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{{Peacock|date=May 2018}}}}
{{Peacock|date=May 2018}}}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = The Flowers
| name = The Flowers
| image = The Flowers Band.jpg
| image = The Flowers Band.jpg
| caption = From left to right: Yang, Xingyu, Zhang Wei, Wenbo
| caption = From left to right: Yang, Xingyu, Zhang Wei, and Wenbo
| background = group_or_band
| native_name = 花儿乐队
| alias = 花儿乐队
| background = group_or_band
| origin = [[Beijing]], China
| origin = [[Beijing]], China
| genre = {{flatlist|
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Mandopop]]
* [[Mandopop]]
* [[pop punk]]
* [[pop punk]]
}}
}}
| years_active = 1998–2009
| years_active = 1998–2009
| label = {{flatlist|
| label = {{flatlist|
* [[EMI|EMI Music China]]
* [[EMI|EMI Music China]]
* [[Gold Typhoon|SH Push Typhoon]]
* [[Gold Typhoon|SH Push Typhoon]]
* New Bees Music
* New Bees Music
}}
}}
| past_members =
| past_members = * [[Wowkie Zhang|Da Zhang Wei]]
* [[Wowkie Zhang|Da Zhang Wei]]
* Guo Yang
* Guo Yang
* Wang Wenbo
* Wang Wenbo
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}}
}}


'''The Flowers''', ({{zh|s=花儿乐队|t=花兒樂隊|p=Huār Yuèduì}}), were a Chinese [[Rock music|rock]] band formed in [[Beijing]] in 1998. The original line-up consisted of [[Wowkie Zhang|Dà Zhāng Wěi]] (lead vocals, guitar) (大张伟), Guō Yáng (bass guitar) (郭阳), and Wáng Wénbó (drums, percussion) (王文博). To expand their sound, the Flowers brought in Shí Xǐngyŭ (guitar) (石醒宇) in 2001. Throughout their career, they recorded and released six studio albums. Following personal struggles with fame and possible tensions with Zhang Wei, Xǐngyŭ left in the summer of 2008. The group held a talent competition looking for a new member before disbanding in June of 2009.
'''The Flowers''' ({{zh|s=花儿乐队|t=花兒樂隊|p=Huār Yuèduì}}) was a Chinese [[Rock music|rock]] band formed in [[Beijing]] in 1998. The line-up originally consisted of [[Wowkie Zhang|Da Zhang Wei]] ({{Zh|s=张伟|p=Zhāng Wěi}}) who was the lead vocalist and guitarist, Guo Yang ({{Zh|s=郭阳|p=Guō Yáng}}) who was the bass guitarist, and Wang Wenbo ({{Zh|s=王文博|p=Wáng Wénbó}}) who was the drummer and percussionist. In 2001, the Flowers brought in Shi Xingyu ({{Zh|s=石醒宇|p=Shí Xǐngyǔ}}) who was also a guitarist. The Flowers recorded and released six studio albums.

After a personal dispute with Zhang Wei, Shi Xingyu left in the summer of 2008. The group held a talent contest looking for a new member before disbanding in June 2009.


