Year of the Cockroach
Looking back on live rock in 2007 - By Dan, Jan 02, 08
While 2007 may have officially been the year of the golden pig, Shanghai's rock scene better resembled the resilience of a cockroach. Sure, it doesn't seem like a particularly glamorous mascot for a city that considers itself to be the capital of the new world, but the roach's trademark adaptability and indestructibility are the paramount attributes of this metaphor for describing the past year in rock music.
Of course, many readers will remember 2007 as the year noise-rock legends Sonic Youth came to Shanghai, or the year that teeny-metal-boppers Linkin Park played Hongkou Stadium, or even, perhaps, July's appearance by The Go! Team, but Shanghai's growth in 2007 is best exemplified by the birth and emergence of the S.T.D. brand. Already a promoting mega-power in the ever-growing underground live-music culture, S.T.D.'s SS, QNan, and R3 brought some of China's biggest bands: Hedgehog, Snapline, and New Pants; to Shanghai, yet it was the "Live and Undead" Halloween edition, featuring local acts Banana Monkey, Horror Business, and The Dropkicks, along with Xi'An dance-punks 24-Hour Party People, that topped their list of best show of 2007.
"To have that many people in one place, hot and sweaty, jumping around and dancing with four really dynamic bands was great," commented R3.
Another great story that demonstrates the maturing strength and buoyancy of Shanghai's live music culture is the continuing efforts of Zhang Hai Sheng and the staff at Yuyintang. After the beloved warehouse on Longcao Lu was forcefully shut down in May, Yuyintang sat in limbo for several months (occasionally putting on shows at The Dream Factories) until finally finding a new home on Kaixuan Lu. In the past month, the new, cozier and intimate, YYT has hosted some of China's biggest bands including PK-14, The Re-Tros, and Car Sick Cars, while also offering young bands a place to practice and hone their craft.
shanghai.talkmagazines.cn
Of course, many readers will remember 2007 as the year noise-rock legends Sonic Youth came to Shanghai, or the year that teeny-metal-boppers Linkin Park played Hongkou Stadium, or even, perhaps, July's appearance by The Go! Team, but Shanghai's growth in 2007 is best exemplified by the birth and emergence of the S.T.D. brand. Already a promoting mega-power in the ever-growing underground live-music culture, S.T.D.'s SS, QNan, and R3 brought some of China's biggest bands: Hedgehog, Snapline, and New Pants; to Shanghai, yet it was the "Live and Undead" Halloween edition, featuring local acts Banana Monkey, Horror Business, and The Dropkicks, along with Xi'An dance-punks 24-Hour Party People, that topped their list of best show of 2007.
"To have that many people in one place, hot and sweaty, jumping around and dancing with four really dynamic bands was great," commented R3.
Another great story that demonstrates the maturing strength and buoyancy of Shanghai's live music culture is the continuing efforts of Zhang Hai Sheng and the staff at Yuyintang. After the beloved warehouse on Longcao Lu was forcefully shut down in May, Yuyintang sat in limbo for several months (occasionally putting on shows at The Dream Factories) until finally finding a new home on Kaixuan Lu. In the past month, the new, cozier and intimate, YYT has hosted some of China's biggest bands including PK-14, The Re-Tros, and Car Sick Cars, while also offering young bands a place to practice and hone their craft.
Appearing on a Magazine Cover Near You
Fresh on the heels of Linkin Park, a couple of big out-of-town acts are already slated for 2008, including Nightwish (Jan 23 @ Hongkou Stadium)
- The Best of the Lit Fest
- Get that JUE Feeling
- Howie the Backstreet Boy
- Gossip Maven Perez Hilton
shanghai.talkmagazines.cn
- Mar 13 » Pervert Party Perverted?
- Mar 2 » Summer Babes
- Feb 10 » Myriad Forms
- Feb 5 » Hearts & Minds
- Jan 26 » Bachelor Party Suggestions
SmartShanghai presents:
Hassle free ticket purchasing and delivery for Shanghai's cultural and concert events.
More of SmartTicket here »
Hot selling:
April 16-18
Formula 1 GP
The highest class of auto racing returns to Shanghai with all your favourite racing teams and celebrity drivers. Head on down to check out the fastest cars on earth.
Details & prices »Daily 7.30pm
ERA
Multi-million dollar show, "ERA: The Intersection of Time," is Shanghai's most popular acrobatic performance featuring aerial walking, bowl balancing and flying trapeze.
Details & prices »