DEPECHEZ-vous to a television set, Depeche Mode fans. Because one of you could be the only person in Asia to catch the British band's summer Songs of Faith and Devotion tour.
Starting tomorrow, MTV Asia will be running a contest offering one winner a chance to go on tour across Europe with the band at the end of July and see five shows.
It all starts in London, where winners from around the world meet up and jump on the band's specially decorated ''Devotional'' private jet. From there they fly with the group to gigs in different cities (provisionally in France, Hungary and Belgium) before heading back to London and Depeche Mode's Crystal Palace concert.
The band will not be touring in Asia in the near future.
PROMOTER Anders Nelsson is on a trip to the US which should reap rich musical dividends.
He will be hitting Los Angeles to conclude deals with Kenny G and Barry Manilow. If all goes well, Hongkong will be treated to concerts from the latter on December 13 and 14.
''He will do his hits show as opposed to his Broadway show,'' explained Nelsson.
Then the Nelsson itinerary takes him to Nashville to finalise details of another recent acquisition, country and western/pop record label Curb. Fans can expect to see their favourite albums by Wynonna Judd, Lyle Lovett, Sawyer Brown, Hal Ketchum and moreon sale at major music outlets in mid-July.
''We're hoping that country music will have the impact here it had in the States,'' Nelsson said, adding RTHK was starting a Saturday lunchtime country music hour in July.
Also on Curb are the Osmond Boys, the second generation of Osmonds to hit the charts. These Osmonds, however, are making it so big in Taiwan they are contemplating recording two songs in Mandarin.
''We would fly a producer from here to Los Angeles or Nashville to supervise it. This is aimed at getting popular in China. Image-wise - they are well-behaved Mormon kids - they are very acceptable in China. And their videos are already on MTV Asia,'' said Nelsson.
FAREWELLS are always difficult, but folk singer May Ip is finding it especially hard to say goodbye to Hongkong before going on a three-month European tour.
The popular Lamma-based musician gave a ''farewell'' concert at the Fringe Club last Friday, but the demand for tickets was so great she has arranged another show on Friday, at Music Union in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Call 312-2688 or 982-0270 for tickets ($30 for non-members, $40 for members).
