Get ready to rock the nation's top star Cui Jian is to hold his long-awaited homecoming concert "A Dream in the Sunshine" on September 24 at the Capital Stadium, Beijing.

Cui was born in the capital. In 1986 he performed his signature work "Nothing to My Name" at the 100 Singers' Concert Commemorating the Year of World Peace in Beijing, which signified the birth of Chinese rock music.

But since his two concerts in 1993 at the Capital Stadium, Cui has not performed in a large arena in his hometown, though he has played smaller gigs and participated in other musicians' concerts.

"To hold a concert in my hometown Beijing gives me more pressure, and I have to prepare more carefully for this concert," said Cui. "I hope this concert will become a new start for me."

Cui said he would sing some of his classic songs, but he believes his new creations surpass his old tunes in terms of consciousness and passion.

"I hope our audience will pay more attention to the new songs," he said. "At the Beijing concert, I will premiere one or two of my latest works."

Cui said his attitude towards music has not changed over the years, even as he has grown older.

"In the ever-improving living conditions, I never forsake my skeptical and critical attitude," said Cui, who celebrated his 44th birthday on August 2. "I hope my music will stimulate people to reflect."

In March, Cui released his fifth album "Show You Colors." His first large-scale concert after the release was held on June 3 in Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei Province.

"Rock music is a positive thing which can and does change the world," said Cui. "We cannot live without good music."

(China Daily August 31, 2005)