Ask concert promoters what Hong Kong audiences are alike, and the answer is always the same: Reserved. Conservative. Shy.
Even the Rolling Stones had to work extra hard for their money to get some form of response when the band performed here for what turned out to be the controversial HarbourFest concert during the city’s SARS crisis. When Sir Mick pranced around the stage and called out, “Hong Kong, I can’t hear you”, he was met with a few feeble, “Yeah, man, rock on” responses.
When the great David Bowie performed here, he told audiences, “Next is a new song, and I know you don’t know it, so don’t be polite and stand up. Save yourself for the hits like Rebel Rebel”.
And then there’s Dan And Phil’s 7-Second Challenge, an app created by two young Radio 1 request show personalities- Dan Howell and Phil Lester.
The app has made the duo a YouTube sensation- a goofy and irreverent game where people are asked to do all sorts of strange things in seven seconds. Act like a dog in love with a cat, act like a Martian eating a Big Mac for the first time etc. That kinda thing, but with the eclectic minds of Dan and Phil having their specific challenges.
The lads’ 7-Second Challenge made its debut at Happy Valley Racecourse a few months ago as part of the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s successful Happy Wednesday nights. And guess what?
Apart from probably being the first racing club to bring something created by YouTubers- and for YouTubers- Dan And Phil’s 7-Second Challenge shows that Hong Kong audiences are hardly reserved. In fact, they’re not only good sports, they’re pretty wacky, and add to the Happy Wednesday experience- that unique experience that can only be found at Happy Valley Racecourse.
Watch the videos below- and if and when in Hong Kong, join in and lose all inhibitions. It could even be cathartic and therapeutic- and great fun!
Comments