Elton John dedicates show to Chinese artist Ai

Elton John dedicates show to Chinese artist Ai
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Summary Online media sites are reporting on John's two-performance tour in China, but not the remark.


Pop icon Elton John publicly dedicated his only concert in Beijing to Chinese artist and political critic Ai Weiwei, sending a murmur of shock through audience members accustomed to tight censorship of Western pop shows.

 

Minutes into a more than two-hour show Sunday night, John told the audience that the performance was dedicated to Ai s spirit and talent.

 

Several audience members say the crowd rumbled in recognition of how Ai remains a touchy subject for the Chinese government.

 

Online media sites are reporting on John s two-performance tour in China, but not the remark.

 

The Chinese government further tightened already heavy scrutiny of live performances after singer Bjork shouted "Tibet, Tibet" at the close of a song titled "Declare Independence" at a Shanghai performance in 2008. 

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