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‘Lyrical Maverick’ Peter Lai, who wrote multiple hits for Cantopop stars, dies at 76

Tributes pour in after sports commentator Eric Chung, a close friend, reveals Lai suffered a stroke earlier in the year and died in a nursing home.

Published: 6:00pm, 6 Aug 2026Updated: 6:00pm, 6 Aug 2026

Legendary Hong Kong lyricist Peter Lai Bei-dak has died at the age of 76, triggering an outpouring of condolences from fans of “The Lyrical Maverick”. Lai was best known for crafting the lyrics for the city’s 1980s Cantopop stars, including Sam Hui, Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui.

‘Lyrical Maverick’ Peter Lai, who wrote multiple hits for Cantopop stars, dies at 76

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Tributes pour in after sports commentator Eric Chung, a close friend, reveals Lai suffered a stroke earlier in the year and died in a nursing home.

Tributes pour in after sports commentator Eric Chung, a close friend, reveals Lai suffered a stroke earlier in the year and died in a nursing home.