chance to have a rock concert here,' says Sit. 'I thought we'd better try do one while we still can. I worked with a lot of bands and talented musicians, and wanted to give them a chance to play.
'Technically, the local bands can stand up against international ones,' she says. 'They just needed an opportunity. The following year, I got a call to do another one and lots more bands wanted to play.'
At the time, Siet and Wong were involved in a new band competition, and the three decided to pool their talents and resources and concentrate on the Rock On event. More than 170 bands have graced the Rock On stage since the first 1997 concert. This year, 22 acts (including some from Japan) will take part.