Sonic seniors form band and rock out to youthful rhythm

Pensioner Dong finds solace in music after husband's death

A band of seniors have been rocking the world with their lively sound.

The band, from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, whose members have an average age of over 70, captivated the audience with their vitality and passion at the 2025 Online Spring Festival Gala in January.

One of the founders and the leader of the band, Dong Yunrong, 81, left a deep impression on many as she performed in a black leather jacket and red pants.

Her story with music began in 2007 when she was encouraged by her son to apply for a guitar class at a university for seniors.

During a period of mourning after her husband's passing, Dong found herself immersed in grief and unable to break free. It was the guitar class that led her to gradually emerge from the shadow of her husband's departure. She fell in love with music and started to enjoy the beauty of a more musical world.

In 2009, Dong and four of her college mates formed a band, named "Fenghe", because they often rehearsed by the Quyuan Fenghe — one of the top 10 scenic sites around the West Lake in Hangzhou.

Learning the guitar was not easy. To help her remember the songs, Dong started recording herself playing and singing, and uploaded the video clips on video sharing platform Youku.

She also wrote the musical scores and lyrics on paper, which she carried with her so she could practice wherever.

She once accompanied her granddaughter to an electronic organ class and practiced outside.

After uploading a cover of a song by Jay Chou on Youku, Dong gained more attention, attracting 270,000 views. Many people were amazed by her performance, especially the rap part of the song.

In March 2011, one of her videos, in which she sang the song Because of Love, garnered over 1 million views within a week.

To her surprise, the video was even reposted by one of the original singers, Faye Wong, on social media. Dong later performed the song again during China's Got Talent show, and dedicated it to her husband.

In 2018, Dong's band received an invitation from the TV program Avenue of Stars, a popular singing competition on China Central Television. Inspired by the show's director, the team members decided to inject more "craziness" into their performance, incorporating rock elements with drums and bass.

Finally, the band performed the Chinese rock song Life in Full Bloom, showcasing not only their meticulously prepared performance but also their own lives in full bloom.

Over the years, the silver-haired band has gradually gained recognition, traveling across the country from the West Lake to bigger stages, stunning audiences on many TV shows.

"Rock is not just for the young!" the band members sometimes shout at the end of their performances. Through each "rocking" experience, they feel the charm of music and the power of life.

In their regular rehearsals, they have also updated their repertoire to include more dynamic songs, building upon the soothing old songs of the past.

"Singing these rock songs makes me feel young and energetic. When we sing and dance, we forget our ages and all the troublesome things and feel joyful," Dong said.

The band also performs for the elderly in nursing homes and children in orphanages.

"We can bring happiness and joy to others. Maybe it is the reason why we are liked by many people," Dong added.

Today, the band has grown to over 20 members from all walks of life including retired teachers, translators and restaurant owners. While some members have dropped out due to health or family reasons, new members have joined. However, Dong is always there, as the soul of the group.

Dong believes that seniors need a sense of belonging to find something they love and to learn new things.

In turn, they often discover joy in these new experiences, living each day with the exuberance of an 18-year-old.

Dong is working on grooming the next generation of the band, hoping to pass on the "forever young" rock spirit embodied by Fenghe.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

chenye@chinadaily.com.cn