Megadeth's opening night of its Dystopia tour ended abruptly after only an hour in what seemed to be an abbreviated set by the American metal band in Beijing.

Signs indicate that the performance at the MasterCard Center's Huiyuan Space may have been shortened or stopped by officials. For example, one well-known Megadeth track, "Skin of My Teeth," was played instrumental instead of with its usual lyrics.

For a band with a 30-year career, there seemed to be an inordinate number of instrumentals and extended guitar solos. The group also did not play several of their best-known songs, including "Holy Wars/The Punishment Due" and "Angry Again."

Megadeth founder and lead singer Dave Mustaine's comments at the end of the show may have indicated some kind of official action to stop. "Thank you for leaving so that we can come back and play again," he said from the stage as the band waved to the crowd after performing "Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?"

Audience members departed without incident, despite disappointment and surprise at the show's brevity. Ticket prices for the concert ranged from RMB 680-1,280.

Mustaine seems to be enjoying his visit to Beijing. "Thanks to our promoter for taking us to [Beijing duck restaurant] Bian Yi Fang for dinner last night. It was delicious, and spending time together was even better," he tweeted on Tuesday afternoon.

Megadeth is set to play Shanghai on Thursday, before heading to Japan for the annual Loud Park metal festival. Tuesday night's show was the group's first in Beijing, although it has played Shanghai previously in 2012 China, with a previously-scheduled tour in 2012 ultimately cancelled. Comment was not immediately available from the band or event organizers.

Photo: Steven Schwankert/the Beijinger