New Book On Chinese Rock’s Long, Strange March
An unprecedented book-length look at the history and development of Chinese rock, RED ROCK: THE LONG, STRANGE MARCH OF CHINESE ROCK & ROLL is a landmark in the genre’s short history. The book is now available internationally.
The title is the first definitive history of Chinese rock and roll, and a compelling look into the life of one of the world’s fastest-growing nations. Written over a period of two years, and featuring dozens of interviews with noted experts in, and members of, China’s rock community, Red Rock is an invaluable addition to both music journalism and Chinese scholarship.
Author Jonathan Campbell is a uniquely qualified expert in the field of Chinese rock. With a decade’s experience in the Beijing rock scene, Campbell’s done it all: promoting, listening and
performing. His knowledge of his subject and access to the leading figures in the industry lend his writing an entertaining insider’s perspective: easy to read, anecdotal and unlike anything published on the subject thus far.
Red Rock introduces readers to all facets of Chinese rock: the key players, the most influential bands and the moments that have defined the post-Mao generations. From pivotal concerts by local legends to controversial visits from international rock superstars, clashes with state censors and government-sponsored rock festivals, this work encapsulates the thrills and frustrations experienced by Chinese rockers.
Campbell’s book is a window for looking beneath the glossy exterior of modern China. Rock music – rebellious, individualistic, explosive – may seem incongruent with common perceptions of life in the People’s Republic, but Red Rock shows the circumstances that have allowed rock to emerge, and thrive, in this unlikely setting. As China’s international role expands, so, too, does Chinese rock’s role. Red Rock explains how it all started and provides clues as to where it’s all heading.
Advance praise for RED ROCK:
“Indepth… Thoughtful… Well-written…An especially welcome addition to world music collections.”
Library Journal, October 2011
“A vivid and faithful description of Chinese rock, Campbell has achieved a significant feat with this book.”
Hao Fang, former Rolling Stone (China) editor; music critic; author
“With consumerism the pervasive religion, freedoms taken for granted, and apathy rampant, the West largely has forgotten the power of rock ‘n’ roll — if not to change the world, than at least to change ourselves… In China, the music never has seemed more vital or necessary, and as an astute listener, sharp journalist, and excellent writer, Jonathan Campbell does an outstanding job explaining why.”
Jim DeRogatis, author, rock critic, co-host of “Sound Opinions”
“As an insider’s guide to the otherwise impenetrable world of what will become know as the golden period of Chinese rock music his book, pulsing with the energy of the country itself, its not only a fascinating read but an invaluable document.”
Steve Barker – BBC/On the Wire
“The story of Chinese rock music is a complicated and colourful one, which Campbell tells in an engagingly passionate way…The author provides readers with a rollicking account of how a global genre was transformed as it sank down roots in a very special setting.”
Jeffrey Wasserstrom, author of China in the 21st Century: What Everyone Needs to Know
“A brilliant exploration of the Chinese opening to rock & roll, from a keen observer on the front lines of cultural transformation.”
Ken Stringfellow, The Posies, R.E.M., Big Star
“Red Rock is an entertaining and illuminating romp through the weird world of Chinese rock and roll. Jon Campbell is the ultimate Beijing insider…”
Jan Wong, Red China Blues, Jan Wong’s China, Beijing Confidential
“Campbell gives us a creation story for a one of the world’s newest musical genres, Yaogun – or Chinese rock’n’roll – that is both comfortingly familiar and disconcertingly different…[Campbell] skillfully blends a unique history of modern China with a series of vivid dispatches from the frontiers of rock. The ancient rhythms of East meets West have rarely been played out so intensely or at such a raucous volume.”
Jonathan Watts, author of When a Billion Chinese Jump
“Musician, journalist, tour manager, van driver, guanxi master, barstool philosopher, old-school Beijinger — Campbell is the insider’s insider and the perfect person to chronicle the rollicking rise of rock in China.”
Adam Pillsbury, managing editor of Insider’s Guide to Beijing
