Beijing rock drummer Zhang Yue dies at 35
By admin on 2014-12-29

The Chinese rock world was recently dealt one of its first losses in its short history when Zhang Yue, former drummer of the influential bands Confucius Says (Zi Yue) and Second Hand Rose (Ershou Meigui), died last Friday in Beijing.

The cause of death was reported as a ruptured aneurysm in his abdomen, according to a release by Zhang's family posted on sina.com Thursday.

Zhang, 35, was known as one of the most important drummers of China's first gen-eration of rock musicians. Beginning his career in the mid-nineties with Confucius Says, he later joined the lineup of Second Hand Rose.

Both known for pioneering rock mixed with elements of traditional music, the bands are arguably two of the most important Chinese rock groups of the past 15 years.

Zhang was rushed to the hospital on February 18 after he began spitting up blood at his home that afternoon, according to the release. He was checked in to Haidian District's PLA Air Force General Hospital, where he was brought to the emergency room and underwent a blood transfusion. After making what appeared to be a slight recovery, his condition worsened the next day, where Zhang passed away at 3:20pm.

A memorial service for Zhang was held Tuesday morning at the Beijing Babaoshan Funeral Home on. Those in attendance included members of Confucius Says and Second Hand Rose.

A graduate of the Beijing Film Academy's Sound Engineering department, Zhang started his career with his band Rock (Shitou) in 1992, most famous for their song Fairy Tale Dream (Tonghua Meng).

Zhang joined Ziyue in 1995, where he not only performed but was also instrumental in engineering their first two albums and directing music videos.

In June of 2001, Zhang joined Second Hand Rose, helping the band reach the celebrated status it enjoys today.

Most recently Zhang produced the short film Country for Beijing Television's web-cast of the 2010 Spring Festival Gala.