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Bob Dylan Cleared for Concerts in China

Bob DylanKevin Winter, Getty Images

While Bob Dylan was the towering voice of the anti-war, anti-authoritarian, counter-culture movement in America in the 1960s, he's since become more of a relic of music history than a political rabble-rouser. At least, that might be the way Chinese censors are looking at it, leading China's Ministry of Culture to approve a Dylan concert in Beijing in April. An additional concert in Shanghai is now also expected to be approved.

The decision comes as something of a surprise to music fans familiar with Chinese policy, given Dylan's anti-establishment sentiments and upheaval anthems such as 'Blowin' in the Wind' and 'The Times They Are A-Changing.' The Associated Press reports that the approval comes with the condition that Dylan must "stick to the program" as detailed by ministry officials.

Of course, Chinese censors may also be betting on the fact that Dylan won't exactly be able to rouse -- or even reach -- young Chinese minds, even if he wanted to, as he is something of an unknown in that country. His fan base in China is composed mainly of foreigners and dedicated music buffs, who are already familiar enough with his old material that nearly incomprehensible live versions won't exactly pose a threat. The times they have a changed, indeed.

Bob Dylan -- 'Things Have Changed'


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Ellie

I have seen Bob Dylan 21 times in concert and he has never disappointed me. Despite the criticism he gets from people who don't appreciate him he is still going strong. I wish him well in China and I ammlooking forward to seeing him for the 22nd time when he returns to the States!

March 12 2011 at 1:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
MICHAEL JOHNSON

MAKES SENSE, THEIR BOTH COMMIES

March 12 2011 at 11:55 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
daniel moulder

DARLENE COLEMAN YOU ARE SO RIGHT ON THE MONEY!! PATRIOTS IN AMERICA HAVE ALL BUT DIED OFF AFTER WW2,WE ARE GETTING SCREWED IN USA, THE GOVT HAS COMPLETLY TAKEN AWAY WHAT ONCE MADE THIS A TRULY FREE COUNTRY,OUR CONSTITUTION!! THEY SAY WE CAN OWN A GUN BUT ITCAN HOLD ONLY 10 BULLETS, THEY SAY NO SEARCH WITHOUT CAUSE??? WELL WHAT A BUNCH OF BULL SH*T THEY STOP YOU FOR WALKING IN THE GOLD COUNTRY CASINO HERE IN CALIFORNIA AND RUN YOUR NAMES THROUGH THERE COMPUTER FOR NO REASON AT ALL? AND WHEN YOU SAY WHY ARE YOUDOING THIS THE REPLY IS BECAUSE I CAN!!!

March 12 2011 at 9:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tubslut

What an incredible bit of trashing the most important figure in music history, and a man who has influenced millions of lives!! A giant, who after 51 years of still relevant. Stick to your Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber, FOOL!

March 12 2011 at 6:37 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Darlene Coleman

Dylan's problem may be that he is rather well-known and so they're paying attention to him...I am living in China and working in a Chinese night club right now and I WISH they would censor some of the vile crap I'm hearing played regularly -- NIGHTLY!! -- here...I have never ever heard more cursing and offensive language and more talk of what some of the male "artists" are talking about doing to women in the so-called "music" than I have in the music that's played in the night clubs here. I joined a gym and there, too, they were playing the same misogynistic, four-letter word riddled crap!!! And as far not being able to say anything against the government, that is not so much the case anymore...even on government-run CCTV (China Central Television) the government is questioned regularly. The times they ARE a changin' and you can thank the internet...as tightly as it is controlled people have found a way to get around those controls and for the most part there is no longer much about China that is different from America except for the fact that OUR government is now SCREWING us and our economy is in the toilet whereas the Chinese are discovering political and artistic freedom and their economy is BOOMING!!! They seem to be moving forward as we move backwards...

March 12 2011 at 6:32 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
qzqi3

His fan base in China is composed mainly of foreigners and dedicated music buffs, who are already familiar enough with his old material that nearly incomprehensible live versions won't exactly pose a threat. The times they have a changed, indeed.I am an Air Force and single at present .I need a woman who can love me back ..I also uploaded my hot photos on Uniformedmate .C oM under the name of hoho212..It's the largest and best club for seeking Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Police Force, and the admirers of those who wear the uniform.I just hope you don't mind me being a soldier ...Please Check it out!I'm serious.

March 12 2011 at 6:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to qzqi3's comment
daleydada

I saw him in Boston quite a few years ago. Http://www.bestbankruptcysite.info It's a good thing he'll be singing in China - we couldn't understand A WORD he was singing!!

March 12 2011 at 7:05 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
weibwbo

At least, that might be the way Chinese censors are looking at it, leading China's Ministry of Culture to approve a Dylan concert in Beijing in April. An additional concert in Shanghai is now also expected to be approved.btw,I'm a doctor,30 ,rich but still single.It's hard to get a girlfriend in my town ,most of them like my money more than like me.I just want to find my true love.so i uploaded my hot photos on millionairesocial .c om under the name of hotlove2.u dont have to be a millionaire,but u can meet one there. ..if you girls see this comment,i hope you will check my photos out there.maybe you are the one whom i'm looking for!!!

March 12 2011 at 7:40 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply