The artist spoke about music and life as he prepares for a live concert in Hanoi on 1/11, commemorating 30 years in the music industry.

What does the "Mark of Youth" live show mean to you?

As the name suggests, this show retraces my musical journey from my youth to the present. Five years ago, I planned a concert for my 25th anniversary in music, but the pandemic postponed it. Afterward, so much happened that I lost my enthusiasm and didn't want to do a show anymore.

Earlier this year, when I released the ancient-style music video "Don't Love Memories", my manager, Hoang Tuan, and fans reminded me of the significant 30-year milestone. They constantly encouraged me, helping me regain my enthusiasm to embark on this live concert. I was happy and proud when about 2,000 VIP tickets were sold just 10 minutes after they went on sale. I didn't expect that a veteran singer like me would still be so loved.

After almost a year of preparation, I've been working with an enthusiastic team and close colleagues like Cam Ly and musician Minh Vy. I also enjoy connecting with the younger generation, such as Quoc Thien and Hoa Minzy. My son, Thien Tu, will also appear in the show.

Music video "Di ve noi xa" - Dan Truong, produced in 1999. Video: Provided by the artist

What pressures do you face while producing the show?

Putting on a large-scale production, I worry about attracting thousands of spectators in a time of many free music shows. This time, I'm betting on the love of my fans. I'm also concerned about the budget, which has ballooned from the initial estimate of a few billion to over ten billion VND.

For three months before the show, I haven't accepted any performances, both domestically and internationally, to ensure I have enough health and time to practice. I'm doing everything I can to avoid stress, knowing it can weaken my spirit. I'm not trying to do everything myself or be overly perfectionistic and then get upset when things don't go as planned. Throughout my career, I haven't socialized much, just performing and then going home, always wanting to present my best self on stage.

Singer Dan Truong, 49, from Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Provided by the artist

Singer Dan Truong, 49, from Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Provided by the artist

Looking back on your 30-year journey, what is the biggest change you see in your music?

To be honest, I often try to reinvent myself, releasing several trending products every year. But in reality, at every show, the audience only wants to hear the old hits. Everyone requests songs like "Tinh khuc vang", "Kiep ve sau", and "Di ve noi xa".

I feel fortunate that I became famous when there were fewer singers, so audiences both domestically and internationally knew my name. Now, with new singers and hits constantly emerging, the fan base is more fragmented.

I listen to music every day to learn new things and combine the old with the new. I keep the "fire" alive for my audience by not performing regularly in intimate venues, to avoid monotony. Today's rapidly developing technology is a springboard for young artists to bring their music closer to listeners. The younger generation is also very talented, able to sing, compose, and produce music. I'm not fazed by market changes because I'm confident in my own audience and don't compete with the younger generation.

What difficulties have you faced to maintain your long-lasting reputation?

After finishing high school, I became a lathe operator to help my parents. Back then, our whole family only had one rusty bicycle. I felt sorry for my siblings, who often watched others eat when we were out. We rarely had meat, our meals mostly consisting of rice mixed with potatoes. People around us always looked at me with disdain. From then on, I was determined to succeed to change our circumstances and escape poverty.

I sacrificed many things that I should have enjoyed in my youth, like love and fun, to focus on working and earning money. I had a hectic performance schedule, developed insomnia, and relied on medication to get by, working myself to the bone. I didn't appreciate my health when I was young, and now I have some regrets.

What does your son's appearance in the upcoming show mean to you?

I consider "Mark of Youth" to be my final live concert, so having Thien Tu perform in the show will be an unforgettable memory.

At home, my son often sees me with aches and pains, showing signs of aging (laughs). Participating in the show, he will see a different side of his dad, full of energy and dedicated to the audience. Thien Tu will also understand why I'm strict with him. Whenever he misbehaves or does something wrong, I teach him clearly. I want him to see that my success didn't come easily, to serve as an example for him to constantly strive in everything he does.

What is most important to you now?

I feel the need to let go of some things I've pursued for many years. Now, I live with a "whatever happens" attitude, not overthinking work. I've reduced my performance schedule and am thinking more about enjoying life. I'm only concerned with co-parenting my son with my ex-wife, raising fish, and exercising daily. I pay attention to my diet to maintain my physical strength and boost my immune system.

I used to be afraid of being lonely in old age. Now, I think that being with someone incompatible would be even worse. Therefore, I'm cautious in matters of the heart, letting things happen naturally. Later, if I become ill, I will hire someone to care for me.

Dan Truong always makes time to visit his son in the US and provides opportunities for him to engage with music and singing. Video: Provided by the artist

Dan Truong is famous for songs like "Kiep ve sau", "Tinh don phuong", and various Vietnamese versions of Chinese songs. He has won the "Most Favorite Singer" award from Lan Song Xanh seven consecutive times. In mid-2025, Dan Truong was invited to be a judge alongside To Huu Bang on the music program Sing! Asia.

In 2013, the singer married businesswoman Thuy Tien, 10 years his junior, and they lived in the US. They announced their divorce in mid-7/2021, after eight years of marriage and having one son, Thien Tu. He and his ex-wife maintain a friendly relationship to co-parent their son.

Hoang Dung