Still standing

Source:Global Times Published: 2012-11-22 21:20:05

 

Elton John is revered in China, but his identity as a gay icon holds little significance to his fans. Photo: CFP
Elton John is revered in China, but his identity as a gay icon holds little significance to his fans.   Photo: CFP

One of the biggest concerts taking place this year in Beijing marks the return of Sir Elton John, who performs this Sunday at MasterCard Center. Billed as "Elton John and his band," the evergreen performer and his entourage have included a four-stop Chinese leg including Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Guangzhou, as part of a wider Asian tour.

When tickets for John's Beijing debut went on sale in mid-September, the Chinese and expat communities were abuzz with excitement.

When a star of John's caliber comes to play in the capital, it's always cause for some healthy online discussion. In April 2011, it was Bob Dylan and a speculated setlist full of political protest songs.

John, though, brings another debatable subject to the shores of the Middle Kingdom. He's an international "gay icon" playing in a country that, before 2001, deemed homosexually a mental illness after decriminalizing it in 1997. 

Fandom based on music

John, whose real name is Reginald Kenneth Dwight, is iconic in the global gay community for his fashion and sexuality, yet his appeal among Chinese fans is rooted in his music and little else.

"When a huge star like Elton John performs here, it's like a milestone for the Chinese music market," says Gao Jialei, 21, a student at China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU) and self-confessed fan of the singer. "As for his homosexuality, I don't find it awkward at all. It's his personal choice. All I want is his good music."

With a four-decade career totaling over 30 albums to date, John may not be as artistically relevant as he once was. Still, he has a tremendous back catalogue of songs to choose from to play live, as well as his ever-flamboyant wardrobe and electric showmanship to guarantee a memorable night for audiences.

King behind The Lion King

Fei Qiang, a music critic and radio producer, said John's concerts have cemented their reputation over the years for being "incredible" events.

"Foreigners [at the concert] will get crazy, dancing and singing along. Chinese people are usually quiet at concerts, but they might get excited if he sings 'Circle of Life' or other songs from The Lion King (1994)," Fei said.

Many of John's younger Chinese fans became acquainted with the 65-year-old pianist's music through the Disney's hit animated film, of which John wrote the original soundtrack. 

Contacted via microblogging service Sina Weibo, a Web user under the name "Anshabul" told Metro Beijing:

"I was originally a fan of The Lion King. I found out the film's main theme song ['Can you feel the love tonight?'] was sung by him, so from that moment on I became a fan of John. I really think his songs can touch the heart," he said.

Eroding prejudices

Another CFAU student, 20-year-old Wu Xueting, claimed China's attitudes toward homosexuality had evolved to become increasingly tolerant thanks to the efforts of celebrities such as John.

"People [in China] are gradually opening up to homosexuals, though we still have a long way to go before we are as inclusive as Western societies. As long as [homosexuality] can be accepted by the ones we care for and the ones caring for us, sexual orientation doesn't matter much," she said.

Nevertheless, John's songwriting prowess matters more than anything else to most of his Chinese fans in Beijing.

"So what if he's gay?" a Sina Weibo user under the name "Daoxiangxiaozhou" inquired. "He is a singer first, so the most important thing is his love for music."



Posted in: Metro Beijing

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