==History==
==History==
Zhang Wei, Guo Yang, and Wang Wenbo met while attending high school. During their early career, they played music in the style of [[pop punk]] that was reminiscent of their main influences, American bands [[Green Day]] and [[Blink-182]].{{citation needed|date=May 2018}} The band began playing in local bars and clubs around Beijing. Unable to hide their hunger for commercial success, the band became somewhat aloof from the scene and were often derided in some quarters{{by whom|date=May 2018}} for their attitudes. The trio first signed to a small Beijing-based Chinese independent label, New Bees Music, in 1998.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}} A year later, the band released their debut studio album, ''On the Other Side of Happiness''. The album turned out to be a surprise hit as the accessible nature of songs like "Stillness", "Disillusion" and "School's Out" from the album made the band perfect for the music market they had wished to conquer.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}} The band became somewhat credited for helping to give disaffected Chinese youths a resonant voice, as many of them were deeply affected by their songs and felt that the band's lyrics reflected their own life experiences. As a result, punk music in general became more widely known in China.<ref name="CIIC">{{cite web |title=An Adolescent Band -- Flowers |url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/culture/103558.htm |website=China Internet Information Centre |access-date=22 August 2021}}</ref><ref name="gbtimes">{{Cite web|last=Petra|first=Niemi|date=7 March 2008|title=The Flowers - From punk pop to hip hop|url=https://gbtimes.com/life/flowers-punk-pop-hip-hop|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008140146/https://gbtimes.com/life/flowers-punk-pop-hip-hop|archive-date=8 October 2016|access-date=2020-06-10|website=gbtimes.com}}</ref>
Three of the band's members, Zhang Wei, Guo Yang, and Wang Wenbo, met while attending high school. They first performed in local bars and clubs around Beijing, playing music in the style of [[pop punk]] reminiscent of [[Green Day]] and [[Blink-182]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flowers – In Bloom? |url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/NM-e/102568.htm |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=www.china.org.cn}}</ref> In 1998, the trio signed to a small Beijing-based Chinese independent label, New Bees Music.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-05-24 |title=Chinese aim to build a great wall of sound |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/may/24/china.theeditorpressreview |access-date=2024-11-08 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> A year later, the band released their debut studio album, ''On the Other Side of Happiness''. The album has three songs, "Stillness", "Disillusion", and "School's Out."<ref name="gbtimes">{{Cite web|last=Petra|first=Niemi|date=7 March 2008|title=The Flowers - From punk pop to hip hop|url=https://gbtimes.com/life/flowers-punk-pop-hip-hop|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008140146/https://gbtimes.com/life/flowers-punk-pop-hip-hop|archive-date=8 October 2016|access-date=2020-06-10|website=gbtimes.com}}</ref>


The Flowers became involved in a two-year-long lawsuit with their first company, New Bees Music. The dispute was eventually settled out of court. They were signed to [[EMI]] in 2001, and the fourth member was added, guitarist Shi Xingyu.
In light of the band's commercial impact, some overly enthusiastic commentators{{who|date=May 2018}} even went as far as declaring the Flowers as the true bringers of [[Punk rock|punk]] to the Chinese. They pointed out that fans had previously found even the acoustic grunge of [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]]'s ''[[MTV Unplugged in New York]]'' difficult to comprehend.


''Strawberry Statement'', the Flowers' second album, was released in December 2001. The Flowers recorded and released their third studio album, ''I Am Your Romeo,'' in July 2004. The album has a [[Hip hop music|hip hop]]- and [[techno]]-experimentation music style.
The Flowers became involved in a two-year-long lawsuit with their first company, New Bees Music. The dispute almost brought the band to a premature end, but was eventually settled out of court. They signed to [[EMI]] in 2001 and added a fourth member, guitarist Shi Xingyu. ''Strawberry Statement'', the Flowers' second album was released in December 2001. By this time, the group had become tired of the simple but effective music that had made them popular. The band was looking to diversify its sound.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}


The Flowers recorded and released their third studio album, ''I Am Your Romeo,'' in July 2004. On the album, the band experimented with various musical styles, including [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] and [[techno]]. The band seemed to be a long way from their punk roots but were as straightforward as ever in their ideals or lack thereof. Da Zhang Wei said, "We have to earn our living through music... Pleasing our fans is our reason for making music and we don't care about other things." The songs themselves remained fairly upbeat and the lyrics pretty direct, although Zhang Wei softened the tone for some love-related songs. In 2005 ,the band released the single "Xi Shua Shua." The song became a hit on the mainland. It was included on the band's fourth studio album, ''Hua Ji Wang Chao'', or ''Blooming Dynasty'', released in July 2005. The album won numerous awards around China, sold 200,000 copies within forty days of its release, and was considered a great success in the country's pop music scene. Later that year, The Flowers made an appearance at [[China Central Television]]'s [[Lantern Festival]] gala show. The group was also nominated by organizers of the Pepsi Music Chart Awards in China for awards in categories such as Best Arrangement, Best Lyrics, Best Composer ,and Best Rock 'n' Roll Band. The nominations were later revoked due to accusations of plagiarism. ''Hua Tian Xi Shi'', the Flowers' fifth album, was released in October 2006.
In 2005, the band released the single "Xi Shua Shua". The song was included on the band's fourth studio album, ''Hua Ji Wang Chao'', or ''Blooming Dynasty'', released in July 2005. The album sold 200,000 copies within forty days of its release. Later that same year, The Flowers made an appearance at [[China Central Television]]'s [[Lantern Festival]] gala show. The group was nominated by organizers of the Pepsi Music Chart Awards in China for Best Arrangement, Best Lyrics, Best Composer, and Best Rock 'n' Roll Band.<ref name="gbtimes" /> The nominations were later revoked due to accusations of plagiarism.


