Renowned singer Guo Wei, who was the runner-up on the mainland China singing competition show “My Show”, passed away suddenly on the afternoon of May 6 at the age of 44. It was revealed by his close friend that before his death, Guo Wei had made an appointment with a specialist to see for respiratory problems, but he passed away in his sleep without even stepping foot in the hospital. Zhang Jie, a well-known singer who co-created the song “Love of the Big Dipper” with Guo Wei, mourned his friend in a lengthy post on Weibo, expressing deep sorrow and disbelief.
Zhang Jie and Guo Wei met when they were both unknowns. In 2004, the two participated in the talent show “My Show” together and ultimately clinched the first and second place. The song “Love of the Big Dipper,” composed by Guo Wei and with lyrics by Zhang Jie, helped Zhang Jie win the overall championship. This song was included in Zhang Jie’s debut album “The First Album” in 2005, where Guo Wei served as the album’s producer.
Having been active in the music industry since his debut, Zhang Jie had just finished nine concerts in Beijing on the evening of May 4 and was scheduled to continue with the remaining three shows on the 9th. On the night of May 5, he went live to celebrate his wife Xie Na’s 44th birthday, who was in a different location, only to receive the heartbreaking news of his friend Guo Wei’s sudden passing on the same day.
On May 7, Zhang Jie posted a lengthy tribute to Guo Wei on Weibo. Reflecting on their first encounter, he wrote, “I saw you for the first time with a scarf wrapped around your head, holding a guitar, singing Beyond’s songs… I thought this person sings so well, he must be destined to become a friend.”
After the competition, both Zhang Jie and Guo Wei stayed in Shanghai, even residing in neighboring rooms, discussing the uncertain future through music. Guo Wei once studied under Huang Jiaqiang, the bassist of the band Beyond, and released his first solo album “Deeper and Deeper” in 2005, featuring collaborations with the band “Power Station” on songs like “Unmoved” and a Mandarin version of “Glorious Years” with Huang Jiaqiang.
In September 2023, Guo Wei and Zhang Jie reunited for the last time on the variety show “Time Music Festival,” singing “Love of the Big Dipper” together once more, showcasing the same chemistry they had before. It was revealed to Zhang Jie just a day before the program was recorded that Guo Wei had been struggling with depression for many years. Guo Wei’s last Weibo post was on July 25, 2024, where he shared a photo with Zhang Jie, captioned “Forever friends.”
Public records show that Guo Wei was from Chengdu, Sichuan Province, and was drawn to music at a young age after being inspired by the band Beyond. In 2004, he rose to fame by participating in the talent show “My Show.” Besides “Love of the Big Dipper,” he also created influential songs like “I Love This City” sung by Zhang Jingying, and “Love Doesn’t Leave” performed by Xue Zhiqian.