Last week I went to hear Tel Aviv band Stellar Lane perform in Blaze Bar in Jerusalem. It is a unique venue and an amazing band.
Stellar Lane is a five-piece alternative rock band comprised of: Brothers Yonatan Vogelsang and Udi Vogelsang (vocals/acoustic guitar and vocals/keyboards respecively), Dotan Kalmar (electric guitar) David Sarussi (drums) and Adam Younger (bass).
The Vogelsang brothers harmonize together fantastically, the musicianship of the quintet is brilliant, and they put on a great show. Their original songs are excellent, and their cover versions are unique. I have been listening to them on Spotify almost non-stop for the past few days.
Stellar Lane, an alternative-rock band rooted in a thriving musical community, was co-founded by siblings Jonathan and Udi Vogelsang, both immersed in a diverse musical background. Shaped by the Grunge scene in Seattle during their formative years, Stellar Lane effortlessly blends nostalgic nineties tones with the contemporary vibes of today’s indie and alternative rock.
The Vogelsang brothers’ dual-vocal delivery is a standout feature, infusing their performances with an energetic and diverse dimension that captivates audiences. After the release of their EP “Follow Your Mind” in 2014, the band embarked on an extensive tour across North America and Europe, gaining recognition at notable festivals like Canadian Music Week and Deichbrand Festival.
I videoed one song from the gig, their cover of the Beatles’ “A Day in the Life”:
The sound mix at Blaze, and the quality on my camera were not great, so also check out their live stream from a year ago.
If you didn’t catch them in Jerusalem, you can see them live at
Third Ear (Tel Aviv) on October 18, for free.
Hall of Fame Fest (Tel Aviv) on October 22, Tickets available here – use code 276310 (click on “I’m with the band) for a discount
Rocktopia Festival (RIshon Lezion) on November 21.
This site focuses mainly on overseas bands performing in Israel, but I recently discovered an Israeli band, The Bench, which sounds as good or better than many international bands.
The Bench are celebrating the release of their latest album, “Wet Dream” with a concert on Tuesday, October 1st, at Reading 3, in Tel Aviv. Tickets are available from Eventbuzz — only NIS 90 (or go with your partner and get two tickets for NIS 160).
I don’t know much about the band, except that I’ve been listening to their music on Spotify and YouTube non-stop for many hours.
According to what they wrote on BandCamp, The Bench was formed in 2011 by two 16 year-old kids: Or Ben Izhak (Bass), and Raziel Mantzur (Lead Vocals). They started playing music on a bench at their neighborhood.
Today, The Bench consists of 4 members with the addition of Or, Raziel, Lior Izhaki (Drums), and Matan Shatit (Lead Guitar).
The Bench members get their kicks out of rock’n’roll, Motown and groove.
Check out this concert from two years ago at Barby.
And check out The Bench’s new album, “Wet Dream” on YouTube or Spotify.
Michale Graves, the enigmatic figure who stepped into the spotlight as the lead singer of the legendary punk rock band The Misfits is coming to Israel. He will play the Gagarin Club in Tel Aviv on July 16, 2024.
Michale posted on X (Twitter) that, “The night will celebrate the music and legacy of The Misfits from all eras featuring a blistering set of over 20 songs spanning the decades.”
MICHALE GRAVES TO PLAY IN TEL AVIV Michale Graves will visit and play for the very first time at the Gagarin Club Tel Aviv, Israel on July 16th 2024 . The night will celebrate the music and legacy of The Misfits from all eras featuring a blistering set of over 20 songs spanning… pic.twitter.com/5LlQ9PQOpa
Graves replaced the iconic Glenn Danzig, as vocalists for the Misfits, and carried the torch of their distinctive sound and helped usher in a new era for the influential horror-punk outfit.
Born in 1972, Michale Graves (born Michael Emanuel) first gained recognition as the frontman of the Misfits from 1995 to 2000. During this period, he lent his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence to the band, breathing new life into their iconic catalog of songs while also contributing to the creation of several acclaimed albums, including “American Psycho” and “Famous Monsters.”