⚫
''Hua Tian Xi Shi'', the Flowers' fifth album, was released in October 2006. In 2007, the Flowers began work on their sixth studio album. ''Hua Ling Sheng Hui'', or ''Flower Age Pageant,'' was released on October 15, 2007, with "Qiong Kaixin" (or "Shiny Happiness") as its lead single. In an interview, Zhang Wei states that his motive was to incorporate traditional Chinese performances and cultures. The same year, the Flowers received the award for Best Mainland Band at the China Music Awards.<ref name="gbtimes" /> The Flowers were asked to write and perform a [[Standard Chinese|Mandarin]] version of the theme song of the hit [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] film ''[[High School Musical 2]],'' which the group agreed to.<ref>Yuan Yuan. {{cite web|url=http://www.bjreview.com.cn/culture/txt/2008-08/19/content_144454.htm |title=Blooming Pop |work=Beijing Review|date=19 August 2008|accessdate=4 November 2010}}</ref>
===''Hua Ling Sheng Hui'' (2007&ndash;09)===
⚫
In 2007, the Flowers began work on their sixth studio album. ''Hua Ling Sheng Hui'', or ''Flower Age Pageant'' was released on October 15, 2007, with "Qiong Kaixin" (or "Shiny Happiness") as its lead single. The album marked a step forward for the Flowers as the group went deeper into their Chinese roots, incorporating elements of upbeat music, ballads, and dance pop. In an interview, Zhang Wei explained that his motive was to incorporate traditional Chinese performances and cultural treasures so that the younger audience would embrace traditional Chinese culture. The same year, the Flowers received the award for Best Mainland Band at the China Music Awards.<ref name="gbtimes"/> The Flowers were asked to write and perform a [[Standard Chinese|Mandarin]] version of the theme song for the hit [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] film ''[[High School Musical 2]]'' which the group agreed to.<ref>Yuan Yuan. {{cite web|url=http://www.bjreview.com.cn/culture/txt/2008-08/19/content_144454.htm |title=Blooming Pop |work=Beijing Review|date=19 August 2008|accessdate=4 November 2010}}</ref> The band also expressed interest in movie acting and at the time were preparing for a New Year film celebrating 2009 where they would play street rowdies of ancient Beijing who get involved in comical situations.


