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The Spirit has the honor of being the first international band to confirm an Israel concert since the Gaza war began on October 7, 2023. The German four-piece death metal band confirmed on their Facebook page that they will perform in the Gagarin Club on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Yishai Sweartz of Raven Metal and Gal Gur-Arie have worked miracles to bring an international metal concert to Israel, despite the emotional, physical and financial risks involved. 

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The Spirit formed in 2015 in Saarbrücken, Germany. They released their debut album “Sounds From the Vortex” on their own label Eternal Echoes. Word quickly spread of their chilling blend of black and death metal influences, drawing rave reviews from underground metal publications. Their haunting songs and live performances soon caught the attention of Nuclear Blast Records. Their 2020 album “Cosmic Terror” was well received but their touring plans were cut short by the COVID pandemic after only one month of shows. They were eager to get back on the road and conquer the world with their music.

Their third album “Of Clarity And Galactic Structures” pushed their progressive influences further. Lead singer and songwriter M.T. was more confident exploring these elements after challenging himself creatively. He took influence from classic progressive rock bands and discovered new artists in the genre through the pandemic. The band enjoyed experimenting with these progressive textures but ensured the songs still flowed well.

The band is currently working on their fourth album.

Opening for The Spirit will be Israeli band Srefa

Tickets cost NIS 179 and are available from Raven Metal

Israel is currently at war. There are very few flights into and out of Israel. Large gatherings are restricted in certain areas. As far as I know, there are no international (or even local) bands performing in Israel at the moment.

One of reggae’s founders, 78-year old to play Tel Aviv for first time in 30 years

Burning Spear is returning to perform in Israel for the first time in 30 years. The 78-year-old reggae and dub artist from Jamaica only returned to touring last year, after a 20 year hiatus. He will perform in the Barby Club in Tel Aviv on August 14, 2023.

Burning Spear, born Winston Rodney, is considered one of the founders of roots reggae. He began recording music in 1969 and gained initial fame in the 1970s with albums like “Marcus Garvey,” “Man in the Hills,” and “Social Living.” His deep, commanding voice combined with politically and socially conscious lyrics made him a reggae icon and favorite of Bob Marley. Burning Spear addressed themes of African heritage, militant black pride, and Rastafarian religious beliefs in his music. Hits like “Marcus Garvey” and “Slavery Days” captured the hearts of reggae fans and helped spread Burning Spear’s message.

In the 1980s and beyond, Burning Spear continued recording and touring regularly, releasing over 40 studio and live albums to date. His musical style has evolved over time to incorporate elements of dub, rocksteady, and dancehall but with Burning Spear’s signature socially conscious lyrics and rich rhythms. His commitment to speaking truth to power through music has remained constant.

Burning Spear is considered something of a godfather of reggae music, and his influence can be heard in younger artists who cite him as an inspiration. His seminal early albums and classics like “Marcus Garvey” have attained near religious status among reggae and dub fans. Burning Spear’s important legacy helped spur the global rise of reggae music.

Burning Spear adopted his stage name after a dream he had of Marcus Garvey (a Jamaican political figure) handing him a burning spear.

His 1974 album “Marcus Garvey” is considered one of the greatest reggae albums of all time. Artists like Bob Marley, Stephen Marley, and Damian Marley have cited Burning Spear as an influence and have collaborated with him on tracks.

Burning Spear has been honored with many reggae music awards over the years including several Grammy nominations, Jamaica’s Order of Distinction, and the UNESCO Music Prize.

Burning Spear will perform at the Barby Club on August 14, 2023. Tickets for Burning Spear are available from the Barby Club website.

Barby Club

The Barby Club is one of Israel’s top venues for international and local performers. It is located on 52 Derech Kibbutz Galuyot, in Tel Aviv. It is mostly standing room, though there is a small elevated area with seating.

It is very near the football stadium, so on days with big matches parking can be difficult.