Memorial Service Held for Legendary Lyricist Lai Peter, Sam Hui Pays Tribute
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
A memorial service was held on Sunday for renowned lyricist and actor Lai Peter (Lai Peter, 原名黎成就), who passed away on August 5 this year at age 76. The ceremony at Yan Chai Hospital Leung Chun-Pak Memorial Secondary School in Tseung Kwan O gathered dozens of mourners including entertainers and family members. While Sam Hui did not attend in person, he sent a pre-recorded video tribute, performing "This Song is For You" and calling Lai his best creative partner. Fellow artists shared memories of the legendary lyricist whose words captured the essence of Hong Kong's working class for over four decades.
Key Points
- Lai Peter died on August 5, 2026 at age 76; his memorial service took place on September 20 at Yan Chai Hospital Leung Chun-Pak Memorial Secondary School
- Sam Hui pre-recorded a tribute performing "This Song is For You" and called Lai his best creative partner, noting they created many classic songs together
- Attending mourners included Chan Yau, Lam Shuk Ling, Wu Yu, Shan Lut Bun, Chung Chi Kwong, Suen Wai Suet, and family members
- Chan Yau recalled meeting Lai in the 1970s when Lai worked as a driver; Lai used the pen name "Chauffeur Khof" (柴可夫), a pun on his profession
- Lai's first lyric commission came from Wynners' "Wynners Rhapsody" for HK$150; James Wong later adapted his work for the film "Everybody's Happy"
- Single Lupbun praised Lai as the greatest lyricist whose sharp, incisive lyrics elevated Cantopop to new heights alongside Sam Hui
- Chen You declared Lai's contributions to Cantonese songs were immeasurable and his works would endure for generations
Why It Matters
Lai Peter's death marks the passing of one of Cantopop's most influential architects, whose street-smart lyrics gave voice to Hong Kong's working class and ordinary citizens. His collaborations with Sam Hui in the 1970s and 1980s helped establish Cantonese as a legitimate language for pop music, breaking away from the dominance of Mandarin and English songs. As Hong Kong continues to navigate cultural identity questions, Lai's body of work serves as a linguistic and emotional archive of the city's evolution, from its industrial roots through its rise as an Asian financial capital.
Lai Peter's death marks the passing of one of Cantopop's most influential architects, whose street-smart lyrics gave voice to Hong Kong's working class and ordinary citizens. His collaborations with Sam Hui in the 1970s and 1980s helped establish Cantonese as a legitimate language for pop music, breaking away from the dominance of Mandarin and English songs. As Hong Kong continues to navigate cultural identity questions, Lai's body of work serves as a linguistic and emotional archive of the city's evolution, from its industrial roots through its rise as an Asian financial capital.