SINGAPORE – Music lovers of all ages are drawn to the enchanting performances of veteran artists, and for good reason. Take Ms. Michelle Yong, 61, for instance. This devoted fan has attended at least four concerts featuring Cantopop legend Frances Yip and eagerly anticipates her next performance at the Esplanade Concert Hall on May 25.

Reflecting on her past, Ms. Yong recalls how Yip's heartwarming ballads, which dominated Hong Kong's drama theme songs in the 1980s—like "The Bund" and "The Legend Of Wonder Lady”—inspired her, despite her hectic life as a working mother at that time. Now that she has more free time, attending Yip's concerts has become a cherished ritual. “These concerts hold sweet memories and every performance feels like a potential farewell,” she shares poignantly, emphasizing the emotional depth that these shows bring to her life.

The phenomenon isn’t confined to just one artist. Many fans are equally enthusiastic about regional music icons such as Taiwan’s Wu Bai and Power Station, alongside Hong Kong stars like Alan Tam and William So, who have concert dates scheduled throughout the coming months. Unlike some Western acts, regional artists maintain a steadfast loyalty, frequently gracing Singapore’s stages to sold-out crowds.

For instance, Power Station's "Because Of Love" concert tour achieved record ticket sales—both 2022 and 2024 shows at the Singapore Indoor Stadium were completely sold out, with another performance slated for April 19 at Resorts World Ballroom. In an email, member Yen Chih-lin expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from fans, portraying concerts as moments of joy for both performers and attendees alike.

Meanwhile, hairstylist Freddy Tay, in his 70s, points out how certain songs become inseparable from personal memories. He reminisces about his fondness for William So’s 1999 hit, “To Love Someone Is Hard,” sharing how its lyrics resonated deeply during challenging times in his life. Concert outings have fostered camaraderie among him and his friends, turning shows into beloved social events.

Similarly, Gina Yeo, 64, and her daughter Gladys Ho, 30, share an enchanting mother-daughter bond over the music of Wu Bai, created during a time that links both generations. After being captivated by Wu Bai's performance in the Taiwanese drama "Someday Or One Day," Gladys found an emotional connection to her mother through their shared love for his music, proving that nostalgia transcends age barriers.

Concert promoters are recognizing a palpable demand for such acts, with many artists relying not solely on new releases but on the emotional resonance their catalogs possess. Kelvin Goh from Red Spade Entertainment articulates it well— fans crave the memories attached to their favorite songs, which narrate tales of first loves, cherished youth, and meaningful life moments.

Notably, the appeal of veteran artists may even span generations. Younger concert-goers are often seen attending concerts to bond with their families or to celebrate the legacies of their late loved ones, nurturing connections through music.

Moreover, while concerns about the aging voices of these veteran performers linger, it often matters less to devoted fans who cherish the emotional resonance of their favorite songs. Both Guo Xian, a DJ from 96.3 Hao FM, and record label director Ngiam Kwang Hwa noted how veteran artists continue to efficiently tap into the emotional landscapes of their audience, even without new material, thanks to social media and a loyal following who only wish to relive those golden moments.

As concerts featuring veteran stars continue to attract enthusiastic audiences, it’s clear that nostalgia and emotional connection play pivotal roles in why these performances resonate so strongly. It reminds us that music is not just entertainment— it's a powerful thread that weaves together memories, emotions, and unbreakable bonds.