Our guide to the artists coming to Israel in 2010

Continuing on from our 2009 guide, here’s a list of the artists scheduled to perform in the Holy Land during 2010. After getting spoiled last year with a whole range of big names, 2010 looks set to be even better. And following years of a real drought of musical talent coming to perform in Israel, music fans in Israel are once again rubbing their hands in anticipation of a long, hot, but very tuneful summer…

Rumors are already hot that some of the world’s biggest names are set to confirm Holy Land dates this coming summer, including Elton John (he’s coming!), Coldplay and U2 (but Santana canceled). We’ve got a feeling the annual Rolling Stones rumor is also likely to make an appearance at some stage.

It’s still only January so we’re not sure who’ll finally put pen to paper and actually make it onto a Tel Aviv or Jerusalem stage, but here’s the list of currently confirmed concerts. Expect this list to grow and grow throughout the coming months…

14.1.10 (yes, tonight!) Rotting Christ @ Barby Club, Tel Aviv. 90s Black metal goodness that hit its high point in the 90s for 129 shekels.

27.1.10 / 30.1.10 Mary Hampton @ the Uganda club in Jerusalem on the 27th and @ Levontin 7, Tel Aviv on the 30th. Folksy guitarist from the UK (just down the road from my home town), with a haunting voice, well worth catching, especially at 50/60 shekels a ticket.

5.3.10 Alison Moyet @ Holon Theater in, er, Holon (as part of the International Women’s Festival 2010). Call 03-5023001 for tickets. A true 80s legend with one of the biggest and best voices around. Ah, Yazoo, Yazoo, Yazoo…

7.3.10 / 8.3.10 Alan Parsons Project @ Hichal HaTarbut in Tel Aviv. Good American MOTR, long past its sell by date, but hey, another star name to add to the roster. Tickets are 189-349 shekels.

22.3.10 Yo La Tengo @ Tel Aviv Barby Club, tickets are 219 shekels. Critically acclaimed New Jersey indie band with ten studio albums under their belts. I smell lots of guitars this year!

22.5.10 Metallica @ Ramat Gan Stadium. Rock legends Metallica are back for their third concert in Israel (previously here in ‘93 and ‘99), and currently in the middle of their World Tour. Tickets won’t be cheap if you want a good seat (up to 1200 shekels)

29.5.10 Paul Anka @ Nokia Stadium, Tel Aviv. Tickets are going for 340-1000 shekels. A grand for Paul Anka tickets, wow! He was here for two sellout shows last year, so must be doing something right!

3.6.10 Santana @ Bloomfield Stadium, Tel Aviv. Tickets are going for 290-1250 shekels, depending on how close to a guitar legend you want to get. Canceled.

4.6.10 /5.6.10 Joan Armatrading @ the Amphitheater in Binyamina on the 4th and the Frederic Mann Auditorium in Tel Aviv on the 5th. An 80s legend, she stormed back into our hearts in 2007 with a Grammy nominated bluesy collection “Into The Blues”.

9.6.10 The Pixies @ Somewhere to be named, Tel Aviv. Tickets start from 325 shekels. One of the most influential bands of the early 90s, this is one concert I will be attending for sure this summer. With the missus.

17.6.10 Elton John @ Ramat Gan stadium. Tickets will be in the 300-1000 shekels range, though if you’re a Bank Discount customer you’ll get them a little cheaper. June is gearing up to be one expensive month!

30.6.10 Elvis Costello @ Caesarea Amphitheater, he of the oversized glasses and classic 70s and 80s pub rock tunes, plus a few other goodies. Another one on my must-see list…Tickets are expected to be around 300 shekels.

1.7.10 Rod Stewart @ Ramat Gan stadium. Back to the Holy Land for the first time since 1983. Ticket prices are not yet known, but expect to pay the usual 300-1000 shekels.