Kraftwerk Banned From China
From the archive: published Mar 28, 2013, 13 years ago. Details may have changed since.
German electo legends Kraftwerk have been banned from playing live in China.
The band were refused visas because they were planned to be involved with the Tibetan Freedom Concert in Washington, DC, which occurred 15 years ago.
Kraftwerk eventually ended up not playing the concert in the capital of the United States due to terrible weather conditions. However its repercussions are now being felt as they are not allowed to play the Strawberry Festival in Beijing between April 29 – May 1.
The group are set to play across Europe this summer, headlining a number of festivals in the United Kingdom, including Scotland’s T In The Park.
The event’s director Geoff Ellis, remarked on the band, “Kraftwerk are a truly seminal band. Their revolutionary sound altered the face of contemporary music, and paved the way for so many artists across so many musical genres.”
Continuing, Ellis noted, “They are a massively influential group and an incredible live act, and we are hugely excited to welcome Kraftwerk to T in the Park for the first time thus July, in what will be a very special moment in our 20th year celebrations.”
John Lydon, the former frontman of the Sex Pistols, also revealed that he had suffered some problems with the same Chinese officials. Lydon is set to play several gigs as part of the Public Image Limited, but before he was confirmed, those involved in the event had to provide a thorough review of his lyrics.
“The Chinese Government asked me to send every lyric I have ever written, and they surprisingly approved me,” added the rocker. “They have either incredible good taste or they have no idea what I’m going on about. I can’t wait to find out.”
Do you think Kraftwerk should be allowed to play in China? What’s your favorite Kraftwerk album?