Update: Yeah, it's April fool's day. I made it pretty obvious with the rickroll at the end. Have fun everyone.
Well.
If you read the local rags on a regular basis you may know that all kinds of test-run events and kinds of Expo soft openings are starting up this week as organizers run around at the last minute trying to make everything work. There are also all kinds of videos and Expo related channels springing up and in need of constant filling.
Among the press feeding frenzy comes this incredible statement from a unnamed official, apparently a member of mayor Han Zhong's inner office.
The statement lays out a proposed section in the China pavilion to be called "Shanghai Youth Culture is Adamant" which will showcase local artists and bands. No word yet on if this means venues will stay open or if this is intended to replace non-official acts during the Expo period. But surely it's a massive step. Incredibly they mention a band by name, The Mushrooms. Perhaps they heard of the Jue crosstalk event lately? Either way, could it be that Shanghai local pride is strong enough to trump even central policy?
Check it out: audio clip/interview on Youku
With the Torturing Nurse info as well, this is proving to be an interesting day for news.
The organizers are just letting the Shanghai kids know they're "never gonna give you up."