Israel hopes for summer of rock amid talk of bookings
Rumors fly about Duran Duran and Tears for Fears along with confirmed concerts from Rod Stewart and Justin Bieber
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
It’s only February 1, but rumors are flying fast about which international bands and singers may make their way to Israel this summer.
Walla! reported this week that 1980s band Duran Duran is talking about a June 1 date in Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park. The band, known for hits such as “The Reflex,” “Hungry Like The Wolf” and “Save A Prayer,” canceled a concert back in 2011 due to singer Simon Le Bon’s troublesome vocal chords. The group also has a song named “Tel Aviv,” which reflects on the finer aspects of the city.
The news site also reported that another 1980s British band, Tears for Fears, is looking at Tel Aviv dates in July.
Crooner Rod Stewart is set with his June 14 date in Tel Aviv, although BDS activists are petitioning him to cancel, using fans from the Celtic Football Club — of which Stewart is a lifelong member — to try to convince him to call off the Israel concert.
There are also rumors of US pianist and balladeer Billy Joel finally making it here, but it may have been only the hopeful murmurings of a Galgalatz radio station host.
Ditto for the steady mentions of a Bruce Springsteen concert, although it’s no secret that promoter Shuki Weiss would love nothing more than to bring that famed rocker to these shores.
One concert that is also definite is Justin Bieber’s May 3 performance in Tel Aviv, and tickets are already available for that teeny bopper show. Bieber was last here in 2011.
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