"If I had a choice, I wish to die on stage," said Cui Jian, 50, a leading Chinese rock musician. "That's much better than dying in your bed or sofa at home." For a rock singer, to live life to the fullest and burn out on stage seems to be the ultimate glory.

On May 9, 1986, Cui blasted out Nothing to My Name at a concert commemorating the Year of World Peace, rocking the very foundation of Beijing Workers' Stadium.

Born in a family of the China-Korean ethnic group, Cui's father taught him to play trumpet since he was 14. In 1981, he began his music career as a trumpeter in the Beijing Symphony Orchestra.

During six years in the orchestra, Cui wrote songs and formed a band called Seven Ply Board or Qiheban with six other musicians. Besides the renowned Nothing to My Name in 1986, Cui has scores of top hit songs under his belt, including Rock 'N' Roll on the New Long March and Show Your Colors.

On December 12, 2000, Cui's effort won him the Prince Claus Award, which was established by the Amsterdam-based Prince Claus Fund for outstanding artistic endeavors.

Cui also initiated the Anti-Lipsyncing Movement in 2002.

"For a long time, whenever I need to listen to my heart, I would listen to Cui's songs. My soul is like being with his music, and illustrated by his voice and melody. It's similar to the cigarette, which can only be lit by fire," said Wang Shuo, a Chinese author.

(Source: Xinhua News Agency)