Chinese rockers fight for musical dignity
(Shenzhen Daily)
Updated: 2004-09-22 10:15

A lone pedestrian looks at the abuilding stage of the "Glorious Path of Chinese Rock'n'Roll" festival in Yinchuan. [newsphoto/file]

Chinese rockers are struggling to safeguard their musical dignity and the rock-and-roll spirit after a tough documentary.

The documentary "Helan Mountain Rock and Roll Festival" was aired on the Tourism Satellite TV Channel on Sept. 12.

The negative script and distorted scenes have greatly destroyed the prestige of rock music and those who work in the industry, claimed Chinese rock singers in a press conference Monday in Beijing.

Chinese rock and roll artists pose for a group photo at a news release for the Helan Mountain gathering. [baidu]

Huang Liaoyuan, the festival organizer, criticized the report saying it paid scant regard to ethical journalism, dealing a big emotional shock to all the festival participants and those working in China's rock music industry.

The documentary features many familiar stars’ private life without their permission. Huang claims they reserve the right to take legal action unless the documentary can show proof of being granted the right to show these pictures to the public.

Cui Jian, dressed in archaized costume with a baseball cap, performs during the festival. [newsphoto/file]

The documentary is based on the grand carnival of rock music — dubbed the "Glorious Path of Chinese Rock and Roll" — held in Yinchuan, capital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in Northwest China, Aug. 6.

Tourism Satellite TV Channel was the only TV station authorized by the festival organizing committee to film the three-day event.

Rock'n'roll singer Zhang Chu is seen in a rehearsal for the festival. [Xinhua]

The documentary caused great concern among those in the industry. "I have been in show biz for more than 20 years, but I feel insulted after watching the program. Their coverage was totally distorted, greatly damaging our dignity." said singer Chang Kuan.

According to the publicity department of Tourism Satellite TV, they had not received any official document about the program from the top management and they declined to make further comments on the issue.

But they said their show was made to show the facts of the industry and that rock stars should be tolerant of any healthy criticism and negative comments.

Audience response was mixed. Some considered the report to the point, as it accurately depicted the current difficult situation facing Chinese rock music. But others think the program did not choose a suitable perspective.

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