The sole survivor

[Photo/China Daily]

Now, those rock stars have either retired or appear to work part time, while Wang seems to be the sole survivor.

"I have never forgotten why I decided to be a rocker," Wang claims.

To begin with, his band was backed by Xiao Wei, an alumnus of Central Conservatory of Music, and their breakthrough came in 1997 with the debut album No 43 Baojia Street. Songs like Little Bird and Good Night Beijing became instant hits.

In 2000, Wang left the band and two years later released one of his most popular tunes, Flying Higher.

While Wang was commercially successful the rock press and his peers turned against him. He says this hurt.

"I once thought that as long as I could sing my own songs, I would be happy. But when I realized my dream, I was not happy at all.

"I cannot control others' views. All I can do is write my songs, because that is the only way I feel comfortable and secure."

He used to love sitting on Chang'an Avenue drinking a bottle of beer while people-watching, which inspired him. But he no longer drinks, though he does admit smoking a pack of cigarettes a day "helps me think".

After recently watching the Rolling Stones' concert on Brazil's Copacabana Beach, attended by 1.5 million people, Wang was inspired.

"The huge number of people proves the value of rock stars, let alone their music. I was so amazed. I believe I can still rock and come up with new songs at the age of 60."