FILE - In this June 16, 2006 file photo, Chinese rock icon Cui Jian during rehearsals for a concert to mark the 20th anniversary of rock music in China held at an indoor stadium in Shenyang, northern China's Liaoning province. Chinese rocker Cui Jian, who fell out of favor with the government after he sided with demonstrating students during the 1989 Tiananmen protests, has been asked to appear on the state broadcaster's Chinese New Year gala, his manager said Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)
January 07, 2014 - 2:34 AM
BEIJING, China - Cui Jian's manager says the Chinese rocker has been asked to appear on state television's Chinese New Year gala.
Cui fell out of favour with the government after he sided with protesting students during the 1989 Tiananmen demonstrations.
While the invitation could be seen as finalizing Cui's political rehabilitation, it also points to efforts by China Central Television to revive interest in the New Year gala.
Known as the godfather of Chinese rock, Cui won fame in the late 1980s with songs such as "Nothing to my Name."
He played in Tiananmen Square in May 1989, days before the government sent in tanks to crack down on the protests.
His manager You You said there was never any specific ban on his performances, although he sometimes was refused permission.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014