F4 Makes Triumphant Return, Delight Fans at Mayday Concert

The unexpected comeback of F4 during a concert marks a significant moment for fans, as the group reflects on their storied legacy and the impact of their debut drama, Meteor Garden.

Taiwanese boy band F4 took fans by surprise with their unexpected reunion at a concert for rock band Mayday held in Taiwan on Saturday. The quartet delivered a stirring rendition of their famous ballad, "Meteor Rain," igniting waves of nostalgia among the audience of 40,000 at Taipei Arena, who enthusiastically sang along. "Meteor Rain" served as the theme song for the acclaimed 2001 TV drama, "Meteor Garden," which starred F4 members Jerry Yan, Vanness Wu, Vic Chou, and Ken Chu. The series, loved by millions across Asia, was adapted from the Japanese manga "Boys Over Flowers" and helped revolutionize the "idol drama" genre.

In addition to F4, the show featured Barbie Hsu, who sadly passed away due to pneumonia earlier this year. The plot centers around a girl from a modest background navigating life at a school notorious for being attended by affluent and egotistical boys, collectively known as F4, which stands for "Flower 4." Due to its widespread popularity, "Meteor Garden" inspired numerous adaptations across Asia, including Japan's "Hana Yori Dango" and South Korea's "Boys Over Flowers."

Having originally disbanded in 2009, F4 made a brief return in 2013 for a one-time performance at the Spring Festival Gala on China's Jiangsu TV. At the recent concert, Mayday’s lead singer, Ashin, revealed it took years of coordination to reunite all four F4 members. “Everyone overcame a lot of obstacles to make this picture a reality,” he shared with the audience. Mayday, known for their massive influence in the Chinese-speaking music scene, has often been hailed as the "Beatles of Asia."

During the concert, F4 also performed alongside Mayday on the track "The Song of Laughter and Forgetting." Yan expressed deep gratitude to Mayday for facilitating their reunion, stating, "This is something I could not have imagined would happen again in my lifetime. It's also made us reminisce about our youth." Wu emphasized his appreciation for the joyful gathering, saying, "I am very grateful to everyone who are here to share a beautiful evening with us."

All members of F4, now in their 40s, remain engaged in the entertainment industry, ensuring their presence is still felt by fans. The excitement among fans was palpable, with many expressing their hopes for a full tour. One enthusiastic comment read, "OMG!! Thank you Mayday !! My childhood is alive. It's crazy seeing [F4] perform again." Currently, Taiwanese media reports hint at a potential concert by F4 next year to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their debut, although this announcement is yet to be confirmed by the band or their representatives.