The bad boy of Taiwan rock, Chang Chen-Yue, brings his band Free Night to Beijing on Saturday night. Nicknamed A-Yue, his rebellious tendencies often land him in trouble and get him plenty of bad press, and he viewed by many as a bad role model. But he strikes a chord with the youth by belting out songs with which they can identify. Teens like his attitude to life, and the simple, direct lyrics of his songs. Chang uses songs with simple melodies to get his message across, without resorting to the usual sure-sell collection of love songs.

Chang often sings about adolescent problems, such as trouble with dating girls, smoking, being underage, and drinking. These topics are often considered off-limits as the Taiwan music scene is filled with sappy love songs and idol packaging. He spoke out against these packaged artists and it led to a lot of criticism. But he refused to apologize for his remarks, and continued to make music that differed from the mainstream. Chang isn't afraid of the negative publicity hurting his sales, and did a series of free shows on the streets of Taipei to show that he is serious about his music.

Chang met the bassist of his band during their stint of mandatory army service in Taiwan. After they had finished, they set out to form a band, with Chang composer and lyricist of all songs.

The singer is in Beijing again, his second visit since early September when he was promoting his album, OK, his first in five years. For the September performance, the 33-year-old rocker played to a delirious audience at Star Live. The night was a mixture of old and new tunes. Chang Chen-Yue performed a dozen hits, among which was the 1998 smash hit Don't Leave If You Love Me, which was covered by Jay Chou at his 2004 Incomparable concert. New songs included Pining is a Kind of Illness, a hit single from OK. Set in a retrospective tone, the album collects 11 love ballads, which, the singer has said in a previous interview, demonstrates changes in his sound from loud rock to slow, thoughtful tunes. He ascribes the changes to the experience gained during his silent years.

Chang and Free Night will perform at Beijing Exhibition Theater, 7:30pm, Nov 10. Tickets 380-680 yuan. 8528-2090, 6833-6969

(China Daily 11/07/2007 page12)