[maximinus]

Someone somewhere in China is making GD t-shirts.

I live here as a teacher in the north-east of China (Harbin). Sometimes you will see a western based t-shirt; I have so far seen 6 t-shirts referencing western music. One was a Who t-shirt, the other *5* have all been Grateful Dead t-shirts. For example:



Of course like any good deadhead I go up and ask, yet none of the owners know anything at all about the band.

So let's make that clear; no Beatles, Rolling Stones, Kurt Cobain, or Green Day clothing. They must like the cute bears....

[weirimpressed]

probably man, all the chinese folks like those cartoon characters

[Candyman1984]

Hey man whats it like in China these days after the olympics? Were you privy to any of the celebrations on October 1st-their version of independence day i suppose, well at least Mao's consolidation of power. Do the chicoms have much of an influence on your daily life their, or is it much as it was elsewhere? Anyhow, what is the music scene like, fun, exciting, lame? have fun man-my friend in in Nagita City Japan doing the same and loves it.

-James

[abica]

You should burn some shows and turn 'em on!

[razmablues]

the dead is WAY too american to appeal to china's current population, with my very limited knowledge anyway.

i always feel like the dead were one of the most american musical acts of the century, along side bill monroe and his bluegrass boys, bob dylan, etc etc.

[abica]

Wow...when I think "American" I think about pop rap songs about making money, pop songs about slutty girls, and cheesy modern rock that wants to be tough. When I think "American" I think "commercial."

You're probably right though...what with the Genuine American Music influences and all.

[Emoto]

the dead is WAY too american to appeal to china's current population, with my very limited knowledge anyway.

i always feel like the dead were one of the most american musical acts of the century, along side bill monroe and his bluegrass boys, bob dylan, etc etc.

I can't speak to the chinese appeal, but I totally agree about the GD being extremely American in their roots, lyrics, and approach to everything.

[maximinus]

To quickly reply - the music scene here is karaoke bars. There are no real venues for local live music because there are no bars (you go to the restaurant to get drunk). Chinese pop music is generally pretty dreadful.

On the plus point, China must be one of the most liberal countries I've ever been to. Seems the law is 'just a guide' to most things 'cause people break it all the time. Capitalism runs riot, more so than in the USA.

Of all the students I've met who play guitar (maybe 4-5?) the most popular band seem to be the Eagles.

My Chinese girlfriend started liking the Dead shortly after I gave her my iPod, which had some '76 Dead on it (she loves El Paso!).

Still puzzled about the t-shirts though.....