‘Lyrical Maverick’ Peter Lai, who wrote multiple hits for Cantopop stars, dies at 76

Peter Lai Bei-dak, a renowned lyricist in Hong Kong's Cantopop scene, has passed away at the age of 76, leaving a void in the music industry. The news of his death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from fans, friends, and colleagues, who have hailed him as a "grandmaster" and "legendary genius".

Veteran musician and actor Sam Hui Koon-kit, a longtime collaborator of Lai's, paid a heartfelt tribute, expressing gratitude for Lai's contributions to the Hong Kong music industry. Hui, known for his classic songs "Monica" and "Drifter's Song", complimented Lai's lyrics, describing them as popular yet not vulgar.

Eric Chung Chi-kwong, another friend of Lai, announced his passing on Wednesday, stating that the lyricist had moved into a nursing home earlier this year after suffering a stroke and collapsing at home. Lai remained bedridden until his death.

Lai's unique style and over 200 works earned him the nickname "The Lyrical Maverick". Born in Hong Kong in 1950, he lost his father at a young age and had to drop out of school due to poverty. He began working as a newspaper boy at the age of 12, but his love for literature and wordplay was deeply rooted in Cantonese opera and wuxia fiction.

Lai's career took off when Sam Hui discovered his writing talent in Hong Kong Teen Weekly columns. They collaborated on 12 songs for the comedy film "The Private Eyes" and worked together for seven years. Lai later became known for his lyrics for superstars Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung, as well as his role as a comedic private tutor in Stephen Chow's 1993 movie "Flirting Scholar".