Posted on 02/25/2008 7:15:28 PM PST by TigerLikesRooster
N Korea strikes chord with Clapton invite
By Anna Fifield in Pyongyang
Published: February 25 2008 22:08 | Last updated: February 25 2008 22:08
North Korea has invited Eric Clapton to perform in Pyongyang in a highly unusual move that could see the English guitarist playing in the world’s most isolated state next year.
The invitation will boost hopes that North Korea is growing more interested in building cultural bridges to the outside world, even as diplomatic negotiations over its nuclear programme stall.
The New York Philharmonic will perform in Pyongyang tonight. The North Korean State Symphony Orchestra plans to perform in London this summer.
Pyongyang has invited Mr Clapton, whose hits include “Cocaine” and “Tears in Heaven”, as a reciprocal visit for the North Korean orchestra tour, the Financial Times has learnt.
“These cultural exchanges are a way of promoting understanding between countries,” a North Korean official told the FT. “We want our music to be understood by the western world and we want our people to understand western music.”
Mr Clapton had agreed ”in principle” to the idea, suggesting 2009 for the concert, the official said. Mr Clapton’s agent did not return calls asking for comment.
A performance by Mr Clapton would be notable because, while classical music is well known in North Korea, rock and pop are banned because of their strong western influences.
Diplomats say the visit of the New York Philharmonic does not necessarily signal the start of a wider thaw in animosity. It is the biggest US delegation to visit Pyongyang since the Korean War almost 60 years ago.
Suzannah Clarke, the London-based opera singer who has performed in North Korea for each of the past five years, said she sensed a change was underfoot.
“When I sang in Pyongyang last April, I felt a change in atmosphere and in the way they view the outside world,” she said.
Ping!
I’ve always loved Eric Clapner.
Kim Jong il’s son and possible heir apparent, Kim Jong-Chol, is a Eric Clapton groupie, the son and his girlfriend travelled to Germany to see a tour concert during Clapton’s Summer 2006 tour.
http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/06/front2453908.0597222224.html
Just as the Philharmonic’s musicians sold their souls to play for genocidal maniacs in military garb, Clapton would have to sell his soul to play for Kim Jong-Chol’s personal bemusement.
Gee, you could issue them visas. Or hell, just give everyone a TV set.
Oh, wait..
OH LORDY Hey Tiger who in Chia Pet family is Eric Clapton fan
Well, the libs are so concerned about human rights, let’s see if Clapton blows them off.
Why share your talent with a terrorist dictator?
It will be amusing to see his reply.
Maybe he'll play at the world's largest tribute to ugly...
Dear Leader must be getting even more ronery. First the NY philharmonic, now Clapton. Music cures a ronery heart.
That the son yeahhh now I remember him he was the one that spotted at Clapton concer is he same one that play in band or something LOL!
I’d say wait to see how many attempts to defect are made by NK Orchestra members before confirming, Mr. C.
From your article:
“Kim makes frequent trips to France and other European countries as a member of Pyongyang’s delegation to UNESCO under the alias of Kim Chol-Song, according to sources.”
back on the smack???
Potbelly pig wants to drunkenly croon “I shot de shewiff”
FR Link: N. Korea: Japan's Fuji TV Airs Video of Kim Jong-Chol Touring Germany
Clapton has been clean and sober for years.
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