![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/5007da1a-d790-473e-af09-64c4ffc152c2/ea644b76-d33c-45cb-aa8c-d8d82d4b08a1_rw_1920.jpg?h=9b625b065b9e5312411d2b509498b182)
In August 2012, I attended a concert at the legendary Mao Livehouse in Beijing. I had just arrived back in China a few months earlier after being away for years, and it was an eye-opener.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/5007da1a-d790-473e-af09-64c4ffc152c2/560b2fb0-3428-4151-9e77-90328c1bd8f2_rw_1920.jpg?h=978f300d274daa287871374b9ed9e151)
It felt like the hay-day of a movement and the start of a revolution. I don't recall the names of the bands that played that day, but their energy was infectious.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/5007da1a-d790-473e-af09-64c4ffc152c2/2b74954b-0317-4829-bb0d-4f7fb7f3c769_rw_1920.jpg?h=df6a016bb664d9f6efab69f88fdc946e)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/5007da1a-d790-473e-af09-64c4ffc152c2/6fcf4283-bb63-4483-a262-c0655d0dd5b1_rw_1920.jpg?h=b0571af08c70f01944f4bce6b4035232)
Effortlessly blending traditional Chinese (even Beijinger) sensibilities with rock, the performances were anthems to free expression and the exuberance of youth.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/5007da1a-d790-473e-af09-64c4ffc152c2/216b2e0b-aa0d-42ef-9c47-f6eccd77cc6e_rw_1920.jpg?h=fc95737c1d5c18fd80f1fa77df4e5ed2)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/5007da1a-d790-473e-af09-64c4ffc152c2/8b8eac18-3a34-4b31-832e-104f3253e814_rw_1920.jpg?h=d8c81600f52b82c7ee4bbe1b764b5822)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/5007da1a-d790-473e-af09-64c4ffc152c2/2012bb54-9aa1-4f4d-b5e6-75b4bb788943_rw_1920.jpg?h=285249fba25e3271cdd538542e1c5b2d)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/5007da1a-d790-473e-af09-64c4ffc152c2/ffd21f5a-67d9-445b-8ddb-00e2fdae4799_rw_1920.jpg?h=3f25ad860c2c34bc1135c2f642ba8199)