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About The Asian reporter. (Portland, Or.) 1991-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 3, 2014)
ASIA / PACIFIC February 3, 2014 THE ASIAN REPORTER n Page 3 Chinese rocker quits state TV show over song choice BEIJING (AP) — A legendary Chinese rocker has refused to perform at a state broadcaster’s variety show after being denied permission to sing a song that became an unofficial anthem of the 1989 pro-democracy protests, according to his manager. Cui Jian had proposed to sing his 1986 song “Nothing to My Name” at China Central Television’s (CCTV) January 30 gala show marking the Lunar New Year, but the event’s censors told him he would have to choose another, according to his manager, You You. Cui decided to quit the show instead of singing a different song, You You said. Cui sang “Nothing to My Name” at Tiananmen Square for students on a hunger strike in 1989, days before the government sent in tanks and troops to crack down on the demonstrations. Later, Communist authorities denied him permission for concerts and censored his lyrics. In 2005, he was allowed to headline at a Beijing stadium, and the following year he performed with the Rolling Stones in Shanghai, singing “Wild Horses” alongside Mick Jagger. “It is not only our regret, but also the gala’s,” the manager said. “Cui Jian has his fans all over the world, so his stage is far beyond the CCTV’s gala.” The state broadcaster could not be reached for comment. Many members of the Chinese public praised Cui, 52, for refusing to kowtow to China’s censors. “You are still so proud,” Mongolian singer Daiqing Tana of the Beijing-based group Haya Band wrote on her microblog. “You are the backbone and gall of this land. Your music is the hope and despair of this country.” “The gala will always be the same gala, but Cui Jian will not be the same Cui Jian if he appears there,” storytelling artist Li Boqing wrote on his microblog. Cui fell out of favor with the Chinese government after he sided with the Tiananmen protesters, but received an invitation this year from CCTV to perform at the annual show. Since its inception in the early 1980s, the television gala has become a staple for the holiday celebrations, although it has become widely mocked for its cheesy per- formances and stilted staging, prompting organizers to hire popular film director Feng Xiaogang to direct the 2014 gala. Known as the godfather of Chinese rock, Cui won fame in the late 1980s with songs such as “Nothing to My Name,” voicing the hopes and anxieties of a generation of Chinese entering adulthood after the death of Mao Zedong and the end of orthodox communism. Black Pearl Acupuncture Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine are great for: - Acute/Chronic Pain (i.e. neck, back, sciatica & shoulder) - Treating & Preventing the flu and colds - Stress Relief - Headaches/Migraines www.blackpearlacupuncture.com Sita Symonette Licensed Acupuncturist seasymonettea@gmail.com Call to schedule an appointment: (206) 724-7096 505 N.W. Ninth Ave., Portland, OR 97209 PRINCIPLED STANCE. Chinese rock singer Cui Jian performs during a concert in Beijing, China, in this December 24, 2009 file photo. The Chinese rocker known for his rebellious style did not perform at a state broadcaster’s variety show for the Lunar New Year after he refused a request by organizers to sing a different song than his own choice, according to his manager. (AP Photo) ASTHMA IS ON THE RISE. Help us find a cure. 1-800-LUNG-USA DISCOVERY MUSEUM February 7 through Call for: Refinances Purchases Offering: FHA/VA/Conventional Mortgages NMLS # 81395 MLO # 7916 12550 S.E. 93rd Avenue Suite 350 Clackamas, OR 97015 (503) 496-0531 <tphan@alpinemc.com> <www. alpinemc.com > n Field Rentals (2 Turf Fields & 1 “Street” Field) n Open Play n Group Training Session s n Leagues and Tournaments May 4 A light-hearted look at Charles Schulz’s exploration Ch exp of the natura natural world through Peanu Peanuts comic strips stations. and interactive intera (503) 840-9941 www.hillsborofutsal.com training@ hillsborofutsal.com 346 S.W. Walnut Hillsboro, OR 97124 w w w. wo r l d fo re s t r y. o rg WE’VE GROWN TO SERVE YOU BETTER! Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center is now open. Conveniently located in Hillsboro’s Tanasbourne area, our new emergency department serves everyone in the community. KAISER PERMANENTE WESTSIDE MEDICAL CENTER 2875 NW Stucki Ave. Hillsboro, OR 97124 All plans offered and underwritten by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest. 500 NE Multnomah St., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232. ©2013 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest © 2013 Peanuts Worldwide LLC Tu Phan Indoor Soccer and Futsal