"Three Prominents" reunite for Shanghai concert

Dou Wei performs at the Shanghai Grand Stage, July 5, 2008. [Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]

The hottest heat wave this summer has not deterred rock fans from crowding a concert in Shanghai to see the first major reunion of Dou Wei, He Yong and Zhang Chu since their historical 1994 show.

The 8,500-seat Shanghai Grand Stage was close to capacity on Saturday, although the city's temperature broke its year record to hit 38.8 degrees Celsius (101.84 degrees Fahrenheit).

Fans came from around the country, many seeking a nostalgic moment as the show marked the return of the "Three Prominents" of Moyan, the music company that represented the three singers before it went out of business in 2002.

Dou Wei opened the night with his new works, followed by supporting artist Jiang Xin.

When He Yong took the stage, the atmosphere reached its climax. He greeted the audience with his old hits, encouraging them to sing along. He Yong's father, He Yusheng, accompanied his son onstage and played the sanxian (three-string banjo).

Emotions ran high throughout the night as Zhang Chu wrapped up the show with his best-known tunes.

The concert came 14 years after the "Three Prominents" gave an astonishing performance along with heavy metal band Tang Dynasty at the Hong Kong Coliseum. The concert still resonates with fans to this day. At the time, critics said the concert was the first time that Chinese rock musicians demonstrated their power and talent.

The "Three Prominents" achieved different levels of success after Moyan went out of business. They reunited briefly last year for an outdoor festival in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.