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Photo: Hasong
Isn’t it beautiful that two shows like this can even happen?
An intensely experimental band, refusing to play by the ‘rules’ of the music business, now in its second decade, playing two incredible sold-out nights in China.
Photo: 九野
“Reverential” isn’t a word often used in rock music, but for the nearly 2200 people who came out to see Godspeed You! Black Emperor, this was something akin to a religious experience.
(Especially for that guy in Beijing who sneakily pocketed our promotional posters. You could have just asked us, man.)
Photo: Wang Tianhao
This tour, their second in China, is a testament to the intense power of their music and the quiet power of their fanbase, who stood heads in awe, minds expanded at Tango and QSW over the last three days. We’re going to keep this short because GY!BE is the sound of gathering storms and crumbling civilizations – experiences you have to see to believe, and a live concert that doesn’t describe well in mere words.
Photo: Hasong
This was music that kindled memories, and created private reverie. Music that conjures that most rare of reactions – the one where you forget about your smartphone for close to 120 minutes.
Photo: Hasong
To everyone who came out to see their beautiful projected films and bone-shaking music, we nod to you in quiet appreciation. The stars probably look very different today.
Photo: 九野
Photos: Wang Tianhao
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Photo: Hasong
时隔3年，Split Works开功再度邀请后摇之王“神佑黑帝”驾临中国，这在全国后摇圈内着实投下了一颗重磅弹药，激起千层激浪。3月12/14日，来自全国各地怀着朝圣之心的后摇信徒共聚京沪两城，接受了这支成军20余年后摇界鼻祖的神圣洗礼。
Godspeed You! Black Emperor的现场演出永远充满未知和惊喜，不仅因为即兴的演出曲目、穿插组合的歌曲段落和朴质怀旧的胶片影像；那些震撼脊髓的录音室版本，从漫长铺垫到连续高潮，被现场演绎成一组有血有肉的饱满作品。
Photo: 九野
这是一场值得载入史册，让你感到“庆幸自己还是活着”的绝妙演出，越是对黑帝所能调动的情感大潮难以置信，越想集中精神去捕捉每一处细节。《Moya》中持续的渐强和爬升一步步趋近于临界点，爆发的瞬间如洪水猛兽将你吞没。黑暗中的人群集体发出颤抖，形成一个共振的孤岛。
当你闭上双眼，脱离周遭，黑暗和虚无穿透身体，打断呼吸，并将你牢钉在地无力动弹，此时任何描绘的词藻都变的贫瘠空洞。那些悲观主义与真实生活、怒斥与控诉、虚妄与讽刺，将在场的千名听众连结一起，形成一场盛大的集体记忆。头顶“二十世纪最后一只伟大乐队”光环的Godspeed You! Black Emperor，在二十一世纪的今天，依然不愧为后摇版图中无能齐名的王中之王！
Photo: Wang Tianhao
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