===Breakup===
===Shi Xingyu leaves, break-up and solo careers===
In July 2008, it was announced by the Flowers' record label that the band's guitarist, Shi Xingyu, had quit the band after seven years with the group.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/02/content_10925268.htm |title=Huaer holds competition for new band member_English_Xinhua |publisher=News.xinhuanet.com |date=2009-03-02 |accessdate=2012-04-11 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024023357/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/02/content_10925268.htm |archivedate=2012-10-24 }}</ref> Following Xingyu's departure, the band held a talent competition in Beijing with fifty contestants competing to be the new member of the Flowers. The winner would have been able to participate in the recording of the band's new album and its upcoming tenth anniversary concert tour. However, on June 21, 2009, the Flowers decided to disband. After the band's break-up, Zhang Wei embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut solo album in August 2009.
In July 2008, it was announced by the Flowers' record label that the band's guitarist, Shi Xingyu, had quit the band after seven years with the group.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/02/content_10925268.htm |title=Huaer holds competition for new band member_English_Xinhua |publisher=News.xinhuanet.com |date=2009-03-02 |accessdate=2012-04-11 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024023357/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/02/content_10925268.htm |archivedate=2012-10-24 }}</ref> Following Xingyu's departure, the band held a talent competition in Beijing, with fifty contestants competing to be the new members of the Flowers. The winner would have been able to participate in its upcoming tenth anniversary concert tour.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Flowers holds competition for new band member -- china.org.cn |url=http://www.china.org.cn/culture/2009-03/02/content_17360618.htm |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=www.china.org.cn}}</ref> However, on June 21, 2009, the Flowers decided to disband.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Huaer band splits for solo careers -- china.org.cn |url=http://www.china.org.cn/culture/2009-06/23/content_17996961.htm |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=www.china.org.cn}}</ref> After the band's breakup, Zhang Wei embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut solo album in August 2009.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}


== Controversy ==
== Controversy ==


===Plagiarism accusations and scandals===
===Plagiarism accusations and scandal===
The band's increasing fame soon brought their works under closer scrutiny. The group found themselves accused of [[Music plagiarism|plagiarism]] when it was discovered that they had copied at least twelve of their songs from various foreign artists including the song "Xi Shua Shua," which was most under fire due to its similarities to Japanese pop duo [[Puffy AmiYumi]]'s song "K2G." This also included "Emperor's Favorite" which resembles "Fuori dal Tunnel" by [[Caparezza]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rebelmag.it/2021/09/28/una-band-cinese-ha-plagiato-fuori-dal-tunnel-di-caparezza|title = Una band cinese ha plagiato Fuori dal Tunnel di Caparezza|date = 28 September 2021}}</ref> as well as "Hua Die Fei", which ostensibly sampled [[O-Zone]]'s "[[Dragostea din tei]]".<ref>http://www.whosampled.com/sample/79547/The-Flowers-Hua-Die-Fei-O-Zone-Dragostea-Din-Tei {{dead link|date=September 2020}}</ref> Zhang Wei and representatives of EMI admitted in an official statement that while the songs were not plagiarized, there were some flaws in the songs. None of the artists have responded to the issue. Because of the media buzz surrounding the band and to avoid disputes and authentication problems, the Flowers chose to drop out of all music award competitions for the rest of 2006. Contrary to his belief, Zhang Wei claims he listens to hundreds of songs every week and when he writes the songs, some melodies come naturally without having to manifest their origins. Zhang Wei claimed to the press that he and his bandmates, having listened up to 100 songs per day, have so many tunes stored in their heads that they "have no time to identify, revise and remove" ones which aren't theirs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/NM-e/161908.htm|title=Bloom off the Flower over Plagiarism|website=China.org.cn|accessdate=15 September 2020}}</ref> In 2015, Belgian and Dutch media again reported of an overt case of plagiarism, this time regarding the song "Tong Hua Sheng Si Lian" which closely resembles the song "Heyah Mama" of Belgian girl band [[K3 (band)|K3]].<ref>http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/33182/K3-stopt-ermee/article/detail/2416884/2015/08/09/Heyah-Mama-van-K3-als-dit-geen-plagiaat-is.dhtml {{dead link|date=September 2020}}</ref><ref>http://www.whosampled.com/sample/80534/The-Flowers-Tong-Hua-Sheng-Si-Lian-K3-Heyah-Mama {{dead link|date=September 2020}}</ref>
The group was accused of [[Music plagiarism|plagiarism]] when it was discovered that they had copied at least twelve of their songs from various foreign artists, including the song "Xi Shua Shua", with its similarities to the Japanese pop duo [[Puffy AmiYumi]]'s song "K2G"; "Emperor's Favorite", which resembles "Fuori dal Tunnel" by [[Caparezza]];<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rebelmag.it/2021/09/28/una-band-cinese-ha-plagiato-fuori-dal-tunnel-di-caparezza|title = Una band cinese ha plagiato Fuori dal Tunnel di Caparezza|date = 28 September 2021}}</ref> as well as "Hua Die Fei", which purportedly sampled [[O-Zone]]'s "[[Dragostea din tei]]".<ref>http://www.whosampled.com/sample/79547/The-Flowers-Hua-Die-Fei-O-Zone-Dragostea-Din-Tei {{dead link|date=September 2020}}</ref> Zhang Wei and representatives of EMI admitted in an official statement that while the songs were not plagiarized, there were some flaws in the songs. None of the artists have responded to the issue. The Flowers chose to drop out of all music award competitions for the rest of 2006. Zhang Wei claimed that he and his bandmates, 'having listened to up to 100 songs per day', have so many tunes stored in their heads that they "have no time to identify, revise and remove" ones that are not theirs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/NM-e/161908.htm|title=Bloom off the Flower over Plagiarism|website=China.org.cn|accessdate=15 September 2020}}</ref> In 2015, Belgian and Dutch media again reported a case of plagiarism regarding the song "Tong Hua Sheng Si Lian", which closely resembles the song "Heyah Mama" by Belgian girl band [[K3 (band)|K3]].<ref>http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/33182/K3-stopt-ermee/article/detail/2416884/2015/08/09/Heyah-Mama-van-K3-als-dit-geen-plagiaat-is.dhtml {{dead link|date=September 2020}}</ref><ref>http://www.whosampled.com/sample/80534/The-Flowers-Tong-Hua-Sheng-Si-Lian-K3-Heyah-Mama {{dead link|date=September 2020}}</ref>


