The Rolling Stones Censored by Chinese Authorities

For the first time in the band’s long history, the Stones will be performing in China.  In a press conference Friday, the group’s singer, Mick Jagger, confirmed that some songs will not be played at the show.  "It’s not really an issue," Jagger told a news conference. "But I’m pleased that the Ministry of Culture is protecting the morals of the expat bankers and their girlfriends."

"When we first applied to come here, the Ministry of Culture…asked us politely if we would consider not playing certain songs from the ‘Forty Licks’ album at the show," Jagger said.

In 2003 The Rolling Stones were set to perform in China, but cancelled the show due to the SARS epidemic.  At that time, they were asked not to play Honky Tonk Woman, Brown Sugar, Beast of Burden and Let’s Spend the Night Together.

On Saturday, The Rolling Stones will perform on Shanghai’s Grand Stage before 8,500 fans.