I'll be honest: I knew nothing about Wuhan before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In late March of 2020, I shared a webcomic here, written and illustrated by an American woman who was born in Wuhan, and who would continue to revisit her family in the city throughout her life. But that's all I ever knew about the place.
Now, after watching the documentary above, I also know that it's punk AF. The Jakarta Post calls it, "arguably China's punk capital, its historically feisty reputation reflected in the writhing mosh pits and live venues of a vibrant music scene." Larry Mullin at The Diplomat goes even more in-depth, highlighting some of the bands and personas that comprise the Wuhan punk scene.
Of course, the performing arts are struggling in Wuhan, as they are everywhere. But for the sake of the people who are trying to make a life in Wuhan, I hope that the city gets some claim to fame beyond an unfortunate association with COVID-19.
Previously: An American artist illustrates a webcomic love letter to her hometown of Wuhan
Can Wuhan's Punk Scene Survive the Coronavirus? [Larry Mullin / The Diplomat]
Wuhan calling: China's punk capital loses its voice under lockdown [Lan Lianchao / The Jakarta Post]
Wuhan calling: how the city's punk rock scene changed China's youth [South China Morning Post]
