China clampdown hits Beijing's live music scene

Beijing’s grassroots music scene is under siege as authorities crack down on its live venues following a performance by controversial, frequently topless poet Lin Ce. Dusk Dawn Club (DDC), the venue which hosted Lin (whose NFSW art tackles issues around body image and body-shaming), was temporarily shuttered by police and its owner, known only as ’69’, detained. It has since reopened, reports Reuters. New venue Modernsky Lab is also reportedly under investigation, although it was allowed to remain open.

http://www.iq-mag.net/2016/05/lin-ce-risque-performance-art-sparks-beijing-crackdown/#.Vysq7vkrKM8

Eight injured as choir falls through stage in China

According to Chinese state television, eight choir singers have been injured after the stage they were performing on collapsed. Around 80 singers were rehearsing on stage in Bijie city in Guizhou province. 

Video on the BBC News website 

New Year's Eve tragedy leaves at least 35 dead in China

Thirty-five people have been killed in a stampede during New Year's celebrations in Shanghai, China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that the Shanghai government confirmed that another 42 people were injured amid the chaos about half an hour before midnight. The deaths and injuries occurred in the  popular riverfront Bund area. Last week, the Shanghai Daily reported that the annual New Year's Eve countdown on the Bund, which normally attracts upwards of 300,000 people had been cancelled, apparently because of crowd control issues. The report said a "toned-down" version of the event would be held instead but that it would not be open to the public.

Thousands gathered in London along the Thames to see an 11-minute firework display centring on the London Eye, accompanied by a electronic soundtrack and followed by Auld Lang Syne. Ticketing was introduced for the first time, with numbers kept to 100,000, down on the estimated 500,00 last year.

In Edinburgh, thousands took part in the huge outdoor celebrations before the clock struck midnight, with Lily Allen headlining the Concert in the Gardens, joined by special guests Bjorn Again and Soul II Soul. The world-famous street party also saw performances from Twin Atlantic, Eddi Reader and Young Fathers and an outdoor ceilidh with 3,000 dancers. High winds forced some last minute cancellations.

China to ration talent shows

The Chinese authorities are reportedly cracking down on reality and talent shows on TV. According to the Xinhua News Agency, broadcasters in the country will need approval to air shows akin to 'American Idol', and each channel will only be allowed to air one such programmer in prime-time each quarter. Some have predicted that the move could actually aid online services in China, where talent-show hungry viewers will likely be able to still access more of that kind of programme once the limits are in place on the traditional TV networks.

Apples settles iPad name dispute

Apple has paid $60m (£38.3m) to settle a long-running legal row which threatened to block it from selling its iPad tablet device in China. The US technology giant agreed to make the payout to computer manufacturer Shenzhen Proview Technology after a two-year dispute over who owned the rights to the “iPad” name.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/electronics/9370899/Apple-pays-60m-for-iPad-name-in-China.html

Super Girl blitzed in China

China has lost its version of Pop Idol and X-factor from its TV screens after state regulators placed a cap on the amount of screen time it could have, saying it was concerned about the programmes effect on younger viewers. At its peak Super Girl attracted 400 million viewers but the State Administration for Radio, Film and TV (SARFT) has now banned it from prime time. It will be replaced by programmes that promote moral ethics, public safety and practical advice for home owners.

Dylan not censored in China

Bob Dylan has said that neither his songs nor his set list were censored on his recent visit to China, saying that whilst he submitted a set list and indeed previous set lists, he was not asked to change anything. Dylan also said that he had not had any visa problems with the country, blaming a Chinese promoter for using a visa issue for cancelling concerts Dylan had never agreed too.