Melvins to play two nights in Tel Aviv

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.

The Promoter:

ZUZZ Agency

Norwegian band In the Woods… to play Tel Aviv on June 24

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
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.


About the venue:

Haazor (The Zone) is a live music venue situated at Harechev 13, 67771 Tel Aviv.

About the promoter:

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.

Icelandic band Kaleo to play Raanana on June 22

Kaleo to perform in Israel for first time as part of their ‘10 Years of Unforgettable Music’ tour

The Icelandic band Kaleo will play Raanana Amphipark on June 22, 2023. Tickets are available from Eventim starting at NIS 294. This is the band’s first visit to Israel, as part of their “10 Years of Unforgettable Music” tour.

Icelandic Sensation: Kaleo’s Meteoric Rise

Hailing from the land of fire and ice, Icelandic rock band Kaleo has taken the international music scene by storm. Formed in 2012, the quartet features Jökull Júlíusson on vocals, Þorleifur Gaukur Davíðsson on guitar, Rubin Pollock on bass, and Davíð Antonsson on drums. With a unique blend of folk, blues, and rock influences, Kaleo has managed to captivate audiences across the globe through their soul-stirring melodies and powerful performances.

A/B: The Turning Point

Kaleo’s breakthrough came in 2016 with their debut international album, “A/B”. Featuring the hit singles “Way Down We Go” and “All the Pretty Girls,” the album quickly gained traction and catapulted the band into the spotlight. “A/B” showcased Kaleo’s musical versatility, with tracks ranging from haunting ballads to bluesy rock anthems. The album’s success led to numerous accolades, including an Icelandic Music Award for Best Album and a US Billboard Chart appearance.

Kaleo’s Impact on the Global Stage

Since their international debut, Kaleo has continued to make waves in the music industry. They’ve performed on the stages of renowned festivals such as Bonnaroo, Coachella, and Lollapalooza, and have also been featured on popular TV shows and movie soundtracks. The band’s distinctive sound and evocative lyrics have resonated with listeners and critics alike, earning them a dedicated fanbase and a growing list of achievements.

Aristocrats to play Tel Aviv on June 26

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.

See a list of other upcoming concerts in Israel

Bruno Mars sells out second Tel Aviv Gig

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.

Letz Zep, Led Zeppelin tribute act, to perform in Tel Aviv

Letz Zep is recognized as the top Led Zeppelin tribute band in the world. Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant attended one of their gigs in London and told Q Magazine, “I walked in, I saw me” and that “it’s like watching myself on stage.”
The band covers the entire Led Zeppelin back catalog, including such classics as “Kashmir,” “Whole Lotta Love” and of course “Stairway to Heaven.”
Ticketmaster described the band as “The Most Popular” and “The Most Highly Rated” Led Zeppelin tribute band around.


Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page invited the members of Letz Zep to the official launches of the “Mothership” CD and “The Song Remains the Same” DVD.
Kerrang! Magazine described Letz Zep as “Better than a Led Zeppelin reunion.” The band received the “Best Tribute Band” award at the National Tribute Music Awards. They were featured in numerous magazines and television shows, including BBC’s “The Culture Show” and “Classic Rock.”
Letz Zep is Billy Kulke on vocals, Andy Gray on guitar, Jack Lonergan on bass and keyboards and Pete Tulloch on drums.
The band is to perform in Tel Aviv’s Barby club on February 28, 2023. Tickets cost NIS2199 and are available from Raven Music.

Dream Theater: Top of the World Tour 2023

A few months ago, Dream Theater played to 100,000 fans at Rock in Rio. On Saturday night in Tel Aviv they played to fewer than a tenth of that number. But what the fans lacked in quantity they more than made up for in quality. People were wearing t-shirts running the gamut of Dream Theater’s previous four trips to Israel.

When vocalist James LaBrie addressed the crowd, it felt almost like a family reunion. “It is so nice to be back,” he said. “How long has it been? Four years? But now we’re back together. It is so nice to be back together.”

The unspoken message throughout the evening was that we’re all back together, and Dream Theater has a new album, despite COVID-19 (or perhaps because of the pandemic). A year ago, it would have been unthinkable to have thousands of people crammed together into Hangar 11 for a concert. And without the pandemic, Dream Theater would have continued touring their previous album, and would not have written and recorded “A View from the Top of the World.”

The concert kicked off with the band’s Emmy-winning song, “The Alien.” The song as a 17/8 time signature, and guitarist John Petrucci said in his award acceptance speech that it was impossible to dance to, but that did not deter a few young men standing behind me from stomping around (and crashing into quite a few others around them). An almost 10-minute song is an ambitious way to start a show, but that is what this crowd was here for.

Each song was accompanied by an epic video presentation, shown on the giant screen behind the band. This gave the impression that they were playing on alien landscapes, or above a hot air balloon, or in the depths of the sea.

The band launched immediately into “Six O’Clock” accompanied to a backdrop of clocks — most, but not all, going clockwise. Then came the live debut of “Sleeping Giant” off the new album, followed by “Bridges in the Sky.”

They played “Caught in a Web for the first time since 2015, accompanied by images of crawling spiders and webs (not ideal for anyone in the audience suffering from arachnophobia).

They performed four of the seven songs off the new album, including “Answering the Call,” followed by “Solitary Shell,” which they haven’t played live since 2010. Digging even deeper into their back catalog, they brought out two songs that haven’t been on stage since 2006, “About to Crash” and “Losing Time/Grand Finale.”

