Synopsis

If the kids are united they will never be divided! But in China? In 2009 the 70s punk veterans, Sham 69, became the first British punk band to ever tour there.

The next 14 days were a back-breaking slog across the length and breadth of the country. They visited cities they had never even heard of before the trip [Wuhan, Chengdu, Changsha] as well as the more familiar [Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong].

They were accompanied by a Chinese punk band “No Name” fronted by their singer/tour manager Ray. Ray was enthusiastic but inexperienced in tour managing and with no fixers or officials in tow confusion reigned. He did however introduce them to a developing punk scene where they met passionate youths excited by the changes going on around them, all eager to experience western punk.

This was a mind-blowing, intriguing, dumbfounding experience. Here was a country in the process of rebuilding and reinventing itself. Everywhere they went buildings were being torn down and replaced; new infrastructures were appearing, western chain stores were everywhere and of course Starbucks and McDonalds were omnipresent.

They encountered a fabulous mixture of wide-eyed optimism and pragmatic realism about the future; a generation outwardly rejecting its’ parents beliefs, values and dedication to the state who are looking outward for inspiration, influence and ideas. Their world is changing rapidly, and the punk movement in particular is bursting to break out of its’ previously strict confines.

And Sham 69? Their tour of China touched and inspired many they met along the way; but how did these middle aged men battling with their own and each other’s demons cope? Can they re-establish themselves? Can they survive? And what effect do they have on the Chinese punk scene? Are we witnessing the corruption of Chinese youth, politically, philosophically and/or materially? And, can their brand of rebellious rhetoric really help change the world for better or worse?

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