Graves’ tenure with the Misfits was marked by a fiendish flair and a penchant for the macabre, a hallmark of the band’s signature style. His vocal style perfectly captured the band’s dark and sinister aesthetic, elevating the Misfits’ already legendary status within the punk rock scene.
Musically, Graves’ contributions to the Misfits’ sound showcased a blend of classic punk rock energy with a touch of horror-inspired melodicism. His powerful vocals and the band’s driving, distortion-heavy instrumentation created a sonic experience that was both visceral and atmospheric, perfectly complementing the band’s lyrical themes of horror, the occult, and social outcasts.
During his time with the Misfits, Graves also collaborated with other notable musicians, contributing to projects outside of the band and further expanding his creative footprint. His versatility and willingness to explore new musical avenues have earned him a respected place among the pantheon of punk rock icons.
Since his departure from the Misfits in 2000, Graves has continued to captivate audiences with his solo work and various other musical endeavors. His solo albums, such as “Web of Dharma” and “Wanderer,” showcase a more introspective and eclectic side of his artistry, delving into themes of personal growth and spiritual exploration.
In the years since, Graves has remained a vital figure in the punk rock and alternative music scenes, inspiring a new generation of musicians with his unapologetic and fiercely independent approach to his craft. As the Misfits’ post-Danzig era, his legacy as a crucial contributor to the band’s enduring legacy is cemented, solidifying his place as a true icon of the genre.
Tickets cost ₪179.00 and are available from Raven Music
Some bands are accused of plagiarism. Änglagård is a band that will never be accused of stealing someone else’s tune. Sure, there was a Genesis tape playing as we walked in, and audience members sported a range of prog rock t-shirts, from Jethro Tull to King Crimson, but the complex, instrumental songs performed by this Swedish five-piece are like nothing else.
The show was an act of love and devotion by Shachar Tal, who crowdfunded the entire concert through an organisation he named Highly Unprofessional Productions, and Kumeran Sahar, who led the production team. The event felt less like a rock concert and more like a bunch of friends getting together to celebrate amazing music. Although it had a very intimate feel, the venue was completely sold out with over 300 people coming to listen to the music of Änglagård.
If you are not familiar with Änglagård, they play unplayable songs with even more unpronounceable titles. The band began in 1991, broke up in 1994, reformed in 2002, broke up again in 2003 and then reformed again from 2011-2012, again from 2014-2017 and reformed most recently in 2022. Three of the current members have been in the band since the beginning (or near enough) — bassist Johan Brand, guitarist Jonas Engdegård and drummer/percussionist Mattias Olsson. They were joined on this tour by Staffan Lindroth on keyboards and Oskar Forsberg playing flute, saxophone, megaphone and shaker.
Tal came on stage to welcome everyone who contributed to bringing the band to Israel and he introduced the band.
Änglagård came on to the small, intimate stage as the tape played Prolog. Then they launched into Gånglåt från Knapptibble. Brand explained that this song was originally recorded for an English prog rock magazine as a floppy record. According to him, those floppy singles are very rare today.
If you are not familiar with Änglagård’s music, they weave patterns of sound with syncopated, odd time signatures. I suppose the best description I can give is organised chaos. If you imagine the more tame, sanitised prog rock bands of the past few decades, Änglagård is nothing like that. They are daring and breathtaking and constantly pushing the limits of what is possible to play and to hear.
Brand played his bass as a lead instrument, often venturing up to the dangerous part of the Rickenbacker neck. He alternated between using a pick and fingers on his Rotosound 606s.
Engdegård switched frequently between electric and acoustic guitar, though he also pulled out a classical at one point. His leather trousers contrasted sharply with Forsberg’s blazer and shorts.
Forsberg’s vibrato-drenched flute sparkled like a diamond, while his saxophone augmented the heavy, bassy keyboards. And he even pulled out a megaphone for “Kung Bore.” Lindroth stayed out of the spotlight, but his keyboards held the entire ensemble together.