===Fighting incident===
===Fighting incident===
In 2007, the band was seen eating at a restaurant in [[Beijing]] near [[Chaoyang Park]]. The group were seen talking and soon started arguing with one another. The incident escalated when Zhang Wei hit another band member (later revealed to be Xingyu) and shoved a man who was trying to intervene, the report said. This whole scene was captured on cell phone by a man nearby who was also in the restaurant with his girlfriend. The band's label admitted that there was a dispute, claiming that it was because the band's members had different views on their upcoming album. According to a senior official from the record company, Zhang Yi, the quarrel began when Zhang Wei and another fellow band member expressed differences on the sound of the record. Zhang added that the band felt very pressured during recording after having been involved in a plagiarism scandal. Some have even questioned whether the fight was a mere [[publicity stunt]] to promote sales for the forthcoming album, but Zhang Yi stated that the band was too busy to do so.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/entertainment/214085.htm|title=Video Shows 'The Flowers' Fighting -- china.org.cn|website=China.org.cn|accessdate=15 September 2020}}</ref>
In 2007, the band was observed dining at a restaurant in [[Beijing]] near [[Chaoyang Park]]. The group was seen conversing, but the situation escalated into an argument. According to reports, the incident intensified when Zhang Wei struck another band member, later identified as Xingyu, and pushed a man who attempted to intervene. A nearby restaurant patron captured the entire scene on his cell phone. The band's label acknowledged the dispute, explaining that it stemmed from differing opinions among the band members about their upcoming album. Zhang Yi, a senior official from the record company, clarified that the argument began when Zhang Wei and another band member disagreed on the album's sound. Zhang further explained that the band felt under significant pressure during the recording, especially after being involved in a plagiarism controversy. While some speculated that the altercation might have been a publicity stunt to boost album sales, Zhang Yi stated that the band was too busy to engage in such tactics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Video Shows 'The Flowers' Fighting -- china.org.cn |url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/entertainment/214085.htm |accessdate=15 September 2020 |website=China.org.cn}}</ref>


== Band members ==
== Band members ==


===Da Zhang Wei===
=== Da Zhang Wei ===
{{main article|Wowkie Zhang}}
{{main article|Wowkie Zhang}}
Da Zhang Wei (born Zhang Wei) on 31 August 1983 in [[Beijing]]. His inspirations are [[Green Day]], [[Ramones]], and [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]].
Da Zhang Wei was born as Zhang Wei on 31 August 1983, in [[Beijing]]. His inspirations were [[Green Day]], [[Ramones]], and [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]].


