Here are links to the songs mentioned by Western media in the last few days as being too controversial for Bob Dylan to play in China. All of these links are to Chinese YouTube clone sites, websites in China which are heavily censored by Chinese authorities.
Chinese audiences, enjoy (Youku blocks outsiders from viewing their videos).
Though newspapers have been repeatedly announcing banned songs as fact, I have yet to see any sourcing for their information. One reporter compared the set lists in Taipei and Beijing and erroneously inferred "Desolation Row" had been banned. Then a story in the Guardian in turn announced as fact that "Desolation Row" had been banned. That's funny, because I remember him playing an extended version of the song in Shanghai, China, April 8, 2001. I've never known Dylan to play the same set list at consecutive venues.
The "Times They Are A-Changin'," so oft referred to in headlines, hasn't been performed by Dylan on tour in more than a year-and-a-haf.
There are credible reports that a set list was submitted and approved to the Chinese Ministry of Culture- but there is no reason to believe any of the countless journalists who have written about the concert know what was on that set list and if any modifications were made.
We won't know the real story on that until someone actually interviews Dylan, a band member, or another tour insider.
Until then, apparently newspapers around the world feel free to make up whatever information they like.
Blowin' in the Wind
The Times They Are A-Changin'
Masters of War
Desolation Row
Hurricane
In fact, "Blowing in the Wind" is taught to college students all over China. By Chinese teachers. I often hear it wafting from nearby classrooms. It is the only Dylan song 99.99% of Chinese people might know, although they won't know who wrote it.
The reports are, as you say, ridiculous.
Posted by: Liuzhou Laowai | April 10, 2011 at 12:14 AM
In Japan at Budakan Dylan did an encore of a song which he said he was still proud of, though written many years ago,it was 'The Times They are A'Changing', What's changed except Dylan.I was a fan of his from the start and still am - its hard to critisise a Genius butits harder still not to in these circunstances.Bob should remember the students at Tiananmen Square or maybe he's stating the truth abot himself in the song: 'I used to care but times have changed',Maybe it should be 'I have changed'.A.Murphy
Posted by: Anthony Murphy | April 10, 2011 at 06:02 AM