Veteran composer Nguyen Anh 9, whose critical comments towards several top-notch local pop singers created quite a stir and received mixed reactions last week, announced in a September 4 press meeting that the coming shows might be the last commercial, large-stage ones he takes part in.

At the press meeting for singer Quang Ha’s live shows, which are set to take place on Sept 14 and 27, the 73-year-old composer put his retreat down to advanced age and poor health.

“I planned to do so a long time ago, but still procrastinated due to the love my fans and colleagues have showered on me until after last week’s incident,” Anh shared.

The revered composer has recently been blasted by some of the country’s leading pop singers for his critical comments towards them in a recent interview with a local newswire.

Anh was quoted by the newswire pointing out local divas Thanh Lam’s and My Linh’s technical weaknesses and failure to express the soul of his songs.

He also mentioned flaws in internationally-prize winning My Tam’s performances and singing ability, and wildly loved Ho Ngoc Ha’s weak singing voice. He also targeted Dam Vinh Hung, the so-called “Vietnam pop king” for depreciating the beauty in his songs.

Though Anh publicly apologized to the involved singers for his comments soon after they were spread online, saying that his remarks were misinterpreted and wrongly worded by the reporter, Hung reacted to the comments most strongly. He wrote on his personal page that though he has always looked up to him, Anh is now a mere hypocrite, and promised that he would never sing any of Anh’s songs again. However, a few days later, Hung went to see Anh to express his heartfelt apologies.

Despite the strong reaction from Hung, other singers and their fans, as well as composers and many members of the public, have stood by him and said he had done the right thing.

The news of his retreat from the spotlight has also caused quite a stir, as some newswires wrote that, frustrated with the reaction towards his critical comments, Anh would retire altogether.

However, the composer confirmed that he will still perform regularly on his own stage and at charity and community music shows, if his health allows.

Anh, whose real name is Nguyen Dinh Anh, is one of the country’s most revered composers, boasting a number of critically-acclaimed songs including “Khong” (No longer), “Ai dua em ve” (Who will take you home) and “Loi cuoi cho em” (My last words for you”). Several of his songs are associated with the successful careers of several celebrated overseas Vietnamese singers, such as Khanh Ly and Elvis Phuong.