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Singaporean rock musician and radio DJ Chris Ho dies of stomach cancer

As one of the earliest trailblazers of rock music in Singapore, Chris Ho fronted a new wave band, Zircon Lounge, in the '80s. (Photos: Chris Ho/Instagram, Zircon Lounge)
As one of the earliest trailblazers of rock music in Singapore, Chris Ho fronted a new wave band, Zircon Lounge, in the '80s. (Photos: Chris Ho/Instagram, Zircon Lounge)

SINGAPORE — Veteran local radio DJ and musician Chris Ho died from stomach cancer on Monday morning (27 September).

Also known as X’Ho, his passing was shared in a Facebook group for the local rock music community, "So Happy: 50 Years of Singapore Rock". One of numerous posts about Ho said, “We mourn the sudden loss of DJ extraordinaire and progenitor of Singapore alt-rock movement Chris Ho, who passed away this morning at 4.37 am from stomach cancer.”

Ho last worked on Mediacorp’s Gold 905 radio station with his weekday radio programme Homestretch With Chris Ho. The radio station also posted a tribute to Ho on its social media: “Chris had been battling stomach cancer for the past two months. He was brave, determined, and cheerful to the end. 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. Chris, you will forever be in our hearts.”

Condolences from friends and fans flooded social media. Lauretta Alabons, co-owner of concert organiser LAMC, said, “This is such sad news. Chris Ho, my condolences.”

Kurt Loy, co-founder of the defunct White Label Records, said, “I’m in shock. Goodbye, sir; I’ll miss you and always remember the advice and words of encouragement you gave me. Sad day.”

Ho is a renowned personality in the local arts and entertainment scene. As one of the earliest trailblazers of rock music in Singapore, he fronted a new wave band, Zircon Lounge, in the '80s. Ho also collaborated with other artists and released music and albums over the past two decades. He hosted radio shows on Rediffusion, Lush 99.5 and Radio Singapore International prior to his GOLD 905 programme.

Ho’s wake will be held at Singapore Casket’s Ruby Room from 6pm to 11pm on Monday and 11am to 11pm from Tuesday to Thursday.