Six newly added songs to catch at pop star Joker Xue’s National Stadium concerts

SINGAPORE – Heading to Joker Xue’s upcoming concerts at the National Stadium?

Before you go, listen to his 13th and latest album The Guardian, which dropped in November 2024.

The Chinese pop star is expected to perform at least half of its 10 tracks at the Feb 14 and 15 Singapore encore shows of his Extraterrestrial world tour. The tour, which kicked off in 2021 and stopped by for three nights at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in January 2024, has typically been performed in large stadiums in China.

For his National Stadium gigs, the 41-year-old will bring the stage design from the tour’s China leg. Based on the other stops, here are six numbers that he is likely to showcase here for the first time.

1. Half A Beat Slower (2019)

Composed by Chinese songwriter Xu Song, this is the second track from Xue’s 10th album Dust (2019). It did not make the set list of his 2024 concerts here, likely because of its retro country style.

Such a left-field choice might seem out of place at a space-themed concert, but the show will play with this incongruity, with the dancers executing robotic moves and forming a conga line.

Xue is known for his offbeat humour, and this quirky presentation will be the first of many off-the-wall moments which his fans have come to find endearing.

2. Hire Purchase (2024)

Viewers of Chinese reality programme Melody Journey (2024), which matches singers such as Xue with songwriters to create original music, will know the story behind this mournful track about a relationship that ends just before the purchase of a dream home.

In the programme’s fourth episode, which aired in September, the song’s composer Dong Jiahong said he was inspired by several real-life couples who split due to housing arrangements – and the track was eventually picked by Xue.

During the concert, two dancers will bring Hire Purchase’s ill-fated love story to life onstage.

3. Love Letter (2023)

Like in the first outing of his Extraterrestrial tour here, Xue is expected to descend from the stage mid-show to shake hands with fans while performing a medley of hits, which will now include the chorus of Love Letter. The pensive ballad gives him a chance to catch his breath and focus on fan interaction.

4. Nothing (2023)

Appearing on a platform in an all-white outfit, Xue will perform his only number that is mostly in English. The melancholic, guitar-backed piece is staged against a backdrop of rain and lightning.

He is expected to walk a tightrope across the stage. He will be secured by a harness at all times, and staff will carry a mattress below him throughout the stunt for safety.

5. Relieve Boredom (2024)

The headlights of a sleek car – projected on a big screen – come on during the automobile-themed song from online kart-racing game Speed Drifters.

Look out for the eye-catching choreography, like when Xue’s backup dancers lift one another to form two giant doors which can be walked through. At another point, they take the shape of a large vehicle ridden by Xue, looking snazzy in a black sleeveless top, shorts and sunglasses.

6. The Guardian (2024)

One of the night’s final numbers will likely be The Guardian. While it starts as a slow burn, it soon swells into a powerful anthem.

When the second chorus hits, Xue is expected to fall to his knees as backup dancers join in and fire effects set the stage ablaze.