After the recent hype overkill that surrounded the Depeche Mode concert in Tel Aviv (Ramat Gan, to be strictly correct), the concert season is about to kick in to gear with some other big names expected throughout 2009. Israel has been starved of top-class entertainers in recent years, a reason behind the intense hype surrounding any big name that finally manages to make it over to the Holy Land. But Israelis might be pleasantly surprised with some of the names expected in 2009…or maybe not.
Here’s the current list of who’s expected to perform in Israel throughout 2009 (expect changes – and expect the list to include, when the deals have been finalized, Madonna – yes, Madonna, a genuine superstar in the Holy Land! (she’s coming – for two shows!) – Faith No More (they’re coming!), Jane’s Addiction, Pet Shop Boys (they’re coming!), Nine Inch Nails, the Kaiser Chiefs (they’re coming!), and yes, Guns n Roses! But don’t hold your breath on all of those…):
20.5.09 + 22.5.09 – Macy Gray (Yep, you’ve just missed out on a couple of performances at the National Student Day in Jerusalem and at the Barbie club in Tel Aviv).
21-23.5.09 – The Mother Festival, celebrating women in music, featuring a collection of local talent and some smallish international acts, such as Emily Wells (see the great clip below), Fagget Fairys, and Planningtorock. It’s the last night tonight, go see the festival website for details.
23.5.09 – Paradise Lost (don’t worry if you missed them this time around, this is their 5th visit, so there’s a good chance they’ll be back). Performing at Comfort 13, Tel Aviv, tickets are 179 shekels.
25.5.09Â – 27.5.09 – Kenny Garrett, jazz sax legend who’ll be here for two nights at the Zappa club in Tel Aviv, then one night at the Zappa club in Herzliya. Tickets are 185 shekels.
16.6.09 – Dream Theater, who due to high demand, will be performing at Ganei Tarucha, Tel Aviv. Nice, wide open space for the expected hordes of angry young men in black, tickets are 389 shekels for a spot on the grass, 599 for tickets in the VIP stands.
17.6.09 – Chris Cornell, the former frontman of Soundgarden of course. He did a “Depeche Mode” last year by cancelling his scheduled Tel Aviv gig, now he’s back to reclaim some glory and honour. Listen to one of his recent hits here (most of his YouTube videos can’t be embedded). He’ll be performing at Ganei Tarucha, Tel Aviv, tickets are 290 shekels. Don’t come expecting Soundgarden (as in the clip below), he’s changed direction a wee bit.
18.6.09 – Loreena McKennitt, for fans of Irish new age music, with haunting lyrics and rolling great anthems. She’ll be performing at the AmphiPark, Raanana (I saw Blondie and The Stranglers there last year and it’s quite a decent location), tickets cost between 259-399 shekels. Don’t forget to bring along a couple of cans of Guinness.
30.6.09 – Joe Jackson, back once again, he was here just last year (looks like Israel left a good impression if he’s back so soon!). He’s performing at Hangar 11 in Tel Aviv, tickets are between 179-279 shekels.
30.6.09 – Steve Vai, renowned guitarist first discovered alongside Frank Zappa, he’s also played with Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake and Alice Cooper. He’ll be conducting a workshop session for budding guitarists and performing at the Hichal HaTarbut in Tel Aviv. Tickets are 149-289 shekels.
1.7.09 – M83, critically acclaimed band that had a great 2008 with their album Saturdays = Youth. They’ll be performing at the Barbie club in Tel Aviv, tickets are 160 shekels.
3.7.09 – Kid Koala, DJ and turntablist (er, there’s a difference?), a multi-talented guy known for using unusual samples and who even designs his own CD covers. Performing at Comfort 13, Tel Aviv, tickets are 90-120 shekels (the cheapest gig of all the listed artists).
