Comments below don’t necessarily represent the Shanghaiist’s point of view or opinion regarding the Canadian government (we don't want them to hold a grudge and kick us out of Canada too!)… we just received it recently from the Busdriver promoter and thought it was kind of funny… shows are still on in Beijing and Shanghai…..and we are as giddy as a school boy in the girls locker room to see Busdriver play live!

“Nothing against all you Cannucks out there, I like Canadians, I really do... but I got to say it… Canadian embassy workers (as official representatives of the government), I hope you eat bad dumplings and get chronic diarrhea. If Canada were a man, I would punch him in the balls. If Canada were a girl, I would snap her bra… ahhhhh… saying that makes me feel better. Now, let me tell you why I am so upset with Canada at the moment.

Being from the USA I know that my own government isn't much better, everyone knows that the USA is a bully....but, we expect better of little ol' Canada.

So. Why do I hate Canada so much? It all started with a phone call.

At 3am, in the middle of a wonderfully peaceful sleep my phone started to vibrate. Usually even my drunkest of friends don't call so early, and when I noticed the LA number on the phone my heart started to pound. It was Regan, better known as Busdriver. Nearly in tears, he tried to explain how the Canadian customs wouldn't let him catch a connecting flight to China and instead was going to deport him back to the USA. A connecting flight…..that is the only reason Regan was in Canada. He wasn't going to leave the airport, not even leave the terminal. But no, Canada in its infinite superiority decided he must be dealt with like a criminal and not allowed to tread Canadian soil, even for a minute. I kept asking myself, what is it that would make the Canadian government so afraid of such a docile, friendly rapper. This is a question I am still searching for an answer for. As late as May, Busdriver was in Vancouver opening for Cocorosie, a tour that was canceled after two members of that band were deported for failing to apply for proper visas. My guess is that Regan fell victim to a hostile government attitude towards musicians that Canada is infamous for. It is a system that is made for big time, money making bands, and crushes small to medium sized ones. Bands bringing in merchandise are treated like drug smugglers, charged taxes on all merchandise at the border before it is even sold, and forced to have expensive (and frustratingly time consuming to apply for) work visas even though most bands barely make enough to cover costs, let alone generate profit.

Regan, in the meantime had been forced to get back on a plane to LA, Air Canada refusing to reimburse or change the ticket. I got in touch with a nice lady at Air China and was able to arrange a flight for Regan and his DJ late on the night of the 10th. While all of this was going down, Regan’s gear was still flying to Shanghai. Frantically calling the airline, I was finally able to locate the bag, and after receiving a faxed copy of Regan’s passport and letter of authorization, I picked up the last (I pray) loose end. Now everything is right in the world and I am heading to Beijing for the concert that is scheduled for tomorrow. How many ulcers can one get before they pass out and die? Whatever it is....I think I have almost reached that point.”

Sounds like a fun time….to catch Busdriver in concert head to 4Live on October 13th. Openers include local rap monsters Redstar and Kensho Kuma w/ DJ Stokes. Should be an amazing party!

Saturday - October 13th
Busdriver w/ Redstar, Kensho Kuma and DJ Stokers - 4Live - 10pm (60rmb)
4Live - Bridge 8, 8 Jianguo Zhonglu, No. 7 (8号桥- 建国中路8号7号楼)

Abe Deyo is Shanghaiist's Music Editor. Email tips, recommendations, news and gossip about Shanghai's music scene to music at shanghaiist.com.