Olsson was like a magician, pulling one trick after another out from his drum kit. He played drums, chimes, a gong and a host of other percussion instruments. He even switched to guitar at one point. His rhythms took the band out into the deep, dangerous waters of anarchy, yet remained the bedrock of their sound.
The audience was an interesting mix. There were plenty of middle aged men and women along with a contingent of head banging teenagers in the corner of the stage.
Änglagård in Tel Aviv, September 11, 2023. (David SedleyÄnglagård in Tel Aviv, September 11, 2023. (David Sedley
To highlight how personal this concert was, the band came out to chat with the fans (and sell some merch) during the break (yes, they had an intermission). There were a lot of hardcore fans lining up for photos with the guys.
Davidavi (Vidi) Dolev, vocalist for the opening band Subterranean Masquerade joined Änglagård for the vocals on “Kung Bore.”
Olsson summed up the love in the room when he spoke of the songs and the audience as being old friends and becoming new friends. He quoted the Beatles, saying, “We’d like to take you home with us, we’d like to take you home.”
The concert ended with a haunting theme played in flute.
Subterranean Masquerade
Subterranean Masquerade in Tel Aviv, September 11, 2023. (David Sedley
I’ve seen the opening band, Subterranean Masquerade once before, when they opened for Sons of Apollo. I was very impressed with them then, and they were even better this time (with a slightly different lineup).
Vocalist Dolev looked like an extra from Fiddler on the Roof and spoke of how he was recently weaned off sleeping pills. He has an amazing vocal range, switching from a baritone to growls and then to a high falsetto.
The band’s analogue keyboard textures transported us back to the early 1970s. The pounding toms ensured it was rocking while the duelling guitars interwove lines in a blend of middle eastern and Celtic lines.
Subterranean Masquerade in Tel Aviv, September 11, 2023. (David Sedley
At times, the band were jumping like hasidim at a mitzvah tantz, while at other times they were thrashing and bashing.
The band, comprised of Dolev on vocals, Tomer Pink, Omer Fishbein and Or Shalev on guitar, Shai Yallin on keyboards, Golan Farhi on bass and Jonathan Amar on drums, are one of Israel’s best. Check them out.
Änglagård Setlist
Höstsejd Ur vilande Jordrök Vandringar i vilsenhet Ifrån klarhet till klarhet Kung Bore Encore: Sista Somrar
The Venue Grey. Ibn Gabirol 30. On floor minus one of a shopping mall with a parking lot conveniently located downstairs. Seated venue with capacity for just over 300 people. There is food and drink available. Tables for four. Best to come with a few mates if you feel uncomfortable on my own.
The Black Keys hit the stage in Park Rishon LeTziyon, Tel Aviv, for their debut performance, bringing “Dropout Boogie” to Israel.
The Black Keys
At the same time The Offspring were hitting the stage for their debut in Israel at the Tel Aviv Expo center, The Black Keys hit the stage for their own debut at Park Rishon LeTziyon. The Black Keys opened with “I Got Mine” from 2008’s Attack and Release, and continued for almost an hour and a half playing hits from throughout their discography. In fact only 2 of the songs played were from their most recent album, Dropout Boogie, despite the fact that Tel Aviv was a stop on their Dropout Boogie tour.
photo Aaron Wolfphoto Aaron Wolf
Patrick Carney played the drums in his signature way- almost slumped over the kit, while Dan Auerbach seduced the crowd with his unique blues-rock riffs. The backing band stood behind the two, and the stage was backlit by a large panel that displayed images relevant to the song or album (some of which were probably lost on fellow fans not from northeast Ohio).
The night climaxed with the Keys’ encore where Auerbach played the delicate opening to Little Black Submarines. The entire crowd was silent until Dan began singing along with all 10,000 fans at Park Rishon. The Black Keys finished their set with their (probably) most popular song Lonely Boy.
The Washington band played loud, rocked hard, and the crowd loved it
The Melvins tore up the Barby Club on Wednesday night with a fast-paced, no-nonsense crowd pleaser of a gig. And they will do the same again on Thursday night, July 6, 2023. The last time The Melvins played in Israel was in 2007. Just like buses, you wait 16 years for a Melvins show and then two come along at once.
