Rock Out Online This Friday with China's 'Godfather of Rock', Cui Jian

It’s time to rock it old school this Friday with one of China’s – and the capital’s – most legendary rockers, Cui Jian, known in China as the “Godfather of Rock.”

If you’re familiar with the capital’s relationship with rock n roll, then you’ll surely know Cui – who tore onto the scene in the 1980s with his catchy rock ballads, songs which struck a chord with China’s youth at the time.

If not, here’s a little history*. Also known by the nickname Lao Cui, Cui Jian joined the Beijing Philharmonic in 1981 as a classical trumpet player. It was here that he first heard Western rock, which led him to learn guitar and start playing in public.

After forming a band with a few fellow Philharmonic members in 1984, Cui rocketed to national fame in 1986, when, during a televised concert in Beijing, he took to the stage with a song simply titled “Nothing To My Name” (see him sing it here).

It’s this song, and the subsequent album Rock N Roll on the Long March – which itself became the biggest selling album in China’s history at the time – that made him a household name.

We’re no stranger to Cui Jian ourselves. He’s been a regular on the Beijing livehouse circuit for years, and we even hosted a concert with Cui back in 2003.

The man is still rocking today, and while a live show would’ve probably sold out months ago, his next gig is thankfully happening online this Friday. To check it out, all you’ve got to do is follow Cui Jian’s official WeChat Channels account (ID: 崔健) and reserve a spot!

Cui Jian’s Don’t Stop Being Wild Concert will take place online via the musician’s official WeChat on Friday, Apr 15 at 8pm. To reserve a spot, simply follow and look for the "reserve" function (photo below for reference).

*For more on Cui Jian and the full history of rock in China, check out Jonathan Campbell's Red Rock: The Long, Strange March of Chinese Rock & Roll (find it for Kindle here)

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Images: cdn.turner.com, amazon.com, Cui Jian, The Beijingers