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Nearly a hundred bands from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas have been invited to deliver a three-day rock extravaganza across five stages: Tang, Yuan, Ming, Qing, and Kids’ Midi. The arrival of Midi in Shenzhen will resonate throughout South China, Hong Kong, Macau, and even greater southern China. Although the first day of performances fell on a weekday, fans from Hong Kong, Macau, Yunnan, Guangxi, Jiangsu, and even farther afield had already gathered at the venue by the afternoon to welcome the long-awaited festival. Many attendees have followed Midi all the way from Beijing and Shanghai to Shenzhen — Midi is becoming the spiritual leader of China’s new youth culture. As one banner held by fans read: “Defend every heart that refuses to conform.”
The first day of performances on the Tang Stage featured a host of bands from Hong Kong and Macau, with Hong Kong’s Against the Current,Killer Soap,Deep Insideand Macau’sWhy Oceansamong others injecting fresh energy into the Midi Festival, making it more diverse and international. Bringing together bands from various regions across the country to perform on the same stage strengthens regional exchanges in rock music, while introducing top-tier international acts is one of the key reasons why the Midi Festival has thrived for over a decade and earned high international acclaim. Hong Kong hardcore band Kings Lemon, old friends of Midi, returned to the main stage this year with a more mature sound, solidifying their status as the leading name in Hong Kong hardcore. They delivered the first highlight of the day’s performances. During their rendition of “The Oath,” the lead singer even held up his “best friend” — a toddler who had just learned to walk — symbolizing the vitality and legacy of rock music.
Why Oceans - Photo by Zhong Junfeng