There was no time wasting with this band. They came onstage at 10pm exactly, to A-Ha’s “Take On Me” and launched into an hour’s worth of material (In that time they got through 14 songs) with no breaks, no time for anyone to catch their breath and hardly any time to applause at the end of each song. Then, after a very brief break, they came back for a one-song encore. Though that song was “Boris” which lasted 15 minutes, including at least five minutes after two-thirds of the band had left the stage.
I have heard of The Ramones blasting through a dozen songs in half an hour, and trying their best to shave off a few seconds when they could. The Melvins (who’s name I’m sure was at least partly inspired by The Ramones) were the next best thing. One strong song after another. No introductions, no “thank you”s, no “ifs” or “buts.”
Buzz Osbourne stomped around the stage in heavy boots and a wizard’s robe. With his fleece of grey hair he looked like a dandelion that had taken up magic and guitar. Unusually for a guitarist, his pedal board was at the back of the stage, next to his amps. Which meant that some of his greatest moments were played with his back to the crowd, while he was absorbed in the musical mayhem he was creating.
The Melvins’ Buzz Osbourne, Tel Aviv, July 5, 2023. (Aaron Wolf)
Steven Shane McDonald wore a sharp red suit and mangled a hot red bass. In contrast to Osbourne’s moody stomping, McDonald danced, jumped, posed and shape-shifted for the entire hour. He both threated and made love to the crowd with his bass.
The Melvins, Tel Aviv, July 5, 2023. (Aaron Wolf)The Melvins’ Steven Shane McDonald, Tel Aviv, July 5, 2023. (Aaron Wolf)The Melvins’ Steven Shane McDonald, Tel Aviv, July 5, 2023. (Aaron Wolf)
Dale Crover kept the entire show moving with his drumming. While Osbourne and McDonald were tuning their instruments, or searching for the magical optimal feedback point, his incessant rhythms kept the crowd hopping and jumping. The only time he stopped drumming, and almost the only time the band spoke to the crowd, was when he came up front to introduce the others. While the other two had big pic stands, Crover’s head mic allowed him to harmonize and syncopate the vocals almost without anyone noticing.
The crowd last night was like a fourth member of the band. They were moshing and bopping and even a few — very slow motion — stage dives. Not like diving into the deep end of the pool, but gingerly climbing in at the shallow end.
If you are looking to rock your socks off tonight in Tel Aviv, head to the Barby Club — if you are lucky, there may be a few tickets left.
Due to popular demand, the Melvins will play two shows in the Barbie Club in Tel Aviv, on July 5 and July 6, 2023. The second show was added after the first show quickly sold out. The band is celebrating 40 years since they were formed, and 30 years since their first major-label record “Houdini” was released on Atlantic Records.
The Melvins are an American rock band that formed in Montesano, Washington, in 1983. Since their formation, the band has undergone several lineup changes, with Osborne being the only constant member. The current band is comprised of Buzz Osborne (guitar and vocals), Dale Crover (drums) and Steven Shane McDonald (bass).
In honor of the 40th anniversary, the band rereleased “The Devil You Knew, The Devil You Know” on Amphetamine Reptile Records.
The band has been highly influential in the development of the sludge and stoner metal genres, and is also known for their experimental and avant-garde approach to music. The band’s original lineup consisted of Buzz Osborne on guitar and vocals, Matt Lukin on bass, and Mike Dillard on drums.
The Melvins’ music is characterized by its heavy, distorted sound, slow tempos, and unconventional song structures. The band’s early albums, such as “Gluey Porch Treatments” and “Bullhead,” were highly influential in the development of grunge music, and the band is often cited as an influence by bands such as Nirvana and Soundgarden. However, the Melvins have always been more experimental than their grunge counterparts, incorporating elements of punk, metal, and avant-garde music into their sound.
