Roman Tam Pak-sin died more than two decades ago, but his voice continues to permeate Hong Kong’s airwaves and the city’s collective memory.
Tam, who grew up in Guangzhou, a city in China’s southern Guangdong province, arrived in Hong Kong in 1962 at the age of 17 and had jobs including a tailor, a theatre usher and a bank trainee.
“Below the Lion Rock”, released in 1979 and performed by Tam, is often described as Hong Kong’s unofficial anthem and has become a widely known symbol of solidarity among Hongkongers.
Tam was not just known for his music – he was a fashionista and adopted a flamboyant style that was ahead of his time.
“Roman Tam is another queer performer who merits in-depth research,” wrote cultural critic Lok Fung in her book Butterfly of Forbidden Colors: The Artistic Image of Leslie Cheung. “Tam’s contributions hold significant historical significance in terms of pioneering.”
1. His peacock gown
One of Tam’s most well-known stage costumes was his extravagant peacock gown, made with around 5,000 feathers. He first wore it at a 1981 concert and it made many appearances, including during his farewell concert in 1996.
Four years after his death, Tam’s older sister donated it – and over 3,000 of his belongings – to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum.
2. Nude photography
Tam became the first male artist in Hong Kong to use what appears to be a nude photograph for an album.
While the 1981 cover of his first jazz album, A Mid Summer Night, used a photo of him in a sailor’s uniform, the bonus disc, titled Unfinished Love, featured an image that suggests Tam is naked, but does not show anything other than his back and legs.
The image was chosen by the record company “to maintain his image”, as reported by the Chinese language newspaper the Kung Sheung Evening News on July 21, 1981.
3. ‘Within the Laser’
“Within the Laser” from 1983 is recognised by many musicians as the first hip-hop and rap work in Hong Kong’s music scene and has been sampled, covered and parodied by numerous artists.
The music video was a visual feast for viewers and transported them to a world of pulsating energy and vibrant neon hues. Tam wore futuristic sunglasses and danced in a club and a mirrored maze that had lights that flashed in time with the beat.
4. Drunken Concubine
Apart from his avant-garde contemporary stage art, Tam held a deep appreciation for ethnic arts.
At Hong Kong’s 1992 Artist of the Year Awards presentation ceremony, he performed Peking opera master Mei Lanfang’s classic Drunken Concubine in the traditional stage costume of the genre, including a phoenix coronet, python robe, cloud shoulder and horse-faced skirt.
5. The farewell concert’s silver grey tuxedo
Tam officially bade farewell to the local entertainment industry at his 1996 concert “Roman Tam’s Glorious Stage” – although he did continue to perform from time to time after that.
Wearing a silver-grey tuxedo that trailed behind him, Tam gracefully concluded the night with three final compositions.
The silk outfit was specially designed and tailored by his close friend and legendary fashion designer, Eddie Lau Pui-kei, who has since donated it to the Hong Kong Cultural Museum.