Surprisingly it never happened. We were going to report it never happened, but we kinda presumed no-one took this thing seriously to begin with.
Dylan, Page & (ahem) Timberlake to Play Beijing in 2010 (Maybe)
We’re all acquainted with Beijing’s fantastic local music scene, just as we’re all aware of the myriad problems faced by international acts attempting to tour China. Which is why I’m frankly dubious about the “Show of Peace Concert” supposedly coming our way in April, featuring former Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. Ditto the announcement yesterday that Bob Dylan will be gracing our shores in early April.
The Show of Peace Concert is the brainchild of Las Vegas promoter Rick Garson, and is scheduled for April 17 at Beijing’s National Stadium, better known as the “Bird’s Nest.” The concert’s website declares, “This event has received unprecedented support from the Chinese Government, the United Nations in addition to support from Music Artists and Celebrities.”
The Chinese government supporting a rock festival? That would be unprecedented.
The site also claims; “This will be an international event that will help continue the goodwill and branding of the “New China” created by the highly successful 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The Show of Peace Concert, live from Beijing will establish China as a world leader for Global Peace and a Healthier Planet.”
Oh please. Ah well, it beats another military parade I suppose.
Jimmy Page’s participation in the event was announced last month. A lot of other artists' names are being bandied about as “targeted” acts, including Justin Timberlake, Aerosmith, Green Day, Prince, Black Eyed Peas and Coldplay. The actual list of artists is yet to be unveiled, but the concert is being officially “announced” at a Beijing press conference next week, so watch this space for more details.
In more believable news, it was announced yesterday that veteran rocker and all round unpredictable artist Bob Dylan will be playing mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea in April, including a gig in Beijing on April 4.
Dylan’s live appearances have been hit and miss for years, but when he’s on form he can still put on a sterling show, so here’s hoping his scheduled China appearances don’t go the same way as all those other international acts who failed to make it to the PRC.
Related stories :
Comments
New comments are displayed first.
Login or register to post comments.
Re: Dylan, Page & (ahem) Timberlake to Play Beijing in 2010 ...
Re: Dylan, Page & (ahem) Timberlake to Play Beijing in 2010 ...
This from the Global Times:
A promoter says Jimmy Page is coming to Beijing next Wednesday to announce an all-star globally televised concert, to be held at the Bird's Nest on Earth Day, April 17. Shunya International Public Relations spokeswoman Laura Lee said the Culture Ministry has approved the International Show of Peace Concert, and government officials will attend the press conference at the Ritz Carlton. She said a tentative list of more than 35 acts has been drawn up, but admits they are not confirmed, noting the event is still several months ahead. Lee said the only other confirmed act to date is Michael Jackson's former guitarist Orianthi. However, Lee said she believes the event will really happen because the promoter, Rick Garson, has a proven record and web of contacts from when he promoted the Divas in Beijing concerts during the Olympics.
An official at the "China International Friendship Cities Association" confirmed the Culture Ministry had approved the event and said her organization would be monitoring it. She referred further questions to Garson's organization. Bird's Nest spokeswoman Shi Lei told Beijing818 that negotiations are underway, but no deal has been struck.
The website for the event looks particularly empty of content and unpersuasive, claiming it has "invited" an impressive looking roster of more than 50 of the world's hottest acts. If Page really does show up along with government officials, Beijing818 will be joining the scramble for tickets, which City Weekend reports will be free. But we would like to remind people that Garson issued a press release on Sept. 13, 2006, announcing a similar concert would occur later that year at the Coliseum in Rome. It didn't.
http://www.globaltimes.cn/www/english/metro-beijing/community/news/2010-01/497001.html
