Sonic seniors form band and rock out to youthful rhythm

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.