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Embedded official Hei Bao 25th anniversary documentary on YouTube
BAND HISTORY 樂隊歷程
Hei Bao means "Black Panther" in English.
Watch Hei Bao's 25th anniversary documentary "Who We Are"
1987
Hei Bao was formed in 1987 by two guitarists, Li Tong and Guo Chuanlin (nicknamed "Guo Si").
Guo Chuanlin later steps down as guitarist to become Hei Bao's full-time band manager.
Other early band members include Ding Wu (vocals and guitar), Wang Wenjie (bass), and Wang Wenfang (drums).
1988
Ding Wu leaves Hei Bao and eventually goes on to form the critically-acclaimed rock band, Tang Dynasty.
Lead vocalist Dou Wei and keyboardist Luan Shu (also known as "Luan Shubin") joined Hei Bao.
1990
Zhao Mingyi becomes the drummer for Hei Bao in 1990, and the band's line-up stabilizes with
Dou Wei (lead vocals), Li Tong (guitar), Wang Wenjie (bass), Luan Shu (keyboards).
1991
August 1991 - Hei Bao's eponymous first album is released in Taiwan and Hong Kong under the Taiwan label Rock Records.
Hei Bao becomes the best-selling mainland Chinese rock band ever.
October 1991 - Dou Wei leaves Hei Bao and later enjoys a successful solo career.
1992
June 1992 - Luan Shu officially becomes lead vocalist.
December 1992 - Hei Bao's first album is officially released in mainland China.
1993
Hei Bao's official line-up has shrunk down to four members
before recording their second album:
Luan Shu (lead vocals and keyboards), Li Tong (guitar), Wang Wenjie (bass), and Zhao Mingyi (drums).
August 1993 - Hei Bao's second album, "Spirit of Light", is released first in mainland China.
In 1993, Hei Bao regains a fifth member as keyboardist Feng Xiaobo joins the band after
the recording of the second album.
1994
In 1994 Luan Shu leaves Hei Bao. Qin Yong joins the band as lead singer.
April 1994 - Hei Bao signs on with JVC, a Japanese record company.
November 1994 - JVC re-mixes Hei Bao II and re-releases it throughout Asia. This re-release includes the title
track, "Spirit of Light", with a new vocal by Qin Yong.
1996
February 1996 - Hei Bao's third album, "No Right No Wrong", is released, featuring
Qin Yong as the lead singer.
1998
May 1998 - Hei Bao's fourth album, "Can't Let Worries Have No Chance for Expression",
is released.
1999
Hei Bao releases their first live album, "Hurricane Fervour", recorded during a concert
in Beijing's Olympic Stadium.
Keyboardist Feng Xiaobo leaves in 1999 and is replaced by Hui Peng.
2000
Hei Bao contributes a cover of "Santa Maria" for the "True Love Forever" compilation
of Chinese rock artists singing the "greatest love songs of the 20th century".
In October 2000, Hei Bao releases a single "Without You".
2001
An official VCD of Hei Bao's live album, "Hurricane Fervour", is released. It features Hei Bao's 1998
concert at Beijing's Olympic Stadium.
2002
Hei Bao signs with Beijing's Kirin Kid Productions who will produce their next album.
2003
November 2003 - Hei Bao completes recording their fifth album at Beijing's Kirin Kid studios. Qin Yong and
Li Tong fly to London, England to do post-production on the album.
2004
After some delay, Hei Bao V is released in July of 2004. Hei Bao receives good coverage in the mainland
Chinese news media while promoting their new album.
2005
March 2005 - After being lead singer of Hei Bao for 10 years, Qin Yong departs amicably from the band.
Hei Bao announces that Zhang Kepeng is taking over lead vocals.