Taiwanese rock band Mayday is currently embroiled in a controversy in mainland China over allegations of lip-synching during a live concert. The investigation follows a performance on November 16 at the Shanghai Stadium, which has put the spotlight on the legality and ethics of lip-synching in live concerts.
The issue came to the fore when a Chinese blogger posted a video on Bilibili, a popular video-sharing platform, claiming that the band was miming to pre-recorded songs. This accusation was based on a comparison made using a lip-synching identification tool. The band’s label, B’in Music, strongly denied these allegations, describing them as “malicious attacks and slanderous rumors.”
Mayday, a five-member all-male group, was on an eight-concert stop in Shanghai as part of their tour in mainland China, which began in May. The allegations against them bring to light the strict regulations in China regarding lip-synching. According to the Regulations on Administration of Commercial Performances, miming to pre-recorded tracks in commercial performances is illegal, with hefty fines and potential revocation of commercial performance licenses for repeat offenders.
This policy was introduced following criticism during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where a lip-synched performance led to international scrutiny. Additionally, the “Self-Discipline Management Measures for Entertainers in the Performance Industry” also forbids deceptive practices like lip-synching.
In contrast, attitudes towards lip-synching vary across Asia. In South Korea, a proposed bill in 2011 aimed to ban lip-synching, but it was not passed. In Japan, where the idol industry often involves lip-synched performances, the practice is more accepted, with actress Akane Osawa noting that fans are content to see their idols perform, regardless of lip-synching.
The controversy surrounding Mayday is not the first of its kind. In 2009, mainland Chinese singers Fang Ziyuan and Yin Youcan faced fines for lip-synching at a concert. The debate on lip-synching highlights the tension between entertainment value and authenticity in live performances.
In the wake of the controversy, a recent Mayday concert in Paris, which was live-streamed globally, saw lead vocalist Ashin singing with natural imperfections, suggesting a live performance. The band’s frontman took to social media to express gratitude to their fans, emphasizing the journey they have shared over the years.
As the investigation into the Shanghai concert continues, the incident underscores the importance of authenticity in live music performances and the varying cultural attitudes towards lip-synching in the music industry.
READ MORE: