Rock band Oasis cancels China concerts
2009-03-02

Category Concerts Nations China Hong Kong City Hong Kong Category Regions County Nanhui County Metropolitan Beijing People Dalai Lama Bands Oasis Source (AFP)

SHANGHAI (AFP) - British rock band Oasis's live concert debut in mainland China has been cancelled, organisers said Monday.

Concert promoter Luo Xiaochuan declined to give a reason for the British group's Beijing and Shanghai appearances, scheduled for April 3 and 5, not going ahead.

The band is on tour promoting their latest album, "Dig Out Your Soul".

Their website and tour blog made no mention of the cancellations.

It was not immediately clear whether the band's Hong Kong concert on April 7 would be affected.

The Chinese dates had attracted the attention of some music fans curious to see how lead singer Liam Gallagher, known for his abrasive attitude and unpredictable behavior, would fare in a country where live performances are tightly regulated.

Authorities have tightened restrictions following a Shanghai concert last year by Icelandic singer Bjork, who concluded her show by shouting: "Tibet!"

The subject of Tibet remains extremely sensitive in China amid allegations by the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and other Tibetan exiles and activists, of Chinese repression in the Buddhist Himalayan region.