Renowned Chinese singer Dao Lang recently held a concert in Chengdu after 12 years since his last performance. The atmosphere at the concert was incredibly lively, with a grand choir of thousands chanting along to familiar melodies. Particularly touching was the presence of an 85-year-old grandmother shedding tears at Dao Lang’s concert, earning praise for reaching the pinnacle of fandom.
During the concert, Dao Lang sang over twenty of his original classic songs, including “The First Snow of 2002,” “Love Song of the West Sea,” “Impulsive Punishment,” “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing,” and “Rakshasa Market.” The familiar tunes sparked a massive choir among the audience, and the 53-year-old Dao Lang himself was moved to tears on stage.
According to reports from mainland media, many of the attendees were long-time fans of Dao Lang, some of whom had been following him for years. There were even cases where children brought their parents or grandparents to fulfill their elder’s dream of seeing Dao Lang perform live.
One elderly grandmother, aged 85, was seen visibly moved multiple times during the event. Digging deeper into her background online revealed that she had attended a Dao Lang concert back in 2012. At that time, Dao Lang had held her hand on stage, expressing his gratitude and appreciation for her support.
A comparison between photos from 2012 to 2024 showed the grandmother still had some black hair 12 years ago while now displaying a head of white hair, yet her love for Dao Lang remained unwavering throughout the years.
In fact, many of Dao Lang’s fans have followed him for years, with a considerable portion being older in age. Their influence even extends to the next generation, as Dao Lang’s fanbase now consists of a mix of all ages, showcasing a unique “family-oriented” fan culture.
Reflecting on the current economic situation, a netizen commented, “In today’s economic climate, perhaps only Dao Lang can attract three generations – the elderly, middle-aged, and youth – to willingly buy tickets with their own money.” The sentiment resonated with many, underscoring Dao Lang’s enduring worth in the eyes of his fans.
Originally known as Luo Lin, Dao Lang rose to fame with his original song “The First Snow of 2002,” winning the Best Mandarin Male Singer at the 5th Chinese Music Media Awards. However, despite his initial success, he later retreated from the limelight, reportedly facing exclusions from some prominent figures in the Chinese music industry.
After a decade of silence, Dao Lang made a comeback in July 2023 with his new album “Lonely Mountain Songs,” gaining renewed popularity with the song “Rakshasa Market.” The track cleverly critiques contemporary society and resonates with fans by flipping the norms of the mundane world, garnering enormous attention and topping the trending charts. In just 10 days, the song amassed over 8 billion global online plays.
At the Chengdu concert, as Dao Lang performed some of his classic hits, both the audience and Dao Lang himself were moved to tears. One spectator remarked, “In his thirties, Dao Lang sang songs; now, he sings stories.” Describing the event as more of a massive fan gathering than a mere concert, media outlets praised the emotional connect. A fan emotionally noted, “The scene of an 85-year-old grandmother shedding tears at Dao Lang’s concert not only epitomizes the highest level of idol worship but also highlights that liking a star does not require frenzy – it only demands years of silent devotion.”