===Shi Xingyu===
=== Shi Xingyu ===
Shi Xingyu, nicknamed Xiao Yu (小宇), (born 11 January 1983). Xingyu was the last to join the band in 2001. His favorite bands include [[Blink-182]] and [[Smash Mouth]].
Shi Xingyu, nicknamed Xiao Yu ({{Zh|s=小宇|p=Xiǎo Yǔ}}), was born on 11 January 1983. Xingyu was the last member to join the band in 2001. His favorite bands include [[Blink-182]] and [[Smash Mouth]].


===Guo Yang===
=== Guo Yang ===
(born 29 May 1978) in Beijing. Yang sees Green Day and Nirvana as sources of inspiration.
Guo Yang was born on 29 May 1978, in Beijing. Yang's inspirations were Green Day and Nirvana.


===Wang Wenbo===
=== Wang Wenbo ===
Wang Wenbo (born 22 October 1982) in Beijing. His inspirations are Green Day, [[the Cure]], and Nirvana.
Wang Wenbo was born on 22 October 1982, in Beijing. His inspirations were the aforementioned Green Day, [[The Cure]], and Nirvana.


== Discography ==
== Discography ==
* ''Next to Happiness'' (1999) (幸福的旁边, ''Xingfu de pangbian'')
* ''Next to Happiness'' (1999) (幸福的旁边, ''Xìngfú de pángbiān'')
* ''Strawberry Statement'' (2001) (草莓声明, ''Caomei shengming'')
* ''Strawberry Statement'' (2001) (草莓声明, ''Cǎo méi shēng míng'')
* ''I Am Your Romeo'' (2004) (我是你的罗密欧, ''Wo shi ni de luomiou'')
* ''I Am Your Romeo'' (2004) (我是你的罗密欧, ''Wǒ shì nǐ de luōmì'ōu'')
* ''Blooming Dynasty'' (2005) (花季王朝, ''Hua ji wang chao'')
* ''Blooming Dynasty'' (2005) (花季王朝, ''Huājì wáng cháo'')
* ''Hua Tian Xi Shi'' (2006) (花天囍世)
* ''Hua Tian Xi Shi'' (2006) (花天囍世, ''Huā tiān xǐ shì'')
* ''Flower Age Pageant'' (2007) (花龄盛会, ''Hua Ling Sheng Hui'')
* ''Flower Age Pageant'' (2007) (花龄盛会, ''Huā líng shènghuì'')


==References==
==References==
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* {{in lang|zh}} [http://blog.sina.com.cn/flowerblog Official Blog]
* {{in lang|zh}} [http://blog.sina.com.cn/flowerblog Official Blog]
* {{in lang|ja}} [http://www.yaogun.com/artist/newvoice/flowers.htm The Flowers @ Yaogun.com]
* {{in lang|ja}} [http://www.yaogun.com/artist/newvoice/flowers.htm The Flowers @ Yaogun.com]
* (In English) https://web.archive.org/web/20161008140146/https://gbtimes.com/life/flowers-punk-pop-hip-hop


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
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[[Category:Musical quartets]]
[[Category:Musical quartets]]
[[Category:Chinese punk rock groups]]
[[Category:Chinese punk rock groups]]
[[Category:People involved in plagiarism controversies]]

Latest revision as of 03:36, 22 December 2024

The Flowers
花儿乐队
From left to right: Yang, Xingyu, Zhang Wei, and Wenbo
From left to right: Yang, Xingyu, Zhang Wei, and Wenbo
Background information
OriginBeijing, China
Genres
Years active1998–2009
Labels
Past members

The Flowers (simplified Chinese: 花儿乐队; traditional Chinese: 花兒樂隊; pinyin: Huār Yuèduì) was a Chinese rock band formed in Beijing in 1998. The line-up originally consisted of Da Zhang Wei (Chinese: 张伟; pinyin: Zhāng Wěi) who was the lead vocalist and guitarist, Guo Yang (Chinese: 郭阳; pinyin: Guō Yáng) who was the bass guitarist, and Wang Wenbo (Chinese: 王文博; pinyin: Wáng Wénbó) who was the drummer and percussionist. In 2001, the Flowers brought in Shi Xingyu (Chinese: 石醒宇; pinyin: Shí Xǐngyǔ) who was also a guitarist. The Flowers recorded and released six studio albums.

