Music organizer cancels farewell concert for late singer Chen Ying-chieh to avoid conflict

Music critic Hsu Chang-te has canceled a planned musical farewell concert for the late Taiwanese singer Chen Ying-chieh, originally set for August 28th. The decision comes amid public discussion and speculation that the event might clash with Chen Ying-chieh's official funeral, scheduled for August 30th in Taoyuan.

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I later felt that he [Jacky Wu] was unintentional. I think everyone originally wanted to help Chen Ying-chieh, just their ways of expression were different.

Hsu stated that he decided to call off the concert to prevent the memorial from turning into a "battleground." He expressed his desire to avoid any situation that could be perceived as a conflict or competition between different ways of honoring the singer. "Everyone's way of remembering Chen Ying-chieh can be different," Hsu explained, emphasizing that a music event and a funeral are both valid forms of remembrance and should not be pitted against each other.

The controversy also touched upon past tensions between Hsu and television host Jacky Wu. Wu had previously expressed "confusion" about not being directly contacted by Hsu regarding assistance for Chen Ying-chieh. While Hsu initially responded publicly, he has since softened his stance, stating he believes Wu's intentions were not malicious and that both men, being of similar age, should approach the situation calmly.

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Everyone's way of remembering Chen Ying-chieh can be different; holding a music event is one way, and holding a funeral is also one way. There's no need to force the two into opposition.

Hsu reiterated that all artists who participated in his previous concerts for Chen Ying-chieh did so voluntarily, without him actively inviting them. He was careful to avoid creating any sense of obligation, wanting to ensure that no one felt they were indebted to him or Chen Ying-chieh for their participation. The cancellation of the August 28th event aims to return the focus solely to remembering Chen Ying-chieh in a peaceful and respectful manner.

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I don't want people to misunderstand that they were invited by me; they truly came on their own, and I even refused some people, yet they still wanted to come.