Over the course of their career, the Melvins have released over 25 studio albums, as well as numerous EPs, live albums, and collaborations with other artists. Some of their most acclaimed albums include “Houdini,” “Stoner Witch,” and “The Maggot.” The band has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Jello Biafra, Tool, and Big Business. Despite their experimental approach to music, the Melvins have maintained a dedicated fan base over the years, and their influence can still be heard in a wide range of contemporary heavy music.
In conclusion, the Melvins are one of the most influential and innovative bands in the history of heavy music. Their unique approach to songwriting and their willingness to experiment with different genres and styles have made them an enduring force in the underground music scene. While their music may not be for everyone, there is no denying the impact that the Melvins have had on the development of heavy music over the past three decades.
The Venue:
The Barbie Club. Kibbutz Galuyot Rd 52, Tel Aviv-Yafo.
With release of new album ‘Diversum’ progressive black metal band tour with European Neofolk band Rome to support
Norwegian avant-garde metal/progressive black metal In The Woods… are set to perform in Tel Aviv for the first time, on June 24, 2023 in the Haazor Club in Tel Aviv (Harechev 13). The opening band will be the Luxembourgish neofolk band Rome.
Norwegian band In the Woods released their sixth album, “Diversium” on November 25, 2022.
The band has been active since the early 1990s. The band’s music can be described as a blend of black metal, folk, and progressive rock. In their early years, In The Woods… was heavily influenced by the Norwegian black metal scene, but they evolved into a more experimental sound over time. The band’s music is characterized by complex song structures, atmospheric soundscapes, and haunting melodies.
In The Woods… released their debut album, “Heart of the Ages,” in 1995. The album received critical acclaim and is considered a classic in the black metal genre. However, the band’s sound began to evolve with their second album, “Omnio,” which was released in 1997. “Omnio” marked a shift towards a more atmospheric and experimental sound, incorporating elements of folk and progressive rock. The album was also notable for the addition of clean vocals, which became a key element of In The Woods…’s music.
Despite their critical success, In The Woods… faced numerous lineup changes and eventually disbanded in 2000, after releasing “Strange in Stereo.” However, the band reunited in 2014 and has since released two albums, “Pure” in 2016 and “Cease the Day” in 2018. These albums continue to showcase the band’s unique sound, blending black metal with elements of folk, progressive rock, and even jazz. In The Woods… remains an important and influential band in the Norwegian metal scene, and their music continues to captivate fans around the world.
Rome performing at the festival Mėnuo Juodaragis in 2013. (CC BY-SA, Laisverobotams/ Wikimedia Commons)
Rome is a neofolk band formed in Luxembourg in 2005 by Jerome Reuter. Reuter is the primary songwriter and vocalist for the band, which also includes a rotating cast of musicians. Rome’s music is often described as a blend of neofolk, post-punk, and martial industrial. The band’s lyrics often deal with historical and political themes, exploring topics such as war, revolution, and nationalism.
Rome’s debut album, “Nera,” was released in 2006 and received critical acclaim for its unique blend of neofolk and post-punk. The album was followed by a string of successful releases, including “Confessions d’un voleur d’ames” (2007), “Masse Mensch Material” (2008), and “Flowers from Exile” (2009). Rome’s music is characterized by Reuter’s baritone vocals, which are often accompanied by acoustic guitar, piano, and atmospheric soundscapes.
Over the years, Rome has established a loyal fanbase around the world, particularly in Europe and North America. The band has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including Death in June and Current 93. Rome’s music continues to explore complex themes and challenge listeners with its thoughtful and provocative lyrics. The band’s unique blend of neofolk, post-punk, and martial industrial has made them one of the most distinctive and innovative bands in the genre.
Raven Metal, founded by Yishai Schwartz, has been bringing international metal bands to Israel for years. Additionally, Raven Metal distributes records and CDs that are otherwise unavailable in Israel. Yishai is also the bass player for Israeli band Tomorrow’s Rain.
The Aristocrats, a progressive rock/fusion supergroup comprised of guitarist Guthrie Govan, bassist Bryan Beller, and drummer Marco Minnemann, will perform in Reading 3 in Tel Aviv on June 26.
