The Chinese government has canceled Oasis concerts in Beijing and Shanghai next month because they discovered that Noel Gallagher performed at a 1997 Free Tibet Benefit Concert in New York in 1997. What’s more, the Chinese government has revoked Oasis’ performing licenses.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the band said: “The licensing and immigration process for the two shows had been fully and successfully complied with well before the shows went on sale. 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.”
NME noted that the 1997 “Free Tibet” concert, which is apparently cause to ban a band from performing in China, also featured Beastie Boys, Radiohead, Rage Against The Machine, Bjork and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Will they all have their licenses revoked? Radiohead has protested China’s treatment of Tibet many times, including dressing the stage with Tibetan flags on the first gig of their 2008 tour.