THE Chinese musician whose song became the unofficial anthem for demonstrating students during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests has pulled out of a state broadcaster's variety show after the organisers turned down his song choice.

Cui Jian wanted to sing his 1986 song Nothing To My Name at China Central Television's January 30 gala show, but the censors told him to choose another song.

Cui did not want to sing another song, his manager, You You, said.

You added: "His stage is far beyond the CCTV's gala."