No "Wonderwall" Behind Great Wall: China Cans Oasis Gig

Mon., Mar. 2, 2009 10:27 AM PST by Josh Grossberg

AP Photo

Oasis' gigs in China have gone from Definitely Maybe to definitely not.

The Chinese government unexpectedly scrapped two concerts the British rockers were scheduled to play—April 3 in Beijing and April 5 in Shanghai—after deeming the shows "unsuitable" for political reasons.

At issue, Chinese officials were unhappy upon learning the "Wonderwall" band's mastermind, Noel Gallagher, had once played a five-song set at a 1997 Free Tibet benefit in the U.S.

In a statement today after learning of the forced cancellation, Oasis said it was "bewildered" by officials' sudden change of heart.

"Representatives from the Chinese government have revoked the performance licenses already issued for the band and ordered their shows in both Beijing and Shanghai to be immediately canceled," said the band. "The Chinese authorities' action in canceling these shows marks a reversal of their decision regarding the band which has left both Oasis and the promoters bewildered."

Oasis claimed that officials deemed "the band...unsuitable to perform to their fans in the Chinese Republic" and implored authorities to reconsider their decision.

China tightened regulations on foreign performers after Björk chanted "Tibet! Tibet!" at a Shanghai concert last year, rankling officials who called her outburst an affront to national unity. Before that, acts such as the Rolling Stones and Elton John had to submit set lists and lyrics for approval by the Chinese Cultural Ministry.

(China has refused to allow the Tibet people any autonomy since invading the Himalayan territory in 1950.)

Oasis, which is touring in support of its latest album, Dig Out Your Soul, will still go ahead with a Hong Kong date set for April 7.