2011 Live Music Roundup: Cui Jian, the Eagles, Helloween, 30 Seconds to Mars

My 2010 started with New Pants' absence at the Orange Hall of Sanlitun Village. But over the next 12 months, the music scene thrived in Beijing faster than ever. Though there's still a long way to go for the music industry in China, the music festivals did bring us some great times and albums released by the local bands came across as one surprise after another.

But it's time to move on. Almost all the best of the local acts are out celebrating the New Year during the next two nights: Carsick Cars, Free the Birds, Re-Tros, Hanggai, Long Shen Dao… and the "godfather" of Chinese rock music, Cui Jian.
See a full list of this weekend's lineup at the bottom of the post.

Some great bands that will stay quiet these two nights will have their show in the next two weeks: Yaksa and Perdel on Jan 8 and P.K. 14 on Jan 14.

Half of the credit for making 2010 a great year for music lovers goes to our local Beijingers, but the other half belongs to the visitors that actually made it here. Even though the Killers canceled their Beijing concert in the last minute, and left their posters all over town for months, we had Peaches, Brett Anderson, Cocorosie, Usher, Lamb of God, Buzzcocks and so many others that actually showed up.

And from what I know, 2011 will only be better.

Be prepared: metal monsters Helloween and Stratovarius will come on March 4, while Swedish indie geeks Ef will play at MAO Livehouse on the same night. And guitar hero, former guitarist of Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde and his Black Label Society is booked in Beijing on March 27.

Hotel California has probably washed over your ears over 1000 times in bars, restaurants, coffee shops and even shopping malls in China. But this time you might actually enjoy it, because it will to be played live by the originals. It will be 40 years since the Eagles first got together, and here they are, finally bringing Beijing the live version of their songs. Call 400 610 3721 or click here to book a ticket of RMB 350-2,580, and then you can see them at Wukesong Arena on March 12. The RMB 350 ones are already sold out and the lowest costing ticket is now RMB 580.

Maybe all these performers above are a bit too old for you. Don't shut off the page yet: we will very likely see Jared Leto with his 30 Seconds to Mars in Beijing some time in March. It's also possible Good Charlotte will come before the summer holiday.
Canadians have done well keeping their promises. This time, post-hardcore Silverstein is planning to include Beijing as one of their stop in their world tour and indie rock band Your Favorite Enemies are confirmed to come, who we will most likely see in May. And Aussie hardcore Amity Affliction has plans to play in China too.

And, we all know that it's just a matter of time before Lady Gaga comes to China. I'm just kidding but you know the rumor has never stopped.

Stay tuned, more details will be updated.
And Let's start from the live music shows of this weekend:

(For venue details, check the Beijinger Directory)

Friday (December 31)

Midi Awards
Twelve categories honoring the best rock musicians in China – who will win? Includes live performances from China's rock royalty. Lineup includes Free the Birds, Hanggai, Miserable Faith and more. RMB 150, RMB 80 (advance). 7pm. The Star Live

Cui Jian & Beijing Symphony Orchestra
The "Godfather" of Chinese rock & roll play along classical symphonies. Tickets available at 400 610 3721 or here. RMB 200-2,800. 7pm. Worker's Gymnasium.

Carsick Cars, The Gar, Mr. Graceless, Rustic
Maybe Mars’ star bands welcome 2011 at their home base. Carsick Cars debut their new lineup tonight. RMB 120, RMB 100 (advance). 10pm. D-22

Free the Birds, Steely Heart, Re-Tros
Count down with the most international Chinese bands. RMB 80, RMB 50 (students). 10pm. 2 Kolegas

Give Me the Simple Life
Young American singing sensation from San Francisco, Tyler Kent brings you a delightful musical cabaret. Free. 9pm. Flow (6553 2288 ext 2107)

"Make the Change" - Dong Music New Year Party
Influential producer/ musician Zhang Yadong and the label's top bands invite you to join their annual celebration with relaxed mood. RMB 100, RMB 80 (advance, students). 9pm. Yugong Yishan

Wu Hongfei & Happy Avenue
Talented writer Wu Hongfei and her alternative pop band end 2010 with songs about love and alieans. RMB 60, RMB 50 (advance, students). 9pm. MAO Livehouse

V.A Live!!! Happy New Year
Gao Feng & G-Eleven and Toyhead Big Band Keep you dancing till the new year comes. RMB 50. 9.45pm. V.A Bar

NCPA Concert Hall Orchestra New Year Eve Concert
Johann Strauss, Jr and Chinese composer Nie Er's classics. Tickets at 400 810 1887 or here, RMB 280-1,680. 7.30pm. NCPA

Saturday (January 1)

24 Hours, Rustic, SUBS, Buyi
Grab some energy, enthusiasm and creativity from the best of the young powers. RMB 50, RMB 40 (advance). 10pm. 2 Kolegas

Army of Jade Kirin, Chiren, Bolan Tonghua, Nuclear Fusion - G, Los Crasher
From metal to experimental, from punk to folk. Who says you can’t handle all of them in one night? RMB 60, RMB 50 (advance). 8.30pm. MAO Livehouse

Cui Jian & Beijing Symphony Orchestra
If you missed this grand show last year, here’s your second chance. Tickets available at 400 610 3721 or here. RMB 200-2,800. 7pm. Worker's Gymnasium.

Fruit Salad, Lao Zhang, Lao He
Brit-pop and Chinese folk, hum along. Free. 9pm. Hot Cat Club

Give Me the Simple Life
Tyler Kent's musical cabaret continues. Free. 9pm. Flow (6553 2288 ext 2107)

Long Shen Dao
The best Chinese reggae band finally drops their debut album. Let’s ska with Tai Chi Reggae. RMB 60 (first 100 at the door get a free CD). 9pm. Yugong Yishan

Rudeness, Old Fashion, The Film
Rock out your hangover and swing it away. RMB 40, RMB 30. 10pm. D-22

Wang Yuqi and Band
The former guitarist of Second Hand Rose starts a new daydream slowly. RMB 30. 9pm. Jiang Hu Liveshow Bar

Sunday (January 2)

Buyi
The Ningxia band explains rock music in their folky way. RMB 50. 9.45pm. V.A Bar

Second Hand Rose
The unique Chinese rock band celebrates their 10 years birthday. RMB 100, RMB 80 (advance, students), RMB 150 (VIP). 9pm. The Star Live

The Emitter, Joker, Namo, Not There
Listen to the very Chinese Namo and get lost in Not There's electric experiment. RMB 50 (include free snacks). 8pm. MAO Livehouse

Will & Band, Kun
British folk vs. Chinese folk, which one touches you more? Free. 9pm. Hot Cat Club