After several tries, Morrissey confirms two July shows in Israel
The singer and fan of Israel returns seven years after his last performance, with previous attempts thwarted by the COVID pandemic
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
English singer and songwriter Morrissey is returning to Israel after a seven-year hiatus prolonged by several canceled shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The performer, who has often expressed his love for the Jewish state, will play July 2 at the Zappa Shuni outdoor amphitheater in Binyamina and on July 4 at Expo Tel Aviv, part of his 2023 UK and Ireland tour.
Morrissey last played Israel in 2016, and he received a symbolic key to Tel Aviv from longtime mayor Ron Huldai at a 2012 performance.
The singer, known for his baritone voice and lyrics that focus on various longings coupled with deprecating humor and anti-establishment themes, has a song called “Israel” on his album “Low in High School” in which he rebukes critics of the Jewish state.
“In other climes they bitch and whine/Just because you are not like them — Israel, Israel,” sings Morrissey, who has often declared his dislike for the BDS movement and boycotts of Israel.
Another familiar favorite is called “The Girl from Tel-Aviv Who Wouldn’t Kneel,” which Morrissey has said pays homage to a theatrical production of the same name based on the diaries of Etty Hillesum, who was murdered in Auschwitz in 1943.
Tickets are available at the Eventim site.
