On September 25, the renowned mainland Chinese singer Liu Huan passed away in Shanghai at the age of 63, shocking the entertainment industry. As a long-time friend of Liu Huan, singer Na Ying held a personal concert in Chengdu the next evening. During the performance, she changed into black attire and spontaneously sang Liu Huan’s classic hit “Bent Moon,” expressing her condolences. However, after the show, some netizens pointed out that since the song was not originally reported on the concert’s setlist, it was an unapproved song. According to the regulations on commercial performance management, the organizers or singers may face administrative penalties and fines for such unauthorized performances.
Regarding the online rumors of “Na Ying facing penalties,” on September 28, the staff of the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Jinniu District in Chengdu responded that relevant units are currently investigating the matter. The officials stated clearly, “If a song is performed without prior approval, appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with the law.”
The specific consequences and amount of fines, if any, are under the jurisdiction of the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Culture, Broadcasting, Television, and Tourism at the city level. Decisions cannot be made directly at the district or county level and await further investigation and judgment.
When interviewed, the organizer of Na Ying’s concert, “Chengdu Maizhi Culture Media Co., Ltd.,” remained discreet in their response, stating they “cannot comment further.”
According to the current official “Regulations on Commercial Performance Management,” changing performance songs without re-approval constitutes a violation. However, due to the unforeseen circumstances of paying tribute to a deceased friend, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will enforce the regulations strictly or opt for a more flexible approach based on human considerations, pending the final investigation results from the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Culture, Broadcasting, Television, and Tourism.
Regarding the possibility of Na Ying being penalized for spontaneously singing “Bent Moon” to mourn Liu Huan, public opinion online overwhelmingly criticizes any potential penalties. Netizens express their discontent, stating that reporting such an act lacks morality.
Many question the original intent of regulations, which aim to prevent arbitrary changes in commercial performances or safety hazards. Applying strict regulations in cases of spontaneous tribute performances that do not involve commercial gain is viewed as dogmatic.
Some netizens mentioned how Western artists like Taylor Swift often include “surprise songs” and make impromptu changes during their concerts, which add charm and excitement to live performances. Criticisms point to the excessive bureaucracy in Mainland China’s performance industry, stifling the artistic spontaneity and unpredictability of shows.
Liu Huan’s death has shaken the entertainment industry. Several insiders mentioned that Liu Huan was known to consume alcohol excessively, earning a reputation as a heavy drinker. Particularly in his youth, his love for alcohol and generous drinking habits led to many anecdotes within the industry, raising concerns about his health.
Despite his capacity for alcohol when young, Liu Huan significantly reduced his alcohol intake in his later years due to health warnings. In 2009, he was diagnosed with severe avascular necrosis of the femoral head, commonly known as “the non-deadly cancer,” and underwent surgery that year. Speculations linking his condition to excessive drinking were clarified by his wife, Lu Lu, attributing the leg injury to a trauma in 2004. She acknowledged the need for alcohol abstinence or moderation following his diagnosis.
Reports from mainland media disclosed that Liu Huan suffered from avascular necrosis of the femoral head, heart disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and fatty liver, posing significant threats to his health and causing immense suffering. In 2019, during a performance on Hunan TV’s “Singer” program, the 55-year-old Liu Huan suffered a sudden heart attack. Moments of crisis saw him hastily retrieve pre-prepared emergency pills and save himself. Hosts later revealed that despite undergoing a recent heart bypass surgery just days before the competition, Liu Huan did not disclose his condition to anyone.
Meng Ke, a longtime music partner of Liu Huan, revealed that days before his death, Liu Huan exhibited unusual behavior by insisting that his wife, Lu Lu, settle an old debt that no one had pressured for. This detail, shared after Liu Huan’s passing, led to reflection and admiration from netizens and industry insiders, suggesting he might have had a premonition.