This will be the band’s fifth trip to Israel, having played here previously in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2019. The promoter, RK Promotions, just announced that the two Laney cabinets Govan will use in the show will be available for purchase (at just under NIS 2,000) to be collected from Govan after the performance.
The Aristocrats’ music has been described as “impossible to categorize” because it incorporates so many different musical styles and influences. The band calls their unique genre “woozy prog-pop.” While their music may be challenging to play, The Aristocrats try to keep their songs melodic and accessible to listeners not familiar with progressive rock. They are known for balancing technical skill with musicality.
Govan has been called, “Rock’s scariest guitarist” by Rick Beato. He is known for his virtuosic guitar playing and has collaborated with a variety of artists, including Steven Wilson and Hans Zimmer. He has also worked with Asia, GPS, the Young Punx and the Fellowship.
Beller just got off tour with Joe Satriani on June 5th and almost immediately headed back out with the Aristocrats. He has also played with Steve Vai, Mike Keneally and Dethklok, among others.
Minnemann is a versatile drummer who has played with numerous artists, including Steven Wilson, Terry Bozzio, Adrian Belew, Joe Satriani, and The Mute Gods. A decade ago, he formed LMR, named for the initials of the members Tony Levin, Marco Minnemann and Jordan Rudess.
The Aristocrats perform “Ohhh Noooo”
The Aristocrats formed in 2011 and have released several albums, including “The Aristocrats” (2011), “Culture Clash” (2013), “Tres Caballeros” (2015), and “You Know What…?” (2019). Their music is characterized by complex rhythms, intricate melodies, and virtuosic instrumental performances. The band has been praised for its technical proficiency, humor, and improvisational skills.
Some of The Aristocrats’ most popular songs are:
Bad Asteroid – This is one of their signature songs, featuring odd time signatures, blistering solos, and a very catchy melody. It’s considered a classic among their fans.
Sweaty Knockers – A fun, upbeat track with a funky groove and witty title. It really showcases their musical chemistry and sense of humor.
The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde – A beautiful, melodic tune that demonstrates their ability to write softer, more emotive music in addition to their usual high-energy rock songs.
Boing!…I’m In The Back – One of their most playful and bizarre songs with strange noises, cartoonish sounds effects, and an overall zany vibe. The title gives you an idea of their quirky humor and anything-goes approach.
Blues F***ers – A bluesy hard rock track with attitude. As the title suggests, it’s one of their heavier and more aggressive songs with plenty of distortion and attitude. The contrast shows their range between lighthearted and abrasive. This is often played as an encore at live shows.
The Venue
Reading 3 is a concert venue that was established in 2002 in the Tel Aviv port area. The address is Hatarucha 3, North Port, Tel Aviv. There is usually parking available nearby.
Tickets for Bruno Mars’s first Israel concert, on October 4, 2023, sold out in under two hours. As a result, Live Nation announced a second concert, on Saturday, October 7. But that one also sold out — before the tickets officially went on sale.
Both concerts will be held in Tel Aviv’s Park Hayarkon, which holds over 60,000 people.
Bruno Mars is a singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on October 8, 1985, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and his birth name is Peter Gene Hernandez. Bruno Mars is of Filipino descent and was raised in a musical family. He began performing at a young age and quickly gained recognition for his talent.
Mars has released several successful albums over the course of his career, including “Doo-Wops & Hooligans,” “Unorthodox Jukebox,” and “24K Magic.” He has won multiple Grammy Awards for his music, which is known for its blend of pop, funk, R&B, and soul.
Some of Bruno Mars’ most popular songs include “Just the Way You Are,” “Grenade,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” “Uptown Funk,” and “That’s What I Like.” He has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including Mark Ronson, Cardi B, and Beyoncé.
In addition to his music career, Bruno Mars has also appeared in films and television shows, including “Honeymoon in Vegas,” “Rio 2,” and “Saturday Night Live.” He is considered one of the most successful and influential artists of his generation.