Finally, they got to a song that everyone knew and could sing along with — “Pull Me Under.” The lyrics seemed very poignant for a band and audience recovering from the trauma of lockdowns:

This world is spinning around me
This world is spinning without me and
Every day sends future to past
Every breath leaves me one less to my last

Pull me under
Pull me under
Pull me under, I’m not afraid
All that I feel is honor and spite
All I can do is to set it right

As LaBrie said, “Music is magic because it brings everyone together.”

Finally, they ended the set with the epic, 20-minute “A View From the Top of the World” — the final song on the new album.

After leaving the stage, they then came back for a 20-minute encore with “The Count of Tuscany.”

Almost two and a half hours of show, 12 songs, great show.

Nick Johnston in Tel Aviv

Nick Johnston, the Canadian guitar master, gave a masterclass in Tel Aviv on Friday afternoon.

The even was sponsored by Wild Guitars and it was a packed full house.

Johnston came on, asked everyone to first cheer and then boo him which he recorded for a mini-documentary he is making. He asked what we think of his mustache. The answer was not the resounding positivity perhaps he had been hoping for.

He played a couple of songs on a red signature Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS (basically a Strat shape but with a humbucker in the bridge position).

Then he answered questions. He even offered a sweaty, used pick to the person who asked the first question.

Nick Johnston performing “Remarkably Human in Tel Aviv”

We learned about his biggest inspiration — the boy who moved in to the house next door when Johnston was 13 and the neighbor was 14. We learned about the order he creates album titles, song titles and album art (in that order).

The question answer of the day was to the question, “Can I jam with you?” (“No!”).

The longest answer was about chromatics. The tl:dr version is that it is either all about intervals or just chucking in some extra notes to fill up the space between notes.

Who does Johnston consider is the best chromatic guitar player in the world? Brett Garsed (an Australian guitarist I had never heard of before).

What does Johnston like best about Israel? He thinks we have the best beach in the world.

Nick Johnston in Tel Aviv, 2022

Nick grew up on all the Shrapnel bands I heard back in the 80s, but he was listening to them in the 90s (because he is only 35). This allowed him to develop his “orchestral” style with beautiful sonic lines interspersed with lightning fast runs.

How does he compose music? It all starts at the piano. He locks the guitar up in a cage until the melodic outline of the song is composed. Because if he would compose on the guitar, it would be all shred and no music.

Why did he stop using the whammy bar a few years ago? Because he became too reliant on it (also because he beat up his hands on it a lot). Why did he start using it again recently? Because it is so much fun. Also, the Schechter non-locking tremolo that stays in tune is just amazing.

How does he do the legato runs but make them sound so percussive? Partly because he is left-handed. Partly because he practiced eight hours a day for 20 years. Also, by resting the fleshy part of his right hand lightly on the strings.

It was a great afternoon of music and conversation from Nick Johnston. And the main comment I heard afterwards was, “He is such a nice guy.”

If you ever get the chance to join him in a master class you totally should.

Follow Nick Johnston on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/nickjohnstonguitar

Follow Nick Johnston on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickJohnstonOfficial

Follow Nick Johnston on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickjohnstonmusic/

Follow Nick Johnston on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickjmusic

LP to play Israel on July 27

LP (born Laura Pergolizz) will perform at the Ra’anana Amphitheatre on Wednesday July 27th. The artist, best known for the platinum album, “Lost on You,” has had to postpone their concert twice before — once due to covid and the other due to technical issues. Hopefully, the third time’s the charm (or as the translation in this LP video about the Israel gig says, “Third time, ice cream.”

Since the last scheduled (but postponed) concert in Israel, LP has released a sixth studio album, entitled “Churches.”

LP performed once before in Israel, in 2017 at the Barby Club in Tel Aviv. Since then, their career has blossomed and they have become known around the world.

In addition their own hits such as “Lost on You” and “Other People,” LP has written songs for Cher, Rihanna, the Backstreet Boys, Leona Lewis, Mylène Farmer, Céline Dion, Christina Aguilera and many others.

Tickets from kupat.co.il starting at NIS 299 (with discounts for certain credit card holders). All tickets bought for the postponed shows will be honored.

Foreigner to play Israel in September

The band Foreigner will perform at the Raanana Park Amphitheater in Israel on September 29th, 2022. Discount tickets are currently on sale through Max credit cards and American Express with prices starting at NIS 174.

Foreigner is best known for their string of 1970s and 1980s hits, including “I want to know what love is,” “Feels like the first time,” “I don’t want to leave without you,” “Urgent,” “Hotblooded” and “Cold as ice.”

Formed in New York in 1976 by British guitarists Mick Jones, and Ian McDonald (formerly of King Crimson) along with three Americans — vocalist Lou Gramm, Al Greenwood and Ed Gagliardi. Jones came up with the name Foreigner because he and McDonald were from the UK. They had immediate success with their top four albums certified as at least 5x platinum in the US. Foreigner is one of the best-selling bands of all time, having sold more than 80 million albums worldwide.

Mick Jones is the only original member of the band still touring. He will be joined in Israel by Kelly Hansen (vocals), Jeff Pilson (guitar), Michael Bluestein (keyboards), Bruce Watson (guitar), Chris Frazier (drums) and Luis Maldonado (guitar).

The last time the band performed in Israel, in 2018, Mick Jones was unable to play due to illness.