Xu Wei (musician)

Xǔ Wēi (Simplified Chinese: 许巍) is one of the best known rock musicians in China. He was born and raised in Pangliu village, near Xi'an.

In 1984, Xǔ Wēi began learning to play the guitar at the age of sixteen, when he started high school. In April 1986, he attended the first guitar-singing competition in Xi'an, and won first prize. After writing his first song, Xu abandoned university entrance exams to pursue his love of music.

At the end of 1987, Xu Wei joined the People's Liberation Army, working in the arts troupe of Shaanxi military region. In 1988, he came into contact with rock music for the first time. The following year, he was offered entry into the Fourth Military Medical University but turned down the opportunity. During the three years in the army, Xu taught himself to compose music and write songs, producing several pop songs.

Xu Wei left the army in the winter of 1990. He became known among the avant-garde of Xi'an as an outstanding guitarist.

In 1993 he organised the band Fly (飞) which including the best musicians in Xi'an. As time passed, Xu Wei became a very dynamic individual artist, receiving accolades for his unique style. He still participates in the composition of rock music, but his style has been influenced by pop.