10.7.09 – Music City, a reggae festival that will include reggae greats Groundation (see the clip below) and Nneka. Nothing like a reggae groove on hot Tel Aviv summer nights! The festival will be at Hall 10, Ganei Tarucha, Tel Aviv, tickets are 180-220 shekels.
14.7.09 – Down, Metallists from New Orleans who’ve been around since 1991 and who combine elements of blues and southern rock and lots of distortion. They’ll be performing at the Theater Club in Yaffo, tickets are 189 shekels.
15.7.09 – Why?, Californian indie/hip-hop band with a Jewish background. They’ll be performing at the Barbie club in Tel Aviv, tickets are 160 shekels.
16.7.09 – The Notwist, a long serving German band, who have gone through various musical reincarnations, now mostly known for their electronic music. They’ll be performing at the Barbie club in Tel Aviv, tickets are 160-180 shekels.
19.7.09 – Suzanne Vega, the American songwriter/singer, much loved and much played on Israeli radio (well, you’re guaranteed to hear Luka at least a couple of times a week). She’ll be performing at the Hichal HaTarbut in Tel Aviv, prices are still to be set.
21.7.09 – Pet Shop Boys, the Britpop duo that ruled the airwaves through much of the 80s, are back with a nice new album “Yes” and a world tour. They’re scheduled to appear at Ganei Tarucha, Tel Aviv – the first 1000 tickets at a special cheap price of 260 shekels were snapped up within the first few hours, so expect a sizeable crowd and to pay a little more than 260 shekels!
28.7.09 – Nevermore, Seattle metallists, probably a little more hardcore than Down (see above). They’ll be performing at the Theater Club in Yaffo, tickets are 169 shekels.
19-20.8.09 – Pop sensation Lady Gaga and Brit rockers Kaiser Chiefs, plus Simple Plan and Luciano will be the main international acts at the Non Stop Musix festival in Tel Aviv’s Ganei Tarucha (Hall 1). Also scheduled to appear over the 2 days are some of Israel’s finest acts, including Aviv Gefen and Mercedes Benz. Tickets are 149-229 shekels for one day, or 199-319 shekels for the two days – the cheaper prices are for those who are Pelephone (a leading Israeli cellphone company) customers.
28.8.09 – Behemoth, much-loved Polish extreme metal band (they scare the bejesus out of me!), they are back for their third visit to Israel (they were here in 2004 and 2006). They’ll be performing at the Barbie club in Tel Aviv, tickets are 169 shekels.
1.9.09 + 2.9.09 – Madonna, the Queen of Pop, comes to Israel for the second time (her first show was in 1993), this time for two shows! These shows are scheduled to be the very last shows of her year-long “Sticky and Sweet” tour. She’s going to be performing at Park HaYarkon, where Sir Paul played last year, it’s the only real location for the huge number of fans that’ll likely turn up. Tickets start at 490 shekels (standing) and rise up to 2500 shekels for VIP seats.
1.9.09 – Faith No More, reunited after a decade apart, plan to stop in Israel on part of their world tour. They’ll be performing on the same night as Madonna, just across the road, so it’ll be interesting to see if they manage to sell out the place (the Exhibition Grounds). Tickets are priced at 260 shekels.
2.9.09 – MGMT, an American duo, their album Oracular Spectacularwas NME’s album of the year in 2008. They are probably one of the hottest and most acclaimed bands in the world right now. They’ll be performing at Hall 1, Ganei Tarucha in Tel Aviv. Tickets will cost 220 shekels.
8.9.09 – Julio Iglesias, the legendary Spanish crooner, seller of some 300 million albums worldwide, and father to 8 (watch out Mel Gibson!) is here to melt our hearts and bring some Spanish loving to the Middle East. Catch him at the Nokia Center, ticket prices have yet to be set.
24.9.09 – Leonard Cohen, the man, the legend, returning to Israel after an absence of some 29 years. A lot of anticipation for this one, he’ll also be performing at the Ramat Gan stadium (as did Depeche Mode). Ticket prices have still to be set.