BEIJING (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Bob Dylan played it safe during his first gig in China, avoiding songs from his '60s protest period and sticking to a list of his music approved by the Chinese government.
This was Dylan's first visit to China – and it almost didn't fly. Last year, the Culture Ministry pulled the plug on the show, leading to a back and forth between Dylan's promoters and the Chinese government about what songs could be included, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Ultimately, the Chinese conceded to the show, provided that Dylan played only approved music.
The gig came at a particularly sensitive time for the cruel boot of Chinese oppression. Hugely popular and outspoken Chinese artist and activist Ai WeiWei was arrested by Chinese security forces at an airport while attempting to fly to Hong Kong. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
