According to reports, this story begins at an entirely unscientific moment: Zhou Ziye, a designer who rose from creating counterfeit mobile phones, suddenly time-traveled back to the year 1984.
..."The old artist is such a blockhead. You tell me, we came all this way, and even invited a singer from Hong Kong. Was it easy for us? There's nothing wrong with the song, can you coordinate something?"
"Difficult to handle?"
"Didn't they mention Zou Wenjuan and the Hong Kong song?"
"It's impossible to understand Zou Wenjuan's English songs, but she has no problem with Hong Kong singers' songs."
"I've worked on so many songs without any problems, so why is only one song stuck? It's about a couple separated by distance, complaining about the pain of love. What's wrong with that? Does that mean couples or lovers separated by distance can't complain? That's the theme of this song."
"Oh, calm down. How about this, I'll personally go over tomorrow and help you coordinate something."
“I won’t show my face. Maybe this song is not suitable for the theme of the party. That’s enough. But if you say it’s censored music, I want an explanation. If you don’t give me an explanation, I won’t come next year.”
"You're such a hot-tempered kid! Fine, come or not if you want." With that, Li Wengang hung up the phone.
Well, I thought I could put Li Wengang in his place, but who knew he wouldn't fall for it. He doesn't even consider his status; any domestic singer at that time could be summoned with a single phone call.
After hanging up the phone, Xing Baohua thought for a moment and decided that it wouldn't be appropriate to let Wang Changle sing "Has Anyone Told You" at the concert.
It's my own concert, what's there to be afraid of? At worst, I'll just sing "Girl" too. They're all songs about longing, not porn, so what's there to be afraid of?
Then he went to find Wang Weibao to finalize the matter.
Wang Weibao advised Xing Baohua that it would be best to wait a while or change the song, as there was no need to insist on singing his two songs, as the risk was too high.
"What's the point of being so afraid of everything? It's settled then." With that, Xing Baohua left.
Wang Weibao was left behind, looking utterly dejected.
When Li Wengang hung up the phone with Xing Baohua, he also scratched his head.
This is so worrying!
We must listen to the opinions of veteran comrades; otherwise, we will not give Xing Baohua any face.
Fortunately, Xing Baohua didn't hear the old man say, "A man singing so softly, where is his masculinity! It's just that the girl singing so loudly."
The songs that veteran artists listened to were all vigorous, powerful, and inspiring revolutionary songs.
The singers under Xing Baohua's tutelage, although their pitches are higher, have soft, weak voices that lack any masculine energy.
Adding themes of love and affection, those veteran artists felt the songs were somewhat corrupting, thus labeling them as decadent.
If we force this singer to go on stage, it will not only put him in the spotlight, but also have an unnecessary impact on the current environment.
There are many people involved. Who made the decision to put it on? Why did they have to wait for pressure to push it on when there was opposition?
Therefore, they would rather not let the singers go on stage than be implicated.
The simplest solution is to have the singer change the song.
Unfortunately, aside from learning music theory and techniques in Hong Kong, Wang Changle didn't really have any songs.
Xing Baohua gave him two songs. Wang Weibao is also helping him collect songs, but they haven't been organized yet.
In addition, Xing Baohua's participation in this gala and concert was decided on a whim, without much time being given, so Wang Changle only had two of Xing Baohua's songs to perform.
The day before the party, we were notified that there would be a meeting, so everyone rushed to the auditorium.
Several elderly artists, some of whom were quite old, sat on the stage in a row.
Unfortunately, I didn't know anyone named Xing Baohua, and the meeting was full of nonsense.
What kind of trend, what kind of fashion, what kind of Westernization.
One of the older artists said, "Holding a microphone, walking and singing, dancing while singing, with drums, maracas, electric guitars, and colorful lights, these are all manifestations of Westernization, decadence, and depravity."
Using audio amplifiers to create an atmosphere and attract an audience dates back to the 1930s, a practice prevalent in Western-style nightclubs and bars. We can't imitate that. Especially not dancing and singing into a microphone all day. We're setting a tone for you in this meeting today, and tomorrow night's party is off-limits. Just hold the microphone and sing properly.
After hearing what the other person said, Xing Baohua cursed "Damn it!" countless times in his mind.
The person speaking said we can't use megaphones. What's that thing with the long handle in front of you? Is it cool?
I can't play the electric guitar or drums, how am I supposed to accompany someone?
Having actors stand awkwardly in front of microphones singing? That would be worse than just putting a tape recorder in the middle of the stage and playing cassette tapes.
"Where did these veteran artists come from? Why didn't they show up last year? Besides, even CCTV wouldn't dare say that. Can you all have greater artistic achievements than CCTV?"
Are these people still living in that ancient era?
However, the appearance of this group, which even carried a critical element, made Xing Baohua realize that the wind might have shifted this year.
Since criticism has been raised, Xing Baohua should accept it. She can't let Zou Wenjuan be in the spotlight; she has to withdraw and avoid further controversy.
But the concert? I'll grit my teeth and keep going.
After the meeting, Xing Baohua quickly approached Li Wengang and said that Zou Wenjuan's repertoire had to be withdrawn, as it involved the band and other things.
"Don't leave yet. The band doesn't need to perform Zou Wenjuan's song. Just use the backing track."
"Do you have any news? Is the wind shifting direction? I need to change course in time!"
Li Wengang tossed Xing Baohua a cigarette and said, "Why are you so sensitive? I told you it's nothing for now, and don't go asking around and put more pressure on yourself. The capital has taken care of things for you, so the performance will still go ahead."
“The advertisements have already been broadcast, you have no idea how sought-after the tickets are. If I don’t hold the concert and stand those people up, just imagine, tens of thousands of people would tear Zou Wenjuan apart?” Xing Baohua said with a wry smile.
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