Paul Wong Koon-chung, known professionally as Paul Wong, is a Hong Kong musician, singer, songwriter and producer. He is the lead guitarist of the rock bandBeyond, which has been disestablished since 2005. He earned the award "the Best Rock Singer " in Hit Awards 2012. He is also a member of Hong Kong Artistes Christian Fellowship.
Biography
Early life and Beyond
Wong grew up in Kowloon City. During childhood his main hobby was drawing and he aspired to be an artist, having gained a lot of related awards. When he studied Design in Hong Kong Polytechnic College, he met drummer Yip Sai Wing and other Beyond members, who invited him to be the designer for the band's first concert, later on becoming the band's lead guitarist. As the designer of Beyond, Wong's projects include the front cover of Goodbye Ideals and the clothing design of Life Contact Concert. Regarding vocals, Wong sang lead on one or two songs per the band's album, such as "The Grand Earth", "Midnight Stray", "Forgive Me Today" and "Yearn for You". On 24 June 1993, lead vocalist and rhythm guitaristWong Ka Kui suddenly fell off the 2.7 m tall stage when the band were rehearsing the game show in Japan. He then got in a coma and was certified dead on 30 June 1993. Thereafter, the remaining three Beyond members decided to continue making music under the band's name the next year, Paul Wong and bassist Wong Ka Keung became the lead vocalists and main songwriters. Paul Wong's signature works are "Paradise ", "Let the Hands Off " and "Until You Are Here ". In 1999, Beyond were broken up and launched their solo projects possibly owing to their demarcation over musical concepts. In 2003, they reunited to have a concert tour Beyond Beyond Beyond Live 03 for the band's 20th anniversary. In 2005, they announced their breakup through Beyond final concert tour Beyond the Story Live 2005.
Solo career
In late 1999, Wong formed the band Hann with Jun Kung, Mak Man Wai from LMF and Dino Acconci. Next, he established a studio called Polar Bear Studio where Wong made all his recordings. Afterward, he signed a contract to Universal Records and within the two years released several solo albums which made him win "the Gold Award as one of the Best Singer/Songwriters " in Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation for the consecutive two years. Wong once played a leading role in the musical called The Dream Broken in Victoria Harbour by troupe Theatre Space, adapted from a broadway musicalWest Side Story, localised and based on the background in Hong Kong. Hong Kong conductor Henry Shek was the leader for Hong Kong New Phihamonic Symphonic Orchestra to perform at the seashore of Hong Kong Cultural Centre during the play. In November 2002, Wong held his debut concert in Hong Kong Coliseum. After the contract to Universal has ended, he issued an indie album Existence in 2004, funded by himself. Yet as a member of Beyond, in 2005 they ran eight sessions of concert in Hong Kong Coliseum, which is the last world tour of the band. Consequently he worked as the supervisor for the musical Akapi Shooting Incident by CRHK Sammy and Kitty to contribute soundtracks. In April 2006, Wong signed a contract to Warner, promoting his projects in Mainland China.
