Bob Dylan to make China debut

CHINA: Counter-culture legend Bob Dylan was set to make his long-awaited China debut yesterday, finally getting approval to bring his charged songs of protest and struggle to a nation bent on quelling dissent.

Dylan will play the Worker's Gymnasium in central Beijing before a show in Shanghai Friday and two more in Hong Kong next week - commemorating his first major performance on April 11, 1961 in New York, promoters said.

After Dylan was reportedly banned from playing here last year, China's Culture Ministry said last month he could perform, but only "strictly according to an approved program".

Dylan is best known for the politically-inspired songs of his early career, including "The Times They Are A-Changin'" and his anti-war anthem "Blowin' in the Wind". BEIJING, Wednesday, AFP