After a personal dispute with Zhang Wei, Shi Xingyu left in the summer of 2008. The group held a talent contest looking for a new member before disbanding in June 2009.

History

[edit]

Three of the band's members, Zhang Wei, Guo Yang, and Wang Wenbo, met while attending high school. They first performed in local bars and clubs around Beijing, playing music in the style of pop punk reminiscent of Green Day and Blink-182.[1] In 1998, the trio signed to a small Beijing-based Chinese independent label, New Bees Music.[2] A year later, the band released their debut studio album, On the Other Side of Happiness. The album has three songs, "Stillness", "Disillusion", and "School's Out."[3]

The Flowers became involved in a two-year-long lawsuit with their first company, New Bees Music. The dispute was eventually settled out of court. They were signed to EMI in 2001, and the fourth member was added, guitarist Shi Xingyu.

Strawberry Statement, the Flowers' second album, was released in December 2001. The Flowers recorded and released their third studio album, I Am Your Romeo, in July 2004. The album has a hip hop- and techno-experimentation music style.

In 2005, the band released the single "Xi Shua Shua". The song was included on the band's fourth studio album, Hua Ji Wang Chao, or Blooming Dynasty, released in July 2005. The album sold 200,000 copies within forty days of its release. Later that same year, The Flowers made an appearance at China Central Television's Lantern Festival gala show. The group was nominated by organizers of the Pepsi Music Chart Awards in China for Best Arrangement, Best Lyrics, Best Composer, and Best Rock 'n' Roll Band.[3] The nominations were later revoked due to accusations of plagiarism.

Hua Tian Xi Shi, the Flowers' fifth album, was released in October 2006. In 2007, the Flowers began work on their sixth studio album. Hua Ling Sheng Hui, or Flower Age Pageant, was released on October 15, 2007, with "Qiong Kaixin" (or "Shiny Happiness") as its lead single. In an interview, Zhang Wei states that his motive was to incorporate traditional Chinese performances and cultures. The same year, the Flowers received the award for Best Mainland Band at the China Music Awards.[3] The Flowers were asked to write and perform a Mandarin version of the theme song of the hit Disney film High School Musical 2, which the group agreed to.[4]

Breakup

[edit]

In July 2008, it was announced by the Flowers' record label that the band's guitarist, Shi Xingyu, had quit the band after seven years with the group.[5] Following Xingyu's departure, the band held a talent competition in Beijing, with fifty contestants competing to be the new members of the Flowers. The winner would have been able to participate in its upcoming tenth anniversary concert tour.[6] However, on June 21, 2009, the Flowers decided to disband.[7] After the band's breakup, Zhang Wei embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut solo album in August 2009.[citation needed]

Controversy

[edit]

Plagiarism accusations and scandal

[edit]

The group was accused of plagiarism when it was discovered that they had copied at least twelve of their songs from various foreign artists, including the song "Xi Shua Shua", with its similarities to the Japanese pop duo Puffy AmiYumi's song "K2G"; "Emperor's Favorite", which resembles "Fuori dal Tunnel" by Caparezza;[8] as well as "Hua Die Fei", which purportedly sampled O-Zone's "Dragostea din tei".[9] Zhang Wei and representatives of EMI admitted in an official statement that while the songs were not plagiarized, there were some flaws in the songs. None of the artists have responded to the issue. The Flowers chose to drop out of all music award competitions for the rest of 2006. Zhang Wei claimed that he and his bandmates, 'having listened to up to 100 songs per day', have so many tunes stored in their heads that they "have no time to identify, revise and remove" ones that are not theirs.[10] In 2015, Belgian and Dutch media again reported a case of plagiarism regarding the song "Tong Hua Sheng Si Lian", which closely resembles the song "Heyah Mama" by Belgian girl band K3.[11][12]

