As Gigs Are Canceled Across China Bands Look to Streaming Online
While many of us remain confined to our couch, there's a whole world out there reeling from the ongoing coronavirus saga. One of the biggest changes to the Beijing landscape in the coming months will be to events, and particularly, anything that would otherwise involve people gathering in cramped, sweaty spaces. Unsurprising then is the fact that China's live music industry is about to take a huge hit.
The Pixies are just one of the international bands forced to cancel their China gigs because of the virus
There's no word yet on whether Stereolab's Mar 21 show at Tango will go on as planned. We hold out hope but must admit it's not looking good.
In response to some of the negative missives coming out of Western media regarding the virus, London-based promoters of all things East and Southeast Asian music Eastern Margins posted a heartfelt message via Facebook (alongside a mixtape of Wuhan bands), stating, "It’s more important than ever to strengthen our communities, to showcase the depth of our cultures and to confront prejudice with beauty. Even in our world of music, people’s lives have been turned upside down by the coronavirus. There are artists who can not perform to earn a living, clubs which are empty, and family and friends living in quarantine. Our support and compassion can make a difference."
Chinese Football, just one of the bands currently stuck in Wuhan
When we hit up long-time TBJ contributor and music nerd Will Griffith of Live Beijing Music for his two cents on the current outpouring of support coming from within China's music community, he says, "There's definitely been an uptick in bands gathering together amidst the chaos and confusion, from reaching out to fans to live streaming shows. It's a heartening reminder that we're not going to hell." While pottering around the house for the 10th day in a row may start to feel otherwise, luckily there's plenty online to keep us entertained.
READ: [UPDATED] 2020 Beijing Spring Festival Bar and Restaurant Opening Hours, Jan 24-30
Images: digitaldjtips.com, 247tickets.com, courtesy of the organizers
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