The promoter for American rock star Bon Jovi's first gig in China announced on Wednesday that the shows have been canceled. Although no specific reason were mentioned, international observers believe that  Chinese authorities may have prevented the show due to the artist's music videos featuring scenes of the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations and images of the Dalai Lama.

Like Us on Facebook

Reuters reported that Bon Jovi's concerts in Beijing and Shanghai scheduled for next week will not push through, according to AEG, the concert promoter. The promoter simply said that "for some reason", Bon Jovi's fans in China will not be able to see him perform live on stage.

The Chinese government has not issued a statement regarding the concert cancellations. It has long been China's policy to ban singers whose songs have politically sensitive lyrics or display.

In 2009, Bon Jovi released a music video for his song "We Weren't Born To Follow", which included some scenes from the Tiananmen demonstrations. The Tiananmen Square protest is a very sensitive issue in China. Chinese citizens are still not allowed to talk about the events that unfolded during that time.

The are speculations that Bon Jovi's show was canceled because his earlier Taiwanese concert displayed an image of the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan spiritual is currently in exile in nearby India.

Bon Jovi's fans in China vented their disappointment and anger on Weibo and other online social media platforms. One angry fan wrote that he is puzzled by the government's fear of artists such as Bon Jovi.

In preparation for his Chinese concert, Bon Jovi published a music video in which he sings a popular Chinese song, "The Moon Represents My Heart" in Mandarin.

Bon Jovi, however, is not the first singer to be banned because of his apparent support for the Dalai Lama. Popular American band Maroon 5 was recently banned from performing in China. Their September show was canceled because an unnamed member of the band gave the Dalai Lama birthday greetings via Twitter.

Chinese authorities are apprehensive about the Dalai Lama. China is currently celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the formation of the Tibetan autonomous region.

Other musical artists no longer allowed to performed in China include Bjork and Linkin Park.

TagsBon Jovi, Bon Jovi China tour, Bon Jovi Beijing concert, Bon Jovi Shanghai show, AEG promoter, Dalai Lama, Tibet independence, Tibet Autonomous Region, Maroon 5, Linkin Park