Fighting incident

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In 2007, the band was observed dining at a restaurant in Beijing near Chaoyang Park. The group was seen conversing, but the situation escalated into an argument. According to reports, the incident intensified when Zhang Wei struck another band member, later identified as Xingyu, and pushed a man who attempted to intervene. A nearby restaurant patron captured the entire scene on his cell phone. The band's label acknowledged the dispute, explaining that it stemmed from differing opinions among the band members about their upcoming album. Zhang Yi, a senior official from the record company, clarified that the argument began when Zhang Wei and another band member disagreed on the album's sound. Zhang further explained that the band felt under significant pressure during the recording, especially after being involved in a plagiarism controversy. While some speculated that the altercation might have been a publicity stunt to boost album sales, Zhang Yi stated that the band was too busy to engage in such tactics.[13]

Band members

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Da Zhang Wei

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Main article: Wowkie Zhang

Da Zhang Wei was born as Zhang Wei on 31 August 1983, in Beijing. His inspirations were Green Day, Ramones, and Nirvana.

Shi Xingyu

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Shi Xingyu, nicknamed Xiao Yu (Chinese: 小宇; pinyin: Xiǎo Yǔ), was born on 11 January 1983. Xingyu was the last member to join the band in 2001. His favorite bands include Blink-182 and Smash Mouth.

Guo Yang

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Guo Yang was born on 29 May 1978, in Beijing. Yang's inspirations were Green Day and Nirvana.

Wang Wenbo

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Wang Wenbo was born on 22 October 1982, in Beijing. His inspirations were the aforementioned Green Day, The Cure, and Nirvana.

Discography

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  • Next to Happiness (1999) (幸福的旁边, Xìngfú de pángbiān)
  • Strawberry Statement (2001) (草莓声明, Cǎo méi shēng míng)
  • I Am Your Romeo (2004) (我是你的罗密欧, Wǒ shì nǐ de luōmì'ōu)
  • Blooming Dynasty (2005) (花季王朝, Huājì wáng cháo)
  • Hua Tian Xi Shi (2006) (花天囍世, Huā tiān xǐ shì)
  • Flower Age Pageant (2007) (花龄盛会, Huā líng shènghuì)

References

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  1. ^ "Flowers – In Bloom?". www.china.org.cn. Retrieved 2022-12-06.
  2. ^ "Chinese aim to build a great wall of sound". The Guardian. 2003-05-24. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  3. ^ a b c Petra, Niemi (7 March 2008). "The Flowers - From punk pop to hip hop". gbtimes.com. Archived from the original on 8 October 2016. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
  4. ^ Yuan Yuan. "Blooming Pop". Beijing Review. 19 August 2008. Retrieved 4 November 2010.
  5. ^ "Huaer holds competition for new band member_English_Xinhua". News.xinhuanet.com. 2009-03-02. Archived from the original on 2012-10-24. Retrieved 2012-04-11.
  6. ^ "The Flowers holds competition for new band member -- china.org.cn". www.china.org.cn. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  7. ^ "Huaer band splits for solo careers -- china.org.cn". www.china.org.cn. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  8. ^ "Una band cinese ha plagiato Fuori dal Tunnel di Caparezza". 28 September 2021.
  9. ^ http://www.whosampled.com/sample/79547/The-Flowers-Hua-Die-Fei-O-Zone-Dragostea-Din-Tei [dead link‍]
  10. ^ "Bloom off the Flower over Plagiarism". China.org.cn. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  11. ^ http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/33182/K3-stopt-ermee/article/detail/2416884/2015/08/09/Heyah-Mama-van-K3-als-dit-geen-plagiaat-is.dhtml [dead link‍]
  12. ^ http://www.whosampled.com/sample/80534/The-Flowers-Tong-Hua-Sheng-Si-Lian-K3-Heyah-Mama [dead link‍]
  13. ^ "Video Shows 'The Flowers' Fighting -- china.org.cn". China.org.cn. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
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