China approves Bob Dylan concert in Beijing
BEIJING, China (AFP) — China’s culture ministry has confirmed American music legend Bob Dylan will be allowed to play in Beijing, the first time in the singer’s illustrious career he will have performed in the country.
The ministry said in a brief statement that Dylan — the writer of some of rock’s most iconic and politically charged songs — must perform “strictly according to an approved programme”.
Dylan will be allowed to play in Beijing from March 30 to April 12, the ministry said, without mentioning if the singer would also be granted permission to perform in Shanghai.
Beijing-based promoters Gehua-LiveNation said last week that Dylan, who turns 70 in May, would play in the capital’s Workers’ Gymnasium on April 6 and then hold a concert at the Shanghai Grand Stage in on April 8.
The concerts were timed to mark Dylan’s 50 years as a performer, the promoters said.
