China is reviewing an application from Bob Dylan to stage concerts in the country, a year after his planned concerts in Beijing and Shanghai were cancelled.
An official of the Ministry of Culture said Thursday that Dylan's new application was pending and a decision would be posted on the ministry's official website.
The American folk legend was reported to have been scheduled to perform in Beijing on April 6 and Shanghai on April 8 as part of an upcoming Asian tour. But the dates were not listed on Dylan's official website, raising speculation of possible censorship problems.
Dylan, who turns 70 in May, was originally scheduled to play in Beijing and Shanghai last year, but the dates were shelved. Mainland music fans blamed a financial dispute with Dylan's Taiwanese promoter. The promoter denied the allegations, saying the flashpoint was a demand from the Ministry of Culture for Dylan to sign a pledge promising "not to hurt the feelings of the Chinese people" during his performances.
The Chinese government carefully screens the content of imported entertainment for political messages or commentary that runs contrary to its official line.
Foreign music acts in particular are believed to receive special scrutiny after Icelandic singer Bjork shouted "Tibet!" during a 2008 concert in Shanghai after performing a song called "Declare Independence."
A year later, British rock group Oasis scrapped its planned debut in China, saying Ministry of Culture officials were offended by the fact that frontman Noel Gallagher performed at a free Tibet concert in New York City in 1997.
China claims Tibet has always been part of its territory, but many Tibetans say the Himalayan region was virtually independent for centuries and that Beijing's tight control is draining them of their culture and identity.
Rapper Jay-Z was also banned permission to perform in 2006 due to his use of profane language.
Dylan may be considered a controversial act in China because of his association with protest movements in the U.S. in the 1960s. Songs like "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin" were inspirations for the American civil rights and anti-war movements.
Dylan is confirmed for a slew of other Asian dates, according to his official website, including Hong Kong on April 12 and Singapore on April 15. He will then tour Australia and New Zealand before closing out in Costa Mesa, Calif., on July 15
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