Bob Dylan (left) performs Maggie's Farm at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb 13. The folk singer is set to make his Beijing debut on April 6 at the Workers' Gymnasium. Provided to China Daily

Ministry gives folk legend's Beijing concert the green light

Almost 2,000 Bob Dylan fans have already reserved their tickets for the American legend's Beijing gig - one week before they are expected to go on sale.

Despite concern at the weekend that the legendary folk singer had again aborted plans to make his China debut, latest indications are that the show will go ahead as planned at the Workers' Gymnasium on April.

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"Tickets will probably go on sale next week," a female operator at sales website mypiao.com who did not want to be identified told METRO on Sunday. She said fans can reserve tickets by leaving their details and waiting for staff to call back.

Prices range from 280 to 1,961 yuan, much cheaper than for The Eagles' show at the Mastercard Center (formerly Wukesong Arena) last Saturday night (350 to 2,580 yuan).

A spokesman for Gehua Live Nation, which is organizing Dylan's concert, could not be reached on Sunday. However, the company has confirmed the singer will perform in Beijing and Shanghai on its Sina micro blog.

In an earlier interview with China Daily, Wei Ming, general manager of Gehua, said his firm has been trying to bring the popular singer-songwriter to China for years, and promise the fans "an authentic Dylan concert like in New York, Sydney or any other city in the world".

In a March 10 statement published on the Ministry of Culture's website, it says authorities have given the green light to Dylan and his 24-piece band to play in Beijing between March 30 and April 14.

There is no mention, however, of his Shanghai concert.

Dylan's official website mentions neither event in China and has not been updated since Feb 16, when he announced plans to tour Australia in April.

One thing that is not in doubt, though, is his fans' enthusiasm. "I've just seen The Eagles yesterday and now I can't wait for Dylan to come," said Chang Zhiqi, a student at Beijing University of Technology.