Chris Ho, Singapore punk icon and DJ, dies ‘forever 27’

Chris Ho. Photo: Gold90FM/Instagram
Chris Ho. Photo: Gold90FM/Instagram

A veteran radio DJ whose music career goes back to the ‘80s punk scene died this morning after a two-month battle with stomach cancer.

Chris Ho, a cultural icon and founder of the ‘80s punk band Zircon Lounge, died at 4:37am, Mediacorp-owned Gold 90.5 FM announced. 

“No words can express our heartfelt sorrow and he will be dearly missed by the GOLD 905, Mediacorp and radio family and everyone that knew him,” the announcement said. “Chris, you will forever be in our hearts.”

It was unclear how old he was – friends put Ho in his 60s. He never publicly revealed his age, only describing himself as “forever 27” on his website.

 

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A post shared by Mediacorp Gold 905 (@gold905)

His radio DJ career spans decades, starting with his time at Rediffusion, Singapore’s only private pop-rock radio station before it shut in 2012. He later lent his voice to other radio stations including Lush FM and most recently Gold 90.5 FM. 

Ho was always known for his critical views about Singapore and even described himself as a “rebel” in a “hushed fascist state,” and a regular contributor of the now-defunct music magazine BigO who also authored three books including ‘Skew Me, You Rebel Meh?’

His death was felt in the scene.

“We mourn the sudden loss of DJ extraordinaire and progenitor of Singapore alt-rock movement Chris Ho, who passed away this morning at 4.37am from stomach cancer,” a post by Martyn See read in a Facebook group for Singapore’s rock scene.

Friends and fans who wish to say their final goodbye are expected to be at the Singapore Casket on Lavender Street this evening and tomorrow. 

Members of the Singapore Community Radio group online also posted a tribute.

“We are saddened by this news of Chris’s sudden passing this morning and still reeling from the loss. Here’s to the late great X’ho, thank you so much for your contributions to SG Music and being the sweetest man in music here #xho4ever,” the group said. 

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