Hong Kong pop legend Jacky Cheung has become the first Chinese-speaking artist in history to hold 1,000 concerts during a remarkable career spanning more than 40 years.

Jacky Cheung poses at a celebration party in Haikou, Hainan province, Feb. 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]

Known as the "God of Songs" by his fans, Cheung, 63, reached a historic milestone on Feb. 23 as he completed the 218th concert of his current "Jacky Cheung 60+ World Tour" in Haikou, Hainan province. The concert also marked the 1,000th show across his 10 tours, a testament to his impressive singing career. Beginning in 1987 with his first solo tour, the "Jacky Cheung 87 Concert" at the Hong Kong Coliseum, he has performed in more than 100 cities across 18 countries and regions, entertaining over 10 million fans.

"What does 1,000 concerts mean to me?" Cheung emotionally reflected on stage during the concert on Sunday. "It's a reflection of the past 40 years, where I've spent nearly 3,000 hours standing on this stage. I've poured all my sincerity and love into every performance."

He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fans, saying: "To every fan who has supported me, whether you're here with me tonight or not, my journey has been shaped by your unwavering love and encouragement. Without you, I would never have had the chance to do what I love most. These 40 years, these 1,000 shows — they were made possible by you."

Jacky Cheung performs at his 1,000th concert in Haikou, Hainan province, Feb. 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]

As Adam Granite, executive vice president of market development at Universal Music Group (UMG), pointed out, very few artists in the world have reached this milestone. "Jacky Cheung's remarkable achievements over the past 40 years have far surpassed the boundaries of the Chinese music industry," Granite said. "From record-breaking album sales to the global reach of his music and the unparalleled scale of his tours, Cheung has solidified his place as one of the world's most iconic superstars."

Although Cheung has always said that breaking records was never his goal, his tours have consistently set new benchmarks. Notable highlights include: In 1995, his "Jacky Cheung Concert 1995" became the first tour by a Chinese artist to reach 100 shows. His "The Year of Jacky Cheung World Tour" from 2007 to 2008 attracted over 2 million people across 105 concerts. His 2010 "Jacky Cheung 1/2 Century World Tour," celebrating his 50th birthday, drew over 2 million attendees in a single year, earning a Guinness World Record for the "largest combined audience for a live act in 12 months," and eventually wrapped up with 146 shows across 77 cities in 18 months, attended by a total of 2.8 million fans. From 2016 to 2019, his "A Classic Tour" set another record with 233 shows — the highest number for a single tour by a Chinese artist — drawing more than 4.5 million people. Now, his ongoing "Jacky Cheung 60+ Concert Tour," which began in 2023, has already completed 218 performances, with even more expected.

Jacky Cheung's music career began in 1984 when he joined PolyGram Records, which later became a subsidiary of UMG, and he has since released more than 50 albums. The superstar was dubbed one of Hong Kong's "Four Heavenly Kings" in the Cantopop and Mandopop scene in the 1990s, alongside Aaron Kwok, Andy Lau and Leon Lai. Over the years, he has mesmerized fans with smash hits such as "Loving You More Every Day," "Goodbye Kiss," "True Love" and "Wait Until Flowers Wither."

Jacky Cheung receives a plaque marking his 1,000th concert from Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, in Haikou, Hainan province, Feb. 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]

Regarded as one of the most influential Chinese artists worldwide, he has won numerous prestigious awards, including the World Music Award (1996) for World's Best-Selling Asian Artist and the Billboard Music Award (1994) for Most Popular Asian Singer. Additionally, seven of his albums have been certified as bestsellers in Hong Kong by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.

Beyond music, Cheung has also had a notable film career, starring in more than 70 movies, including classics like "As Tears Go By," "The Swordsman" and "July Rhapsody." He has also ventured into stage musicals, creating the groundbreaking Cantonese Broadway-style production "Snow.Wolf.Lake." In addition to playing the male lead, he served as the artistic director for the production.

To commemorate his 1,000th concert milestone — an achievement that not only cemented his unparalleled legacy in the Chinese music industry but also contributed to the global rise of Chinese pop music — UMG executives presented Cheung with a special gift on Feb. 23: a 3-meter-long scroll painting capturing his remarkable journey. The painting intricately depicts the stage design, lighting and iconic look of each of his tours, set against a backdrop of fans holding light signs.

Jacky Cheung receives a Chinese scroll marking his 1,000th concert from music executives in Haikou, Hainan province, Feb. 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]

"Mr. Cheung is not only our pride but also a defining figure in the Chinese music scene," said Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China. "His unparalleled artistry, remarkable professionalism and every breakthrough he has achieved in bringing Chinese music to the global stage continue to inspire us. We look forward to many more years of collaboration, promoting the influence of Chinese culture on the world stage."

Gary Chan, managing director of Universal Music Hong Kong and senior vice president of Universal Music Greater China, noted that Cheung has become a symbol not just of Hong Kong's pop music, but of a shared memory for Chinese people globally. "We believe his legacy will continue to serve as a beacon to inspire the next generation of musicians from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, leading them to new heights," he said.