ENTERTAINMENT DAILY: ENT2- ROCK AND ROLL CHINA

(19 Sep 2000) Mandarin/Nat STORY: ROCK AND ROLL CHINA LOCATION: BEIJING DATE: 16 SEPTEMBER 2000 More than 30 thousand fans rocked their way through Beijing's first rock festival in ten years at the weekend. Nine of China's most popular bands performed at the China Olympic Stadium just four days after the traditional Mooncake festival. Panther, Dynasty Tang, Thin Men, The Compass, The Flowers, Zi Yue, Again, Yu Quan and Afanti were the first ever Chinese bands to perform outside in China's captial. The Afanti band offered Uygur style rock composed by Uggur Muslims, while The Flowers play more youthful rock - their lead singer is just 16 years old. The last big gathering for rock fans in Beijing was inside the Beijing Capital Gymnasium a decade ago. Desptie initial problems gaining permission for Saturday's event, organisers believe the concert will breath fresh life into China's Rock and Roll industry. However one major star was missing - Cui Jian, known as the father of China's Rock music, is still banned from appearing at an event of this size. His absence is a reminder that rock and roll still doesn't enjoy the same freedom as other forms of music here, but it's popularity is growing. More rock bands are formed in China every year, and it is believed there are now more than 100 playing across the country. Most are still little known, playing in the bars and clubs of big cities, keeping their eyes on the bigger dream of international fame. Though Chinese rock music is heavily influenced by the West, some musicians think it's important to make their mark in their own way. They believe the best way to win China and the world over to Chinese rock, is to make their own music uniquely Chinese. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives ​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/958e43c1eddc07e53008ba4274a0fb90

Added 16 Sept 2026