Shanghai has definitely played an important role in the friendship between the German rock "Godfather" Udo Lindenberg and Chinese rock pioneer Cui Jian.

"It was in this city that Udo Lindenberg heard me sing for the first time. Then he began to ask about me and to listen to my CDs. This is where our friendship and collaboration first started," Cui Jian said.

Later Lindenberg visited Cui Jian in Beijing and invited him to attend his touring musical show, "Atlantic Affairs".

With Lindenberg's warm recommendation, Cui went to Germany last June and the two superstars in the rock arena worked together to prepare for the three warm-up concerts they gave there.

"Atlantic Affairs" also has a connection with Shanghai. It retells the well-know story about Germany in the 1930's when many famous German artists such as Thomas Mann, Bertold Brecht, Billy Wilder, Kurt Weill and others fled to New York and Shanghai, seeking refuge from Nazi persecution.

Udo Lindenberg adapted this memorable part of German history to the stage, using rock 'n' roll and other forms of modern music.

Cui and Lindenberg chose Shanghai's ARK Club to hold their warm-up concert for the world tour of the musical last weekend.

With his distinctive image - wearing dark sunglasses, black hat, casual suit - when Lindenberg appeared on the stage, he was greeted by screams from all the Germans in the audience.

Lindenberg disclosed that the first stop in China on his international tour will be Shanghai, simply saying: "I can't miss the special train in Shanghai."

According to the organizers, the musical will premiere in Shanghai next year.

Speaking of his collaboration with Cui, Lindenberg praised him for his unique voice and instrumental talent.

For his part, Cui Jian believes Lindenberg's music has no frontiers and his style would be well received by Chinese audiences although he sings in German and local audiences are not familiar with a lot of his songs.

Cui said: "His songs are very close to the daily life and thoughts of ordinary people. Every time I went out with him in the streets, the postman, the policeman, the vendors, the bus-driver and almost everyone knew him and would say 'Hi' to him. He is popular indeed there - I think he will win over Chinese audiences too."

Lindenberg has started to learn Chinese to better communicate with his audience and he now also has a poetic Chinese name - Lin Wudao - from his good local friend and musical partner.

Meanwhile, Cui is also organizing a rock concert in Shanghai to be held on October 6 which will bring together many well-known Chinese rock stars and bands.

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