The application was pending and the ministry’s decision
would be posted on the ministry’s official website, the official who would only
gave his last name, Zhou, told The Associated Press.
The Dylan fan magazine ISIS recently reported on its website
that the singer was 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 was originally scheduled to play Beijing and Shanghai
last year, but the dates were canceled. Mainland music fans blamed a financial
dispute with Dylan’s Taiwanese promoter. The promoter denied the allegations, saying
the flash point 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 content 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 front man 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.
Dylan may be considered a controversial act in China because
of his association with protest movements in the US 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. Former
British colony Hong Kong is now a Chinese territory, but it maintains a
Western-style government that promises freedom of speech.
The ISIS fan website also lists an April 10 performance in
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, a date also not listed on Dylan’s official website.
Dylan’s publicist and agent for international tours didn’t
immediately respond to e-mail and phone messages from the AP.
