Without thinking about it, I’ve listened to JJ Lin (林俊杰) growing up and his music has been a significant part of my life. So, you can understand I was shocked to learn that his latest tour ‘JJ20 World Tour’ was to celebrate his 20th year in the music industry.
It has been over 4 years since Lin’s last visit to Melbourne as part of his ‘Sanctuary World Tour’. Returning to Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena for a sold-out show, the venue was full of excited fans which helped to create a glowing purple sea throughout the night, thanks to the complimentary lightsticks that were provide on every seat. Fans that had collectively gathered to see JJ Lin performed had not only come from Melbourne, but many had come from interstate and overseas.
Once Lin took the stage, the crowd’s cheers warmly filled the arena. JJ Lin brought with him a beaming smile and beautiful vocals. With great control and projection, his voice was clean and clear, living up to his nickname, ‘the walking CD’.
JJ Lin also took the time to greet fans, thanking those who had been by his side all these years, and welcoming those that were seeing him for the first time. Proudly announcing that this month would be his 20th anniversary, Lin shared that although there were first timers in the audience, he was certain that most in attendance grew up listening to his music, and that he was glad he’s able to come back to the same arena to bring ‘JJ20 World Tour’.
It was nonstop classics from ‘記得 (Remember)’, ‘她說 (She Says)’ and ‘Love U U’ on the piano; to ‘豆漿油條 (Perfect Match)’, ‘小酒窩 (Dimples)’, ‘當你 (Whenever)’ on the guitar. JJ Lin broke into dance with ‘木乃伊 (The Mummy)’, ‘美人魚 (Mermaid)’, and the concert even had a futuristic segment with tracks like ‘新地球 Brave New World’ and ‘Wonderland’. Three hours of back-to-back classics and massive singalongs would be the easiest way to summarise the night. Without missing a beat, the whole arena joyfully sang along to every single song. Swaying side to side, the purple ocean was united as one.
It was like the entire audience was part of a grand karaoke party when everyone sang along to hit tracks ‘醉赤壁 (Tales of the Red Cliff)’, ‘關鍵詞 (The Key)’, ‘那些你很冒險的夢 (Those Were The Days)’, ‘修煉愛情 (Practice Love)’ and ‘江南 (River South)’. JJ Lin also gave us six outfit changes from charming all-white, romantic pink, to futuristic all black, and of course, his signature colour; a beautiful all-purple suit which I personally loved the most.
The production of ‘JJ 20 World Tour’ was simple yet hit the spot. It didn’t need to be grand nor complicated. His band and dancers were super talented. The lighting, the stage, and the imagery on the screens were also impressive, and combined, helped support Lin with what he does best, his music. It was a sold-out arena concert, yet it felt tight-knit and intimate.
The classics were never ending. If you could name it, JJ Lin had it on the setlist! And if he didn’t, he took song requests, revealing that ‘JJ20’ is to give back to his fans that have supported him all these years. So, when an audience member requested his newest release, ‘謝幕 (Hero)’ and Lin didn’t hesitate to jump on the piano and provide an impromptu performance. Although this notion did start a song request frenzy, with fans shouting the names of more songs that they wanted him to sing.
In true JJ behaviour, he spoiled fans by accepting another request for ‘Too Bad’, in which he did forget the lyrics which caused the whole arena to erupt into heartfelt laughter. He then spotted a fan holding a sign requesting for a duet of ‘有夢不難 (Adolescent)’ where he excitedly obliged and a mic was quickly handed to the fan who surprisingly impressed the audience, skilfully rapping while JJ Lin happily sang.
One of my favourite songs of the night was ‘不為誰而作的歌 Twilight’ because the screens displayed JJ Lin’s musical journey and achievements through different dates, various photos of him, his fans, and even ticket stubs. From a rookie to sell out arenas worldwide, the memories flashed by and ended with the worlds “It’s you. JJ & you.”, written in big letters on the screen. It was a loving tribute to his career but also to those long-standing fans that have made his successful 20-year career possible.
I was also thoroughly impressed when he came off stage to greet fans up close and personal while performing ’偉大的渺小 (Message in a Bottle)’. Despite being swarmed by overjoyed fans, giving everyone handshakes, and taking selfies, he did not miss a single beat, still sounded amazing, and was perfectly at ease throughout his performance. This really showed that no matter the situation, JJ can handle it like a pro!
I also loved when JJ Lin shared his mantra to his many years of success in the music industry; “Never think too highly of yourself, but also, never underestimate yourself”. Lin advised that things can come easily, but they can also be taken away in an instant without warning, and that it was important to appreciate both the good and the bad, as happiness comes as a choice. Lin thanked the audience because we made the choice for the night to see him. His choice is to create music through his personal experiences and hopes that fans will continue to support his upcoming album.
Whether it’s his classics from over 10 years ago, or his new releases, JJ Lin never ceases to capture the hearts of many with his distinct and clear vocals and vast music genres. My expectations were high due to his concerts in the past, and despite this being my third time seeing JJ Lin live, I was still left in awe. I also had so much fun singing along with everyone else in the Melbourne venue, I left the concert with almost losing my voice but no regrets.
‘JJ20 World Tour’ was a fun celebration, but also a walk through the years. Fans were taken on a journey from JJ Lin’s early songs to his newest music. Each song brought back memories from the past while creating new ones in the present, and every moment was a delight to witness.
I am so proud to be long-time fan that has followed his journey, has attended every Melbourne concert, and I eagerly look forward to JJ’s upcoming releases! ‘JJ20 World Tour’ was amazing and I just hope that it won’t be another 4 years for him to return to Melbourne. Until then, I’ll remain supportive and ready for the next massive JJ Lin singalong party.
For more information on JJ Lin, visit:
https://www.jjlin.com
https://www.instagram.com/jjlin
https://www.jfjproductions.com
Supplied photography © JFJ Productions/Unusual Entertainment.
