Oasis ‘unsuitable’ for China and concerts are cancelled

Music News

By Patrick Luce Mar 2, 2009, 18:08 GMT

Chinese authorities have determined rockers Oasis are “unsuitable” to play in China and scheduled concerts in Beijing and Shanghai have been cancelled due to the band’s licenses to play being revoked. China authorities say no to Oasis concert. EPA/Rolf Vennenbernd

China authorities say no to Oasis concert. EPA/Rolf VennenberndOasis had been scheduled to play the concerts in April, but the shows are now officially cancelled and fans who bought tickets will be reimbursed. The band will continue the rest of the scheduled South-East Asian tour.The band released a statement saying: "representatives from the Chinese government have revoked the performance licenses already issued for the band and ordered their shows in both Beijing and Shanghai to be immediately cancelled. The Chinese authorities' action in cancelling these shows marks a reversal of their decision regarding the band which has left both Oasis and the promoters bewildered."The concert promoters have blamed the decision on the fact that Chinese authorities learned Noel Gallagher performed at a "Free Tibet" benefit concert that was held in the United States in 1997.Oasis had applied for the licensing before tickets went on sale, and are currently touring in support of their latest studio album ‘Dig Out Your Soul.’Oasis is not the first band to have trouble getting into the country. Rap icon Jay-Z was denied permission to hold a concert in 2006 due to his use of profane language in his music. Pop queen Britney Spears was allowed to perform in 2004, but had to ensure that her costumes were not too risqué.