Beyond (band)
Beyond is a very famous rock band in Hong Kong, founded in 1983. Like their hero Sam Hui, they have always identified with the people of Hong Kong, reflected in their songs about human rights, politics, peace, and social issues. The Wong Ka Kui composed 海闊天空 Boundless Oceans Vast Skies is probably their best known work.
_in_1993.jpg)
Beyond is:
- Wong Ka Kui vocals, guitar
- Wong Ka Keung vocals, bass
- Paul Wong vocals, lead guitar
- Yip Sai Wing drums
Forming in 1983, the original members were Wong Ka Kui, Yip Sai Wing and Lau Chi Yuen. Ka Kui's younger brother Wong Ka Keung joined in 1984, and Paul Wong was the last to join in 1985. Other members for brief periods have included Chan See On and Kubert Leung. Lau Chi Yuen left the band in 1989 to pursue studies in the US (though he made a return later playing instruments and helping to produce 1998's Surprise).
Beyond were initially part of the "band boom" which occured in Hong Kong in the 1980s, alongside other groups such as Tai Chi, Fundamental, Blue Jeans, and Raidas.
In June 1993, Wong Ka Kui passed away after falling into a coma, as a result of head injuries sustained falling from a broken stage on a game show in Japan. He was only 31 years old.
At the time of his passing, they were signed to Japanese record label Amuse, having already released several Japanese language singles and an album under Warner Japan. The EP, This Is Love I, initially intended to be a continuing series, was released the day after Wong Ka Kui's death.
There was debate as to whether the remaining three members would continue the band without him, but speculation ended when they reappeared on the 30th of November 1993 in Hong Kong at the Composer's Night concert.
The post-Ka Kui albums have a more 'alternative' feel to the progressive rock sound that preceeded them. 1997's Please Let Go of Your Hands (Hong Kong post-97 sentiment abounding) and 1995's grunge-inspired Sound are examples of this.
At present, the band has parted ways as each member pursues their own solo careers. They played their last concert in Hong Kong under the Beyond name on 1st February 2005, before embarking on a world tour, including stops in Vancouver, Canada and various cities in China.
Partial discography
- Goodbye Ideals (TC: 再見理想) (1986)
- Endless Waiting (TC: 永遠等待) (1987)
- New World (TC: 新天地) (1987)
- Arabian Dancing Girl (TC: 亞拉伯跳舞女郎) (1987)
- Alone Kiss (TC: 孤單一吻) (1987)
- Modern Stage (TC: 現代舞台) (1987)
- Yesterday's Footprints (TC: 舊日的足跡) (1988)
- Secret Police (TC: 秘密警察) (1988)
- BEYOND IV (1989)