Mandopop star Eric Chou successfully completed two sold out shows at the Taipei Arena on August 8-9, which saw 11,000 and 22,000 attendees respectively.
These are the first concerts held in the venue since Taiwan’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, and potentially the first post-pandemic arena shows globally.
As promised, Chou unveiled an upgraded set at the two shows, performing a revamped setlist on a revolving stage and donning stunning new outfits. Chou did not let the mood be dampened by the increased safety measures, even shedding his top to flaunt his sculpted physique towards the end of the second song of the night ‘That’s All’.
Audiences at both shows witnessed Chou soulfully belt out fan favourites such as ‘Freedom’ and ‘At Least I Remember’ on the new revolving stage. However, it was the appearance of guest performer Ella and Chou’s beloved Shiba Inu Chopin that caused fans to raise the roof.
Also enthusiastically supporting Chou at the concert were friends and fellow celebrities Ben Wu and Dino. In addition, Chou’s collaborator and Mandopop queen G.E.M. also surprised the audience via video, expressing her desire to perform their song ‘Don’t Force It’ together soon.
To ensure the safety of attendees, the concert was subject to government measures. After receiving approval from Taiwanese authorities, the organisers sought to adhere to strict COVID-19 preventative measures, including refusing entry to ticket-holders with a body temperature of over 37.5β and ensuring all concertgoers wear masks and have access to alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
Chou, who earlier this year released his smash hit studio album βWhen We Were Youngβ, is set to perform two more arena shows on 5th and 6th September at the Kaohsiung Arena.
