Singaporean musician & radio DJ Chris Ho passes away from stomach cancer

Singapore ― Singaporean musician and Gold 905 radio DJ Chris Ho passed away on Sept 27 at about 4:37 am.

A post uploaded to his Facebook page earlier today said: “He had been battling stomach cancer for two months. He was brave, determined, and cheerful to the end. He’ll be dearly missed.”

Radio station Gold 905 also posted on Facebook: “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.”

Ho never revealed his age and called himself “forever 27”. He was a veteran in the local arts and music scene. In 1983, he released his first album, Regal Vigor with his band Zircon Lounge.

Following that, he later released other music under the name X’Ho. In addition, he wrote music reviews for the now-defunct indie music magazine BigO, made several films and had small cameos and roles in movies, reported AsiaOne.

On his website, it was said that his most “infamous” celluloid appearance was in Zai Kuning’s 2003 film Even Dogs Have Choices, which was banned in Singapore.

Ho was filmed being tattooed on his penis in the 19-minute film. His most recent work was hosting the weekday radio programme Homestretch with Chris Ho on Gold 905. He also had stints at now-defunct stations Lush 99.5 and Rediffusion.

The Oddfellows’ Patrick Chng said of Ho to NME: “Very sad news this morning about the passing of Chris Ho aka X’Ho. He had one of the most recognisable and best voices on Singapore radio. Chris was also an insightful music writer and talented singer-songwriter, fronting Zircon Lounge and Zircon Gov. Pawn Starz as well as a solo artist.

“From the early days, Chris had been supportive of The Oddfellows and numerous other Singaporean bands. We’ve lost an icon and a beautiful human being today. Thank you for the support, the wonderful memories and impact you’ve had on the Singapore music scene. Rest in power Chris,” he continued.

From Sept 27 to Sept 30, his wake will be held at the Ruby Room at the Singapore Casket located at 131 Lavender Street. Friends and fans who wish to pay their respects can do so following current social distancing restrictions of 30 visitors at any one time. /TISG